[Changes in serum electrolyte concentration and electrolyte excretion induced through infusion of glucose or...

The metabolic effects of intravenous infusion of glucose, fructose, sorbitol or xylitol were investigated using human volunteers. The infusion period was 4 hours or 48 hours. Serum phosphate concentration decreased quickly and independent on the kind of the carbohydrate used. On the other hand, the serum concentration of potassium or sodium did not show any greater deviations from normal. Considering the renal excretion, greater differences between the single substances were seen. Renal potassium excretion was increased especially during xylitol infusions, and not as much during sorbitol infusions, as compared to infusions with glucose or with fructose. These differences were demonstrated especially for the first 12 hours of the infusions periond. During the infusions of glucose or of fructose an oral substitution of the electrolytes was suggicient. However, during xylitol infusions an intravenous substitution of potassium salts was necessary, despite the fact that the changes in serum concentration were only small. It is emphasized to carefully monitor serum electrolyte concentration and renal electrolyte excretion during long lasting intravenous infusions therapy.