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Effect of protein intake on ventilatory drive
Anesthesiology
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Increasing nitrogen intake in nutritionally depleted patients enhanced their ventilatory response to carbon dioxide (CO2). This nutritional adjustment led to a significant reduction in resting arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2).
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Previous research indicated that amino acid infusions approximating normal protein needs shifted the minute ventilation x PaCO2 relationship leftward.
- Nutritional depletion impacts physiological functions, including ventilatory control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of parenteral nutrition with varying nitrogen (N) intake on CO2 ventilatory response in depleted patients.
- To determine if doubling protein intake enhances the ventilatory response to CO2.
Main Methods:
- Eight nutritionally depleted patients underwent indirect calorimetry to measure resting energy expenditure (REE).
- Patients received parenteral nutrition for two weeks, with one week each of high N (15 mg N/kcal REE) and low N (7.5 mg N/kcal REE) intake.
- Breathing patterns were analyzed at rest and during CO2 inhalation using a canopy-computer-spirometer system.
Main Results:
- Increased nitrogen intake significantly reduced resting arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) from 39.9 to 37.6 mmHg (P < 0.05).
- No significant change in blood pH was observed.
Conclusions:
- Higher nitrogen intake during parenteral nutrition can enhance the ventilatory response to CO2 in depleted individuals.
- This enhancement is associated with a decrease in resting PaCO2.