Abstract
The use of intravenous alimentation in newborn infants has increased where oral nutrition is inadequate. This study reports the response of 28 newborns (gest. 28-40 wks) to a total parenteral infusion of 3.0g L amino acid/kg/day in dextrose during the first 7 days. The infusate contained no tyrosine or cystine. N retention rose with maturity from 28-30 wks and remained constant from 31-40 wks. N losses were as urea and not as α amino N, suggesting that even <31 wk newborns have the capacity to utilize amino acids for gluconeogenesis. * Blood amino acid levels were similar on days 1 and 6. Pnenylalanine levels were normal and tyrosine levels rose indicating conversion at all gestational ages. Cystine levels were negligible, methionine levels high and taurine/methionine ratios low suggesting that cystine is an essential amino acid in <31 wk infants. These findings reverse with increasing gestation. The evidence suggests that N retention is dependent upon maturation of anabolic protein enzyme systems and that the amino acid contents of available infusates need to be varied according to gestational age.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bryan, M., Anderson, G., Roy, R. et al. EFFECT OF GESTATIONAL AGE ON THE UTILIZATION OF INTRAVENOUS AMINO ACIDS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE. Pediatr Res 8, 379 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00235
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00235