Plasma electrolytes and enzymes in country liquor poisoning.

Plasma sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, pseudocholinesterase, amylase and alkaline phosphatase were estimated in 43 cases of country-liquor poisoning and 29 normal controls. In the poisoned subjects, plasma potassium, magnesium and amylase levels were elevated, while plasma bicarbonate levels were diminished; and plasma pseudocholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase were not affected. Plasma calcium and pseudocholinesterase were elevated in poisoned patients who recovered; however, these were diminished in fatal cases. Plasma bicarbonate and amylase were affected depending upon the severity of poisoning.