Chemical studies of the lactic acid in the blood have greatly increased in number in the past few years, and the literature of the various studies has been considered in detail in the classic paper by Jervell.1 However, the metabolism of this substance in children has not been investigated as extensively as it has been for the adult.
In the examinations that form the basis of the present report, the method of procedure has been as follows: In view of the fact that there is a difference of opinion as to the effect of food on the concentration of lactic acid in the blood,2 all specimens examined in the studies reported were taken after a twelve hour fast in the morning before breakfast, while the patient rested in bed. The influence of stasis of the blood on the values obtained for lactic acid is of some slight importance