CITRIC ACID METABOLISM IN INFANTS DURING THE NEONATAL PERIOD

1. Serum citric acid, calcium and phosphorus levels were measured on the first day of life and on the day of discharge from the hospital in 275 newborns. A statistically significant fall in the serum citric acid level by the end of the first 5 days of life was found in all groups studied. 2. A statistically significant positive correlation between calcium and citric acid levels was found in Groups I, III, V and VIII. Groups VI and IX had a positive correlation which was statistically not significant. In Groups II, IV and VII the correlation was negative but statistically not significant. 3. No single known factor that influences citric acid metabolism was considered to completely and adequately explain the serum citric acid fall during the first week of life and the tendency for the serum citric acid to rise in the second week of life. 4. Fluctuation in parathyroid activity comes closest to providing an explanation.