Biochemical alterations in acute human poliomyelitis electrolyte patterns and trends.

Pronounced alterations occur in the biochemical findings in acute poliomyelitis. These are derived from three major mechanisms: (a) inefficient pulmonary gaseous exchange, resulting in respiratory acidosis; (b) profound changes in nitrogen metabolism, resulting in decreased serum albumin, tissue destruction, and increased urinary nitrogen; (c) losses of electrolytes through extrarenal channels such as lung and tracheal secretions, sweating, and gastrointestinal disturbances. The extent of these alterations may be defined by appropriate serum and urinary biochemical determinations.

Alterations in serum protein levels in acute human poliomyelitis: Rationale for therapy.

Serial determinations of serum protein levels in acute human poliomyelitis revealed a progressive drop of the serum albumin level which bore close relationship to the amount of clinical paralysis. This loss of serum albumin began about the third day after onset of clinical symptoms and progressed to the tenth day or longer. The more severe the clinical involvement, the less was the tendency to spontaneous correction of the albumin deficiency.