Uric acid concentration and cell membrane lipid peroxidation parameters in children with acute bronchopulmonary diseases and respiratory hypoxia

Abstract

A comparative analysis of uric acid level in children with acute bronchopulmonary diseases (80 pneumonic and 65 bronchitis patients) revealed a clear correlation between its concentration and a respiratory failure severity, and a hypoxaemia level as well. This fact confirms a role of hypoxia in purine nucleotides catabolism, resulting in uric acid production. The relation established between a uric acid concentration and lipid peroxidation products content proved the role of purine metabolism acute disorders in a lipid peroxidation enhancement caused by a xanthinoxidase activation that had been shown experimentally. An application of metronidazole as a xanthinoxidase inhibitor in severe pneumonia and Riboxine as a source of inosine in obstructive bronchitis with severe respiratory disorders led to shortening of a dyspnoe period and of length of stay in an intensive care unit and also facilitated an inhibition of excessive lipid peroxidation of cell membranes.