A.C.T.H. in nephrosis.

During the past two years 16 cases of nephrosis have been treated with cortisone and/or A.C.T.H. (adrenocorticotrophin) at this hospital. The results of cortisone treatment have been reported previously (Arneil and Wilson, 1952) and corresponding findings for A.C.T.H. are now given and the value of the two hormones compared. The criteria used when including a patient in this investigation and the methods of study have been described in the previous paper. A.C.T.H. was given for a period of 12 days, the daily dose varying from 40 to 80 mg. intramuscularly with 2 to 3 g. of potassium chloride orally. The effect of such treatment on the oedema, albuminuria, serum proteins, plasma cholesterol levels and other biochemical tests are discussed below. Nine patients were treated with A.C.T.H. and were given 15 courses in all; second and third courses are designated (2) and (3) throughout the text. Effects of A.C.T.H. on Oedema