PLASMA-CATECHOLAMINE LEVELS IN CHILDREN

While blood norepinephrine and epinephrine levels are well established in adults, literature data concerning concentrations in young childre n are conflicting. This situation prompted us to assay plasma catechol amines in 86 healthy subjects aged two days to fifteen years using a s ensitive high-performance liquid chromatography technique with electro chemical detection. Norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations rema ined elevated up until 24 months of age, then dropped progressively to adult levels between 24 and 36 months, with fluctuations. These fluct uations, which reflect the sensitivity of children to environmental fa ctors, prevented demonstration of any catecholaminergic secretory abno rmality by blood assays in subjects under two years of age. Urinary as says, for which established values exist, are the only applicable proc edure in such patients.