[Effects of furosemide on renal functions in prematures (author's transl)].

Renal effects of Furosemide were examined during the first 2-4 days of life in preterm infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. Administration of the drug was followed by a sevenfold increase of diuresis. This latter was a result of both a rise in sodium excretion and glomerular filtration. The possible mechanism of Furosemide induced alteration in the glomerular filtration is discussed. Furosemide also altered the hydrogen-ion excretion: both the urinary bicarbonate, the titratable acidity and the ammonium excretion increased. There was a significant rise in the net acid excretion and hydrogen clearance too. It has been found that besides its diuretic effect Furosemide might play a role in the renal hydrogen elimination.