Postoperative amino acid infusions: an appraisal

Amino acid infusions either as a 7 per cent solution or as an isotonic 3.5 per cent solution produce a nitrogen-sparing effect in the postoperative period. The nitrogen-sparing effect is independent of the concentration and rate of infusion of the amino acid solution; or of any changes in plasma substrate and hormone concentrations. These solutions have no advantage over conventional intravenous therapy with isotonic glucose and saline solutions and there is no indication for their routine use in the management of postoperative patients.