Hypotension Associated with Nutritive Failure. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

Following the administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate to persons with nutritive failure and hypotension, there was a prompt increase in blood pressure readings and in body weight (the increase in body weight is associated with retention of sodium in the tissues and this problem is being studied further). When the administration of this substance was discontinued, the blood pressure readings promptly returned to normal. During the first week after the administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate was begun, one patient stated that she had great symptomatic improvement; one complained of severe headaches, and she developed a “moon-faced” appearance which gradually disappeared when the injections were discontinued; the third patient noticed only swelling of the ankles. While our findings are of general interest, we do not recommend the use of desoxycorticosterone acetate as a therapeutic agent for hypertension.