Abstract
This is a study on the serum tryptophane level, which is considered as having an intimate correlation with the activity of the pulmonary tuberculous lesions, its destructive process, and the intoxicative symptoms caused by tubercle bacilli. The extent of the correlation between the serum tryptophane level and clinical features such as the blood sedimentatoi.n rate, the patient's general condition, and the transition of tubercle bacilli in the sputum was investigated.
1) In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the serum tryptophane level has a definite relationship with the destructive mechanism and the activity of the tuberculoss lesions.
2) In patients with cavities, demonstrating abnormal increase of tryptophane, a decrease was seen in 80% of the cases immediately after operation. Of these 45% returned to normal level soon thereafter. 20-30% of the cases demonstrated a normal level one to two months after the operation. Approximately 50% of them reached a normal level at six months after the operation.
3) A close correlationship was found present between the serum tryptophane level and the blood sedimentation rate. In determining the prognosis of a tuberculous process the change of the tryptophane level is considered to have an important significance.
