Plasma Renin Activity in Acute Renal Insufficiency

Plasma renin activity (p.r.a.) was studied in 37 patients with acute renal insufficiency and in 20 healthy subjects. Significant increase of the p.r.a. in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure could be established. The p.r.a. decreased in the diuretic phase of this syndrome. No straight correlation between elevated p.r.a. on the one hand and the degree of hypertension and plasma sodium and potassium on the other hand could be found. The possible role of renin in the development of acute renal insufficiency is discussed and the importance of p.r.a. estimations in the differentiation of acute renal failure from exacerbated chronic renal disease is underlined.