>I would like some opinions as to the relative merits of offering an assay
>for urine aldosterone IN ADDITION TO serum aldosterone.
>
>My preference is just to perform the serum assay but resistance from one of
>the endocrinologists is making it difficult.
>
>Does anyone know of some good literature (evidence-based medicine!) sources
>to make a case for either assay or both together? Any "Unpublished
>Observations" or advice?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Robert Baynton, PhD
>Head - Clinical Biochemistry Section
>Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
>King Faisal Specialist Hospital
>Riyadh K.S.A.
>
I forwarded your message to my old friend and colleague, Prof Jim Tait
(discoverer of aldosterone). He sent the following comment:
__________________________________________________________________ The
qustion of urinary v blood aldosterone measurement is an ancient one. The
urinary value is more integrated but blood value more physiologically
meaningful at a particular time. There are two urinary metabolites,
tetrahydroaldosterone slowly excreted; usually in 12 hours) and the 18
glucuronide (more rapidly excreted; usually in 6 hours with normal renal
function). Measurement of plasma aldosterone is not easy even with kits.
Would advise additional measurement of 18 glucoronide but beware liver
disease and pregnancy when there can be preferential excretion of a
metabolite.
__________________________________________________________________
Roger Ekins
Molecular Endocrinology
UCL Medical School
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