Abstract
The normal range for whole blood serotonin levels in chronic renal failure patients has not been defined. As serotonin may be implicated in platelet abnormalities, hypo- and hypertension and itch in dialysis patients, serotonin whole blood levels were measured in a group of patients with chronic renal failure and/or who were dialysis dependent. The levels were elevated in 12 patients with moderate (mean serum creatinine 335 ± 54 umol/1) chronic renal failure (270 ± 46 µg/1) compared to 11 normals (163 ± 17 µg/1. p < 0.05; quoted normal range < 300 u.g/1) but did not correlate with serum creatinine levels. There was a marked elevation in serotonin levels in dialyzed patients, including those on hemodialysis (polysulfone, n = 6, 747 ± 234 µg/1: cuprophane membranes, n = 6, 708 ± 198 µg/1). hemodiafiltration (n = 12. 695 ± 130 µg/1) and especially peritoneal dialysis (n = 6. 1,148 ± 162 µg/1). All results were significant (p < 0.01) compared to normals and compared to the nondialyzed group (p < 0.05). The level of serotonin decreased during hemodialysis regardless of the membrane used. There was no positive correlation of serotonin levels with pruritus or hypertension, although there was a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure. The reference range for serotonin whole blood levels needs to be broadened when considering dialyzed patients.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 14-18 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | American Journal of Nephrology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Chronic renal failure
- Dialysis
- Serotonin