Abstract
The suggestion that the low Somatomedin A (SM-A) found in uremic children is due to the presence of a serum inhibitor to the bloassay was investigated using the human placenta radio-receptor assay. Twenty three children with chronic renal failure were divided into 3 groups based on the degree of renal failure.
In the children in group II, there was no correlation between SM-A and GFR, BUN, creatinine, chronological age, bone age, or serum lipids. A correlation was found to growth expressed as a percentage of expected growth (r=0.30). A negative correlation was found to transferrin levels (p < 0.01). Six patients ingesting calories < 80% recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for height age had SM-A levels of 3.03 ± .68 U/ml. Nine patients ingesting > 80% RDA had values of 4.59 ± .81 U/ml (p < 0.05). In 3 patients paired SM-A levels rose with caloric supplementations from 3.22 U/ml to 5.1 U/ml (p<0.05). These findings demonstrate that: 1) SM-A levels are elevated in uremic children, 2) these levels correlate with growth, 3) nutritional status influences SM-A levels, 4) there may be an inhibitor in the serum of uremic children thai interferes with bioassay.
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Arnold, W., Spencer, E., Uthne, K. et al. RADIORECEPTOR ASSAY FOR SOMATOMEDIN-A IN UREMIC CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 11, 546 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01058
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01058