Abstract
In the course of studies on the calcium and phosphorus metabolism of children suffering from various disorders, it was observed that the level of plasma phosphatase tended to be lower than normal in patients with pseudo-hypertrophic progressive muscular dystrophy and in those with poliomyelitis with extensive paralyses. Kay 1 has reported a marked increase in the concentration of this enzyme in cases of Osteitis deformans and in certain other diseases of bone. These variations suggested to us the desirability of determining whether or not the level of phosphatase in the blood can be altered by any simple means. We have, therefore, determined the phosphatase and at the same time the inorganic phosphorus, calcium and glucose of the blood after the administration of water, of glucose and of calcium glycerophosphate in children with minor ailments or with various chronic disorders.
Following 400 cc. of drinking water alone no significant alterations in the blood values were found. The usual changes in blood sugar and phosphorus resulted from administration of 50 gm. of glucose in 400 cc. of water. A slight rise in the level of serum calcium was observed at the end of 6 hours. Although there were transient variations in the phosphatase in all of the cases receiving glucose, the only significant alterations were found in one case of progressive muscular dystrophy and in one of extensive muscular paralysis from poliomyelitis. In both of these the initial values, which were subnormal, had nearly doubled at the end of 6 hours.
The total number of cases in which complete studies of the effect of glucose, of calcium glycerophosphate or of water alone were made was 15 children.
The most striking results obtained were those following the administration of 20 gm. of calcium glycerophosphate in 400 cc. of water.
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