Abstract
Glucose is the primary substrate for energy during parenteral alimentation of LBW infants. Hyperglycemia may result in glucosuria and osmotic diuresis when excessive glucose is infused. Tolerance for glucose was studied in 35 appropriate for gestational age well LBW infants (birth wt. M = 1216 gms, gestational age M = 30 wks) between 3-38 days of age. Infants received glucose: 8,11, or 14 mg/Kg/min for 3 hours by continuous peripheral intravenous infusion. Plasma glucose and insulin, and timed urine glucose and volume were measured (MtS.E.M.). A steady state (S-S) of plasma glucose was noted by one hour at all infusion rates.
There were significant increases in S-S plasma glucose (p<.001) and insulin (p<0.05) in Groups B and C compared to Group A. Glycosuria did not exceed 0.28 mg/Kg/min, so that glucose disposal (retention) exceeded 97.7% of infusate. Group B was heterogeneous with respect to plasma glucose and plasma insulin responses. No significant osmotic diuresis from glucose was noted. The data suggests well LBW infants tolerate glucose to 14 mg/Kg/min between 3-38 days of age without significant glucosuria.
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Cowett, R., Pollak, A., Ross, B. et al. GLUCOSE DISPOSAL IN THE WELL LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) INFANT. Pediatr Res 11, 512 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00855
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00855