A double blind comparison of a new paediatric amino acid solution in neonatal total parenteral nutrition

All infants requiring parenteral nutrition over a continuous 13-month period were allocated to receive either Vamin or a new paediatric amino acid solution, Paedmin, as their protein source in a double blind prospective study. Those of 32 weeks gestation and less gained weight more rapidly when fed Paedmin than Vamin (P less than 0.004), but there were significant changes in liver function after 14 days nutrition. Babies of 33 weeks gestation and greater gained weight more rapidly when fed Vamin than Paedmin (P less than 0.003) but without liver function changes. There were no differences in the rate of head growth. Amino acid analysis of serum and urine showed a greater urinary loss of amino acids for a given serum concentration in babies of 32 weeks and less for both nutrition groups. The apparent benefit of Paedmin in the immature group of infants must be further evaluated and weighed against changes in liver function.