Nitrogen-sparing intravenous fluids in postperative patients.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-24-1975

Abstract

Improved nitrogen sparing was demonstrated in 20 patients undergoing either head-and-neck operations or abdominal explorations, who were randomized to receive intravenously either 3 per cent amino acids or 5 per cent dextrose. Infusions were started immediately after operation and continued for a minimum of six days. In patients receiving amino acids, as compared with those receiving dextrose, mean cumulative six-day nitrogen losses were significantly lower (42 plus or minus 5 g [S.E.M.] and 74 plus or minus 7 g, respectively--P smaller 0.005), as were serum glucose and insulin levels, but beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and blood urea nitrogen were significantly elevated. No adverse effects of the amino acid solution were observed. The presumed mechanism for improved nitrogen sparing is a decrease in serum glucose and insulin levels, allowing greater endogenous fat mobilization and utilization, thus sparing lean body mass.

Volume

293

Issue

4

First Page

172

Last Page

175

ISSN

0028-4793

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

806018

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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