Related Experiment Videos
Hyperammonemia in neonates receiving intravenous nutrition
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Neonates receiving intravenous nutrition (IVN) may develop hyperammonemia. Lower arginine levels in IVN solutions were associated with higher blood ammonia (BA) in infants, especially those with sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Clinical Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperammonemia is a concern in neonates receiving parenteral nutrition.
- Arginine's role in ammonia metabolism suggests its intake may influence ammonia levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different arginine concentrations in amino acid solutions on blood ammonia (BA) levels in neonates undergoing intravenous nutrition (IVN).
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 26 nonasphyxiated neonates was conducted.
- Infants received amino acid solutions with either 3.6% or 10.4% of total nitrogen as arginine during IVN.
- Blood ammonia concentrations were measured before and during IVN therapy.
Main Results:
- All neonates showed elevated BA levels during IVN compared to pre-IVN levels (p < 0.01).
- A trend towards higher BA concentrations was observed in infants receiving the lower arginine (3.6%) solution.
- Septic neonates exhibited a significantly higher risk of hyperammonemia compared to nonseptic infants (p < 0.025).
Conclusions:
- Arginine intake is a critical factor in managing hyperammonemia in neonates on parenteral nutrition.
- Lower arginine concentrations in IVN solutions may increase the risk of elevated blood ammonia.
- Sepsis is an independent risk factor for hyperammonemia in this population.