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A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis
Published on: January 27, 2019
Short report: Hyperammonaemia in critically ill septic infants
P McEwan1, D Simpson, J M Kirk
1Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 23, 2001
Summary
Infants with severe infections like subphrenic abscess can develop dangerously high ammonia levels due to urea-splitting organisms. Despite intensive care, these severe cases resulted in fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Severe pediatric infections can lead to complex metabolic derangements.
- Urea-splitting organisms are known pathogens in certain infections.
- Hyperammonemia is a critical condition requiring prompt management.
Observation:
- Three infants presented with distinct severe conditions: subphrenic abscess, pyonephrosis, and obstructive ureterocoele.
- All three infants exhibited markedly elevated plasma ammonia concentrations.
Findings:
- The elevated plasma ammonia was attributed to infections caused by urea-splitting organisms.
- Despite intensive care and ammonia-reducing therapies, all infants succumbed to their conditions.
Implications:
- This highlights a critical, potentially fatal complication of specific severe pediatric infections.
- It underscores the challenges in managing hyperammonemia in critically ill infants.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies for infection-associated hyperammonemia in neonates is warranted.
