Plasma cholinesterase activity in children with infective endocarditis

Methods Our study included six patients with acquired infection from central catheter; the microbial pathogens were Streptococcus viridans (n = 3) and Staphyloccocus aureus (n = 3). The diagnosis of IE was based on positive blood culture (2 positive cultures of blood samples drawn > 12 hours), evidence of endocardial involvement (positive ECHO), measuring raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activity. We measured PChE activity (μmol minml) in children with IE (group A, n = 6) and in IE-free children (group B, n = 10). For determination of PChE activity vein blood samples were collected and stored at -20°C until analyzed. PChE activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method of Ellman using butyryltiocholine as the substract (Sigma Chemical Co., St.Luis, Mo, USA). Statistical analysis was made by Student’s t-test.