RESUMO
Changes of energy metabolism in leucocytes have been studied longitudinally as well as cross-sectionally in three groups of children born: 1.- at term, with normal weight; 2.- with intra-uterine malnutrition; 3.- prematurely. The longitudinal study showed that, at birth, the activity of adenylate kinase as well as concentrations of ATP, ADP AND AMP were significantly lower in the malnourished than in the normal child. At one year of age, the values of enzyme activity are approximately equal in both groups, while the concentrations, of ATP and ADP are higher in malnourished children. Finally, at two years of age all values found, with the exception of AMP concentration, were higher in malnourished than in normal children born at term. In the data of the cross-sectional study this accelerated biochemical maturation is also shown.