[Changes in Electrolytic Concentration Resulting from Perioperative Amino Acid Fluid Administration]

Amino acid infusion is frequently selected to avoid hypothermia during surgery. However, changes in electrolytic concentration resulting from its use are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of amino acid on body temperature and changes in electrolytic concentrations.

Thirty women undergoing breast cancer surgery under general anesthesia were divided into the following three groups: no amino acid administration, low-dose administration (2 ml x kg(-1) x hr(-1)), and high-dose administration (4 ml x kg(-1) x hr(-1)). Esophageal temperature was recorded every ten minutes and arterial blood samples were obtained before and after surgery. Body temperatures at each time point and arterial blood gas data, including blood gases, electrodes, serum glucose, and hematocrit were compared between the three groups.

Body temperature started to increase significantly 40 minutes after starting general anesthesia in the high-dose group, 90 minutes after starting general anesthesia in the low-dose group compared with the no amino acid group. Body temperature was maintained until surgery was completed. The concentration of sodium ion decreased significantly (2.4 mmol x l(-1)) in the high-dose group compared with the other two groups. The concentration of other electrolytes, including potassium, chloride, and calcium, did not change significantly.

Perioperative amino acid administration was effective in maintaining a stable body temperature during surgery under general anesthesia. However, sodium ion concentration might decrease after amino acid administration of 4 ml x kg(-1) x hr(-1) or greater.