Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2005) 25, 130–133. doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211215 Published online 28 October 2004

Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration as a Marker of Amino-Acid Intolerance in Neonates with Birthweight Less than 1250 g

Erick Ridout MD1, Diane Melara RN1, Sarah Rottinghaus RN1 and Patti J Thureen MD1

1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA

Correspondence: Patti J. Thureen, MD, Section of Neonatology, B-195, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

 

Currently blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is commonly used as a marker of protein intolerance in very preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between amino-acid intakes and BUN concentrations during the early neonatal period in preterm neonates.

STUDY DESIGN:

 

Retrospective review of BUN concentration data from 121 infants with birthweight less than or equal to1250 g receiving exclusive parenteral nutrition over the first 72 hours of life.

RESULTS:

 

There were 136 separate BUN concentration values. Amino-acid intake range was 0 to 3.7 g kg-1 day-1 and nonprotein calorie intake range was 15 to 45 kcal kg-1 d-1. There was no correlation between BUN concentration and amino-acid intake (p=0.2 and r2=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

 

In parenterally nourished preterm neonates amino-acid intake is not correlated with BUN concentration in the first days of life. Therefore, limiting amino-acid intake based on BUN concentration is not warranted in this patient population.

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