Maroni BJ, Staffeld C, Tom K, Young VR
Can nephrotic patients achieve nitrogen balance on a low-
protein diet?
Am Soc Nephrol
J Am Soc Nephrol (abstract)
(Sep) 7:1322 1996
Nitrogen balance and whole body protein turnover was measured in five
nephrotic patients and five
control subjects who consumed a diet which provided 0.8 to 1.6 g protein per
day under supervised
conditions in a General Clinical Research center (GCRC).
Nitrogen balance was positive in both nephrotic patients and control subjects
regardless of the diet
consumed. Rates of whole body protein synthesis and protein degradation did
not differ between
nephrotic and control subjects. Protein anabolism was secondary to a post-
prandial stimulation of
protein synthesis and inhibition of protein degradation. The major
compensatory response to dietary
protein restriction was a decrease in essential amino acid oxidation and this
response was seen in
both patients and controls.
Comment: The conclusions of this study are, that both nephrotic
patients and controls achieve
nitrogen balance by similar mechanisms. Inadequate protein intake, rather
than increased
catabolism, is responsible for wasting in nephrotic patients.
(Michael V. Rocco, M.D., Bowman Gray School of Medicine)
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Am Soc Nephrol
Nephrotic Syndrome :
Treatment (CEI, indomethacin, lipid drugs)