[The interrelationship of changes in carbohydrate-energy metabolism and potassium homeostasis in children with...

The parameters of potassium homeostasis (potassium concentration in the plasma, red cells, and urine and potassium to sodium ratio in the urine) and of carbohydrate-energy metabolism (CEM) assessed from the activities of the key enzymes of glycolysis and pentose phosphate route of glucose oxidation were determined in 52 patients on day 2 postoperation. Relationships between potassium metabolism and CEM status were revealed in children with diffuse peritonitis. Disorders in potassium homeostasis were associated with CEM changes. In children with a favorable course of the disease the adaptation changes in the metabolic system, characterized by increased intensity of glucose oxidation and intactness of cellular energy homeostasis, permit the maintenance of potassium homeostasis at optimal potassemia of low therapeutic value. In case of a lethal outcome failure of therapeutic measures aimed at correction of potassium homeostasis is coupled with CEM disorders manifesting by reduced glucose oxidation after the pentose phosphate route, reduced concentration of adenyl nucleotides, disordered membrane permeability, and accumulation of organic acids.