Changes in apolipoprotein and lipids in patients after surgery

Plasma levels of apoproteins A-I, A-II and B and apoprotein/lipid ratios were determined in 43 patients (14 male and 29 female) on the second to the sixth day after gastrointestinal surgery. During this period, all the patients received i. v. 5% dextrose solutions only. Apoprotein levels (A-I, A-II and B), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and phospholipid were significantly decreased after surgery but there was no sex differences. Patients undergoing major surgery showed much lower values than the ones undergoing minor surgery. Both the extent of the trauma and the caloric restriction resulting from sole carbohydrate intravenous feeding may be responsible for these changes. Decreased hepatic synthesis combined to a lack of intestinal supply might result in apo A-I and A-II reduction. Repeated determinations of apoprotein levels are proposed as simple means of follow-up for evaluating the degree of recovery of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.