Effect of aspirin on renal and hepatic function in children suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever.

Seven children suffering from JRA, eight cases of rheumatic arthritis and nine rheumatic carditis patients were given 100 mg/kg/24 h aspirin for three weeks. In JRA patients creatinine clearance reduced from pretreatment value of 63.2±9.2 (SE) to 38.8±5.25 (SE)/ml/min/1.73 sqm (p<.01). In rheumatic fever patients the corresponding values were 80.9±6.1 (SE) pretreatment and 69.2±5.8 (SE)/ml/min/1.73 sqm. post-treatment. On discontinuing aspirin, creatinine clearance returned to near normal after 4 weeks. Three patients showed a reversible increase in SGPT values. A negative correlation was observed in hemoglobin value and steady state salicylate level. It was concluded that, possibility of reduction in glomerular filteration rate after aspirin treatment in JRA and rheumatic fever patients should be borne in mind particularly in children with an already compromised renal function.