[Parenteral amino acid substitution in surgically treated newborn infants]

9 newborns received a standardized parenteral nutrition following abdominal major surgery. The composition of the amino acid solution used followed the requirements of newborns as well as their postoperative metabolism. The favorable course, the effective control of the catabolism and the lack of significant imbalances of the amino acid patterns indicate that the composition of the amino acid solution was appropriate. Augmentation of the amino acid dosage up to 2 g/kg B.W. at the end of the first postoperative week resulted in a relatively high load of nitrogen and acidosis. Therefore the usually demanded supply of 120-200 non-protein-calories (kcal) for 1 g nitrogen turns out to be too low. Though the relative over-load of amino acids is used for energy utilisation, it stresses, however, the metabolism.