The Effect of Furosemide on the Function of Normal and Diseased Kidneys in Patients With Unilateral Pyelonephritis

Abstract

Abstract. In nine patients with unilateral pyelonephritis the renal function has been measured by the split function technique before and after the i.v. injection of furosemide. Before the injection the excretion fraction of sodium and chloride as well as the diuresis, the osmotic clearance and the free water clearance per unit of glomerular filtrate were greatest, and the urinary concentration of inulin was least, in the pyelonephritic kidneys. After the injection of furosemide these differences were no longer significant. When related to the osmotic clearance, the free water clearance was reduced in all kidneys after the injection. The findings are compatible with the presence of a functioning loop of Henle in most nephrons of the pyelonephritic kidneys.