An Explanation for and Experimental Correction of the Abnormal Water Diuresis in Cirrhosis *

It is well established that certain patients with hepatic cirrhosis show impaired water diuresis fol- lowing water loads (1). With this limitation in free water excretion, hyponatremia may develop on average water intakes. It has been asserted and denied that antidiuretic hormone (ADH), secreted in excess or inadequately inactivated, is responsi- ble for the water retention (2, 3). In this study the role of antidiuretic hormone in cirrhosis is re- examined. The results do not support the concept that it plays the primary role in the retention of water.