[The dynamics of erythrocyte metabolism in severe forms of meningococcal infection and suppurative meningitis in children].

In 63 children with severe meningococcal infection (MI) and meningitides of another origin red cell metabolism was studied: levels of ATP, ADP, AMP, ATP/ADP, ATP/AMP, energetic charge, 2,3-DPG, FAD, piruvate, lactate, activity of lactate dehydrogenase, piruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutatione reductase, Mg2+, Na+, K(+)-dependent ATPase. All the disease periods were characterized by combined pathobiochemical shifts of different degree typical for varying metabolic systems and correlating with the infection severity. The discussion covers pathogenetic and clinical significance of red cell metabolism shifts in patients with MI and purulent meningitides.