[The diagnostic importance of the level of middle molecules in assessing the severity of endotoxemia in patients with phlegmons of the face and neck].

Blood medium-mass molecules (MMM) concentrations were measured in 68 patients with phlegmons of the face and neck, aged 24 to 65. The patients were divided into 3 groups with variously manifesting symptoms of endogenous intoxication. MMM concentration was found to be increasing with the growth of intoxication of the body; their highest concentration was detected in vast putrefactive necrotic phlegmons induced by anaerobic infection and accompanied by dysfunction of a number of vital organs responsible for gas exchange, detoxication, hemodynamics, excretion, etc. Regular changes in MMM levels were revealed, reflecting the condition severity, pattern, and manifestation of endogenous intoxication. Blood MMM levels may be regarded as an objective characteristic of endotoxemia severity in patients with phlegmons of the face and neck.