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Early onset of diabetes mellitus is associated with increased left ventricular mass, performance, contractility, and blood pressure. These cardiovascular findings are correlated with increased creatinine clearance and microalbuminuria. These relations suggest that alterations in cardiovascular and renal function may occur in parallel in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

We describe here a field method we developed for colorimetry of erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) in capillary blood samples. Three stable, premixed assay reagents and de-ionized water (but no centrifuge or balance) are required. This method, adapted for a microplate format, is essentially that of Ellman et al. (Biochem Pharmacol 1961;7:88-95) as modified by George and Abernethy (Clin Chem 1983;29:365-8). Assays were quantified and corrected for hematocrit by using a battery-powered colorimeter with a silicon carbide (blue) light-emitting-diode source. Advantages over existing field methods include better portability, ruggedness, greater precision, and lower cost per sample.

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