EFFECT OF INFUSIONS OF CITRATED PLASMA ON THE PLASMA CITRATE LEVEL OF INFANTS

Abstract
The effect of infusions of citrated plasma given at varying rates on the plasma citrate level of infants has been studied. The plasma citrate as a rule rose from 0.17 to 2.0 mM/1. after single infusions to fall rapidly at first and more slowly later. In two instances levels of 2.6 and 2.8 mM/1. were observed. Considerable decreases in the calcium ion concentration, assuming unchanged total calcium values, were calculated. ECGs indicated some lengthening of the duration of the Q-T interval, compatible with a decrease in the calcium ion concentration, but to a degree less than expected. One infant suffered a nearly fatal reaction, considered to be tetanic in nature. The examination of the citrate in the plasma of an infant dead after infusion of plasma showed a high citrate level of 2.8 mM/1. It is assumed that normally physiologic forces are operative to counteract the calcium-ion-lowering effect of citrate.
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