Metabolic and hormonal studies comparing three parenteral nutrition regimens in infants

Metabolic and hormonal studies were performed in 6 infants during the first 3 months of life while receiving 3 different types of parenteral nutrition: 1) 20% glucose and a nitrogen source (Dudrick's method) 2) 12% glucose, a nitrogen source and soybean fat emulsion (Intralipid method) and 3) 12% glucose, a nitrogen source and 1% alcohol (Babson's method). All three regimens provided positive nitrogen balance of similar magnitude. The substrate-hormone relationships were appropriate. After parenteral fat free nutrition (primary caloric source glucose) the plasma glucagon levels were significantly lower and the growth hormone levels significantly higher than after the fat emulsion therapy period. The Dudrick and Intralipid methods resulted in a higher caloric intake and weight gain than the Babson method. The former two regimens cannot be completely endorsed, however, since septic and central vein complications are unavoidable with the Dudrick method particularly in the small infant; and the long term effects of intralipid, particularly on the liver are still unknown.