[Effect of energy administration on the amino acid level in the postoperative phase]

A total of 34 cancer patients, all of them subjected to radical surgery of the stomach or large bowel were studied. Group I (n = 5) received during the first postoperative days total parenteral nutrition with a caloric support of 35-45 kcal/kg/day and 12,5 gr N in a 8,5% L-aminoacid solution (Freamine II). Group II (n = 9) received an isotonic solution of 3% L-aminoacid without caloric support. Serum amino acids (AA) were determined daily (Perkin-Elmer KLA-1 Analyzer), as well as nitrogen balance (NB) and serum albumin (Alb) on the preoperative, 1st, and 6th postoperative day: Both groups experienced a progressive increase of serum AA during the period of study. Group II showed levels of branched-AA significantly higher than group I, as well as the total of essential-AA. MET, GLY and PHE were considerably elevated in both groups. ALA did not change in group I showing subnormal values in group II. NB was significantly higher in group I, but none of the groups studied has recovered the initial values of Alb after six days of treatment.