The extensive investigations of activity of enzymes in various tissues of the body is being rapidly extended to provide methods for estimation of the activity of a great number of enzymes present in the body fluids, such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Considerable progress has been made in correlating fluctuations in the activity of these enzymes and many diseased states. Therefore the clinician is now faced with the necessity of understanding and evaluating the significance of variations in enzymic activity in the clinical diagnosis and management of pathologic conditions. The present paper provides an extensive review of the present status of the practical application of determinations of enzymic activity. The presentation covers applications in gastroenterology, particularly diseases of the liver, cardiology, neoplastic diseases, and disorders of the muscular and nervous systems. It is apparent that there are many difficulties in using determinations of enzymic activity for specific diagnosis, but in many instances such determinations are helpful in diagnosis, management and facilitation of more accurate prognosis. It is pointed out that when used in conjunction with other techniques, the determination of enzymic activity in body fluids is frequently a valuable addition in the study of patients. The paper is written so as to be readily understood by those who do not have special knowledge of enzymology. The author includes data from his extensive experience in the practical application of the methods under discussion.
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