[Utilization of maltose during shorttime parenteral nutrition (author's transl)]

Twelve metabolically healthy patients, who had to undergo cholecystectomy or gastric resection, were fed intermittently by the parenteral route (via veins of the upper limbs) post-operatively up to and including the 2nd post-operative day with a combined maltose-glucose solution in parallel with an 8% mixture of crystalline L-aminoacids. At an administration rate of 150 g maltose/day and 250 g glucose/day with the simultaneous administration of 80 g aminoacids, the mean carbohydrate utilisation was 82,5%. The glucose and maltose levels in the blood fluctuated in accordance with the infusion periods and the free fatty acids levels measured were their mirror image. On the whole free fatty acids were lowered significantly, which indicates adequate carbohydrate supply with consequent inhibition of lipolysis. The degree of tolerance was determined objectively by measurement of the acid-base parameter, gamma-GT, alkaline phosphatase, GOT, bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and serum electrolytes. No changes were found which could be attributed to the administration of the infusion solution.