CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IN NEWBORN INFANTS 1

Abstract

Studying the carbonic anhydrase content of the blood of premature and newborn infants, using the technique of Meldrum and Roughton, it was found that the conc. of the enzyme in the blood of newborn infants is less than 1/2 and the conc. in premature infants is only 1/4 of that found in the blood of adults. Spontaneous changes in the blood enzyme level do not usually occur but significant increase in the level can be accomplished by whole blood transfusions. Thirteen infants were studied who exhibited cyanosis, unexplained by recognized physical causes, and who were doing poorly. In many instances, these infants showed levels of carbonic anhydrase which were significantly low. Improvement in respect to cyanosis and general condition was accompanied by a rise in the blood conc. of carbonic anhydrase. The rise occurred in 1 infant spontaneously and was minimal. In the remaining infants, the rise followed transfusion and was significant in most instances.