Macroenzyme investigation and monitoring in children with persistent increase of aspartate aminotransferase of unexplained origin.
Ten children with asymptomatic persistent cryptogenic increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were screened for detection and monitoring of AST macroenzyme (macroAST). MacroAST was found in 4 patients; their serum AST levels were significantly higher than in those without biochemical evidence of macroAST (mean +/- SD: 515 +/- 433 and 78 +/- 16 IU/L, respectively; P = .0095). MacroAST was a persistent, benign phenomenon and was probably not congenital.
Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
G
G
Fortunato
R
R
Iorio
P
P
Esposito
M M
MM
Lofrano
A
A
Vegnente
P
P
Vajro
D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004586:Electrophoresis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases