Abstract
We have shown marked increases in the plasma amino acid concentrations of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants treated with dexamethasone (Arch Dis Child 1992; 67: 5-9). Ornithine, citrulline, alanine and glutamine increased most. We now report rates of urinary excretion
Methods: 24-hour urine collections in 6 VLBW infants before and after 48 hours of dexamethasone (0.6 mg kg−1 d−1). Amino acids were measured by high performance liguid chromatography (HPIC).
Results: Median values given (n=6 unless indicated).
Conclusion: Increased excretion of both the end product and intermediate compounds of the urea cycle support the suggestion that changes in plasma amino acid concentrations result from catabolism rather than inhibition of nitrogen disposal.
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Taylor, T., Jones, M., Chalmers, R. et al. DEXAMETHASONE INCREASES URINARY EXCRETION OF UREA AND AMINO ACIDS IN PRETERM INFANTS. Pediatr Res 32, 625 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00120
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00120