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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Kinetic Screening of Nuclease Activity using Nucleic Acid Probes
Published on: November 1, 2019
The excretion of alkaline ribonuclease by children undergoing surgery
Insights
Alkaline ribonuclease excretion increased in children after major heart or intestinal surgery. This elevation suggests potential pancreatic function disturbances in pediatric patients post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Surgery
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Assessing post-operative physiological changes is crucial in pediatric care.
- Alkaline ribonuclease (RNase) is an enzyme with potential roles in cellular processes.
Observation:
- Urine samples were collected from pediatric patients undergoing major surgical procedures.
- Alkaline ribonuclease excretion levels were measured in these samples.
Findings:
- Significantly increased alkaline ribonuclease excretion was observed in children post-open heart surgery.
- Elevated levels were also noted in many infants operated on for intestinal anomalies shortly after birth.
Implications:
- The observed elevations in urinary alkaline ribonuclease may serve as a biomarker for post-surgical stress.
- These findings suggest a potential disturbance in pancreatic function following major pediatric operations, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
The excretion of alkaline ribonuclease has been measured in the urine of two groups of children after major operations. The excretion was significantly increased in all patients after open operations on the heart and in many of those who were operated on soon after birth for anomalies in the intestine. It is suggested that these elevations may indicate a disturbance of pancreatic function.
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