[Salicylate poisoning. Determination of the free fraction using the ultrafiltration method]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Salicylate poisoning is a significant concern in infants.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
• Existing diagnostic methods may have limitations in pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of plasma salicylate free fraction determination in diagnosing salicylate poisoning in infants.
• To explore the relationship between plasma salicylate levels, pH, and cerebrospinal fluid salicylate concentrations.
• To establish an accessible diagnostic marker for infant salicylate poisoning.

Main Methods:

• Study included 17 infants under one year of age diagnosed with salicylate poisoning.
• Plasma salicylate levels were determined using the ultrafiltrate method.
• Correlations between total plasma salicylate, free salicylate fraction, plasma pH, and spinal fluid salicylate were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A direct relationship was observed between total plasma salicylate and its free fraction.
• An inverse proportion was found between the percentage of free salicylate and plasma pH.
• A linear correlation existed between plasma free salicylate and salicylate levels in spinal fluid.

Conclusions:

• Determination of the free fraction of plasma salicylate is a simple and effective diagnostic method.
• This method allows for better evaluation of salicylate poisoning in infants.
• The free fraction serves as a reliable indicator, correlating with salicylate levels in the central nervous system.