Plasma pyridoxal phosphate levels and tryptophan metabolism in children with burns and scalds.

Depression of the pyridoxal phosphate concentration in the plasma was observed in eight children after burning or scalding. The concentrations remained low for several weeks with the usual dietary supplements but could be restored rapidly with large doses of pyridoxine; this does not seem to alter the excretion of xanthurenic acid but causes an increased loss of kynurenic acid and kynurenine.