Abstract
The effects of intraamniotic administration of nutrients on fetal metabolism was investigated.Four fetal lambs with carotid(CA), femoral artery(FA) and amniotic fluid(AF) catheters were used. 13 studies were performed 5-21days post-surgery,at 122-138days gestation.At study,20g of either glucose (n=6) or L-amino acids (n=7) were injected into the AF.Changes in fetal metabolism were followed for 4hrs.Fetal levels of the injected nutrient rose quickly:
After glucose injection: CA O2 sat. decreased(−5.7±1.4%,p<0.02); lactate increased(+8.1±1.4mg/dl,p<0.01);and pH decreased(-0.04±0.01,p<0.02).These changes were maximal at 3hrs.Hgb showed a trend to increase and O2 content was stable. The CA-FA glucose concentration difference widened (from 0.7to2.7mg/dl, n=3,p<0.10), as glucose levels rose.After amino acid injection: urea increased(+3.6±0.6mg/dl,p<0.002);ammonia rose(+123±28ug/dl,p<0.05);O2 sat. decreased (-8.4±1.9%, p<0.005) ;O2 content decreased (-1.2±0.2ml/dl,p<0.01);pH fell (-0.05±0.01,p<0.005) and Hgb rose (1.0±0.3gm/dl, p<0.05).These changes plateaued by 3-4hrs.AF injection of nutrients had more noxious effects on the fetus than has been seen with intestinal supplementation.However,the quantity of nutrients administered via AF was greater,as was the change in fetal nutrient levels.
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Charlton, V., Johengen, M. INTRAAMNIOTIC ADMINISTRATION OF NUTRIENTS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 136 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00258
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00258