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Published on: September 21, 2014
Plasma amino acid patterns in respiratory encephalopathy
Intensive Care Medicine
|March 1, 1982
Summary
In patients with chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory insufficiency, altered amino acid levels normalized as encephalopathy signs resolved. This suggests liver dysfunction plays a role in respiratory failure
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- Chronic bronchitis can lead to acute respiratory insufficiency.
- Respiratory failure can cause encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction.
- Altered amino acid profiles are observed in liver disease and encephalopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum amino acid levels in patients with chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory insufficiency.
- To determine if amino acid profile changes correlate with encephalopathy in this patient group.
- To explore the potential role of the liver in these metabolic alterations.
Main Methods:
- Serum amino acid concentrations were measured in 23 patients.
- Measurements were taken during acute respiratory insufficiency and after encephalopathy regression.
- The ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Patients initially had a significantly lower ratio of branched-chain to aromatic amino acids.
- This ratio normalized as encephalopathy signs resolved.
- The observed amino acid modifications resembled those in hepatic encephalopathy.
Conclusions:
- Serum amino acid imbalances in chronic bronchitis patients with respiratory failure are linked to encephalopathy.
- The liver may play a significant role in the metabolic disturbances observed.
- Further research is warranted to understand the liver's contribution to respiratory failure complications.
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