PROTEIN METABOLISM IN VENTILATED PRETERM INPANTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF LIFE

Abstract

Protein kinetics were measured to examine the effect of immediate commencement of amino acid (AA) administration following birth. Eight infants (birth wt 1.5±0.3 kg) received exclusively 6.6±1.4 g glucose/kg/d (26 kcal/kg/d) and seven infants (bw 1.4±0.4 kg) received 5.9±2.0 g glucose/kg/d and 1.2±0.1 g AA/kg/d (28 kcal/kg/d). All infants were ventilated and studied at the first day of life. A primed continuous infusion of NaH¹³CO₃ was followed by a primed continuous infusion of [1-¹³C]leucine. Isotopic enrichment of expired CO₂ was measured by IRMS and dilution of ¹³C-KIC was measured by GCMS. Nitrogen excretion was measured in urine. The results (mean±SD, † sign.diff. at p≤0.01):

Conclusions: 1. Amino acid administration does not significantly alter leucine oxidation on the first day of life. 2. Even at a very low energy intake, amino acid administration of 1.2 g/kg/d prevents both negative leucine and nitrogen balances. Based upon protein balances, it seems that the administration of amino acids on the first day of life is benificial for preterm infants.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD