Plasma elastase levels in the elderly

Plasma elastase levels were estimated in 190 patients of both sexes above the age of 65 with the exception of one male subject with prostatic carcinoma who was 51 years of age. There was no significant rise of fall in the elastase levels in subjects above the age of 65, nor was there any difference between the sexes. Higher values compared with the rest of the population were obtained in those subjects with arterial disease and/or cardiac disease. Subjects with cerebrovascular disease had higher values than those with cardiovascular disease. Very low values were obtained in patients suffering from malignant disease, especially carcinoma of the prostate.