The amino acids of the blood in patients with peritonitis: the significance of Fisher's index
Zhadkevich, M.M.; Baratova, L.A.; Matveev, D.V.
Laboratornoe Delo 2: 29-32
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6748 PMID: 2467054 Document Number: 339163
Blood plasma amino acid levels in 10 patients with peritonitis are analyzed. Nonsurvivors, in contrast to survivors, had severe amino acid derangements. Aminoacidemia and amino acid imbalance were registered early in the course of the illness. Increased concentrations of aromatic amino acids: phenylalanine and tyrosine, and low concentrations of branched-chain amino acids: valine, leucine, and isoleucine were associated with a decrease of Fisher's index (BCAA/AAA molar ratio) from 3.0 +/- 0.5 (normal) to 2.0 +/- 0.5 which was of high diagnostic and prognostic significance. The nature of such imbalance and its role in protein derangements are discussed.