SERUM CHOLINESTERASE VALUES IN CHILDHOOD IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

[摘要] The Ravin-Tsou-Seligman colorimetric method of determination of serum cholinesterase has been applied in a survey of over 1,000 patients with a wide variety of disease states in a children's hospital. The method is simple, reliable and specific for serum cholinesterase and can be used as a micro method.The average value for healthy children and adult males is 45.1 units, with a range of 33 to 58. There is no variation with age or sex in childhood. The values are depressed during the neonatal period in full term and premature babies. In adolescent females the values are significantly lower than in males.The limited diagnostic significance of single abnormal values, whether high or low, is emphasized. However, extremely high levels suggest the diagnosis of the nephrotic syndrome. Serial determinations may afford a very sensitive index of the course of some diseases. This is especially true in liver disease, malignancy, nephrosis and malnutrition.

[学科分类] 儿科学