To clarify the rise in plasma creatinine concentration previously observed during prednisone treatment, we studied changes in renal function in Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients before and after 2 weeks of either prednisone 60 mg/day or retrobulbar radiotherapy (controls). Compared to retrobulbar radiotherapy, prednisone treatment was associated with an increase in: (a) plasma creatinine concentration (from 68 ± 4 to 76 ± 4 μmol/l), (b) glomerular filtration rate (GFR, from 93 ± 4 to 102 ± 5 ml/min/1.73 m2), and (c) urinary creatinine excretion rate (from 510 ± 40 to 570 ± 40 μmol/h). We conclude that GFR rises during 2 weeks of high-dose prednisone administration, a rise that is not reflected by a decrease in plasma creatinine concentration. On the contrary, both plasma creatinine concentration and urinary creatinine excretion increase, probably as a result of the catabolic effect of prednisone. As established by the present study, prednisone 60 mg/day is associated with protein wasting, also after 14 days of treatment.

Keywords:
Glucocorticoids, Creatinine, Glomerular filtration rate, Effective renal plasma flow
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1993 S. Karger AG, Basel
1993
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.