[Plasma amino acid levels during postoperative parenteral feeding with a complete nutritional solution]

During the course of postoperative parenteral feeding with a solution for total nutrition, 23 plasma amino acids were determined daily. After an initial fall in almost all of the amino acids, infusion of the total nutrition solution predominantly led to normalization of plasma levels. The known - albeit insulin-dependent - postoperative rise in the branched chain amino acids is described. Methionine, proline and phenylalanine show raised values. Possible causes for the variations in the plasma amino acid levels occuring in some instances are discussed. From our findings it appears favorable to commence parenteral nutrition as early as possible.