STUDIES IN SERUM ELECTROLYTES. XII. THE EFFECT OF WATER RESTRICTION IN A PATIENT WITH ADDISON'S DISEASE RECEIVING SODIUM CHLORIDE 1

Abstract

In a patient whose condition for several mos. had been adequately controlled by a high intake of NaCl and by the ingestion of fluids as desired, restriction of water produced a diminished ability to concentrate Na and Cl in the urine, with significant elevation in the blood serum; since serum vol. was reduced, the total Na and Cl were actually reduced. Under similar conditions a normal individual excreted 60% more Na and Cl than the patient and there was no retention. Simple restriction of water thus produced symptoms of severe adrenal insufficiency, and resumption of a normal intake of water by the patient resulted in a return to her normal state of health.