[Clinical evaluation of amino acid solution]

Glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid, is important for immune function. It is now being formulated for incorporation in to total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The aims of this study were to examine the effect of glutamine administration on clinical status, body composition, protein synthesis and immune function in critically ill patients with sepsis. Eleven patients were included into the study. Seven of them have been on conventional TPN for 8-63 days without significant clinical and nutritional improvement. Glutamine supplemented TPN was implemented for 10 subsequent days. Before, during and after the study venous blood samples were taken for the cellular immunity examination, and for the measurement of plasma albumin, transferrin and triglycerides levels. Nitrogen balance was calculated every day during the study. No side effects were noted. Patients receiving amino acid solution revealed improved nitrogen balance, body composition and body water distribution. Plasma proteins concentrations and immunological indices significantly increased during ten days TPN with Glamin. We confirm the beneficial effects of amino acid solution-supplemented TPN on nitrogen balance, plasma proteins, and immune status of critically ill patients.