Abstract
The 13C-triolein breath test presents a non-invasiv method that gives evidence on extent and rate of the fatty acid oxydation. Triolein marked with the stable carbon isotope 13C is used as tracer. The 13CO2 resulting from the fatty acid oxydation is exhaled via the lungs and, at spontaneous breathing, collected in a bag by means of a mask and a valve. The 13CO2 concentration is determined by use of a ratio mass spectrometer (Finnigan MAT 251), and the result is defined as cumulative 13C elimination in per cent of the dosage administered. The 13C elimination is directly correlated with the fatty acid oxydation during the examination period.
Values of cumulative 13CO2 elimination in 21 low-birth-weight infants (87o-239o g birth weight) have shown that after intravenous administration of 10 mg 13C-triolein 38.4 ± 1.8 % of the administered dose are oxidized in 6-8 hours. The oxydation rate of 24 to 3o % in 4 hours reveals a positive correlation to the maturity rate of premature infants and a negative correlation to the carbohydrate intake. Premature infants with septicemia and hypotrophic premature infants show significantly lower 13C elimination rates (16,0 %). These patients therefore require a reduced intravenous fat supply.
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Paust, H., Park, W., Rating, D. et al. Measurement of fatty acid oxydation in low-birth-weight infants with the 13C-triolein breath test. Pediatr Res 18, 799 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198408000-00049
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198408000-00049