title: Haem derivatives in subdural haematomas.
abstract: The oxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin and bilirubin concentrations were determined in subdural haematomas and cerebrospinal fluid from 18 patients. The total haem derivative concentration ranged from 55 mumol/l to 13.9 mmol/l in the haematomas and from 0.1 mumol/l to 8.2 mumol/l in the cerebrospinal fluid. Bilirubin was the dominating fraction in haematomas with haem derivative concentrations lower than 1 mmol/l. For haematomas exceeding this value, the bilirubin transforming capacity seemed to have reached a maximum. More of the oxyhaemoglobin was oxidized to methaemoglobin in these cases, a reaction known to release superoxide radicals. The possible pathophysiological significance hereof, e.g. in cerebral vasospasm, is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Wahlgren
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lindquist
mesh_terms: D001663:Bilirubin / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006801:Humans; D008706:Methemoglobin / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010108:Oxyhemoglobins; D008706:Methemoglobin; D001663:Bilirubin