Phenylalanine: total amino acid ratio in 45 burn patients.
In 45 burn patients serum amino acids together with liver enzymes and other serum parameters were determined. Phe levels, Phe:Tyr and Phe:TAA ratios were correlated with the clinical course of the patient's condition. Based on empirical data, an increase in the Phe:TAA ratio of over 3% was found to be the best indicator of a critical period in the clinical course. An increase in the Phe:TAA ratio above 3% accompanied the signs of sepsis. If the patient recovered, the ratio decreased. Ratios which kept constant or even increased--indicating a possible fatal clinical outcome--were found to be alarming. In our experience Phe levels or Phe:Tyr ratios did not have indicative functions.
1st Surgical University Clinic, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Metabolic Research Laboratory, Vienna, Austria.
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Rath
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Roth
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Keidl
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Meissl
D000328:Adult; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000097:blood*; D002056:Burns / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000097:blood*; D014439:Tyramine / Q000097:blood
D000596:Amino Acids; D010649:Phenylalanine; D014439:Tyramine