Evidence for adenosine triphosphate degradation in critically-ill patients.

Alterations of cellular energy metabolism may provide important markers during the clinical course of critically ill patients. To determine whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) degradation occurs in critically ill patients, we measured levels of adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine in 18 patients and seven control subjects. The mean concentration of hypoxanthine (3.8 microM) in the critically ill patients was elevated (p less than 0.01) compared to that of our control population (0.1 microM). A subgroup of seven critically ill patients had levels of hypoxanthine, xanthine, or inosine higher than those of any member of the control group. This subgroup was characterized by a lower systolic blood pressure, an increased requirement for vasopressors, and a markedly decreased survival rate when compared to the other critically ill patients. Arterial and mixed venous blood gas values were not helpful in predicting survival and did not correlate with levels of ATP degradation products. In two patients who showed subsequent clinical improvement, the initially elevated levels of hypoxanthine and xanthine returned to normal. This study indicates that critically ill patients have elevated levels of ATP degradation products. These increased levels may indicate cellular hypoxia.