Total parenteral nutrition in anuric children

Six children who were anuric, intolerant of oral nutrition and depleted of body protein, were treated with total parenteral nutrition. Nitrogen utilization was studied during infusion of dextrose alone and dextrose with essential amino acids. An increase in non-protein (glucose) calories from 20 to 70 kcal/kg/day progressively reduced body protein catabolism; nitrogen balance became less negative. When essential amino nitrogen was added, net urea production decreased; protein nitrogen balance became positive. It is concluded that total parenteral nutrition with essential amino acids improves the nutritional status of severely ill, anuric children, and may influence recovery.