Organic acid excretion in salicylate intoxication

Abstract

The metabolic derangements resulting in severe metabolic acidosis in children with salicylate intoxication have been clarified through quantitative analysis of urine. Organic acid excretion rates which are high and variable indicate an excessive production of ketone acids and Krebs cycle organic acids. The ketone acids are only a fraction of the organic acids produced. Aminoaciduria has also been observed. Salicylate toxicity in adult rats has resulted in a less severe metabolic alteration compared to that seen in children; however, metabolic acidosis, organic aciduria, and amino-aciduria were also found in this species. These changes have been related to the in vitro actions of salicylate which depress Krebs cycle enzymes and uncouple oxidative phosphorylation.