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[Reference values of urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid in children]
Insights
This study establishes normal urinary delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-U) excretion levels in children. These findings aid in diagnosing conditions like porphyria and monitoring lead exposure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
Context:
- Delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-U) is a key intermediate in heme synthesis.
- Elevated ALA-U levels are indicative of porphyria and lead poisoning.
- Establishing normal pediatric reference ranges is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To determine the normal range of urinary delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-U) excretion in children.
- To analyze ALA-U levels based on age and sex in a pediatric cohort.
- To provide reference data for clinical screening and monitoring.
Summary:
- Collected urine samples from 670 children (ages <1 to 15 years) with no abnormal lead exposure.
- Measured urinary delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-U) levels (mg/l) across different age and sex groups.
- Established normative data for ALA-U excretion in a healthy pediatric population.
Impact:
- Provides essential reference values for pediatric clinical chemistry.
- Supports the screening of anemias and monitoring of lead exposure in children.
- Enhances diagnostic accuracy for conditions associated with ALA-U dysregulation.
Abstract:
Delta-aminolaevulinic acid is well known to be an intermediate in the synthesis of haeme and small amounts are normally excreted in urine (ALA-U). An increased excretion of this substance occurs in porphyria and in lead poisoning. The urine specimens of 670 children (362 boys and 308 girls), aging from less than one to fifteen years and who had no evidence of abnormal exposure to lead, have been collected in order to find out the range of normal values of ALA-U expressed in mg/l for the different age and sex group. Our data can be usefull, together with zincprotoporphyrin (ZPP), for screening of anemias and for monitoring lead exposure.