Author Of 1 Presentation
PROTEIN INTAKE EFFECT ON PROTEIN BALANCE IN CRITICALLY ILL INFANTS FOLLOWING CARDIAC SURGERY.
Abstract
Background
The optimal amounts of protein in critically ill infants are unknown.
Objectives
To study the effect of three different amounts of protein intake on protein balance in critically ill infants following cardiac surgery.
Methods
A randomized controlled open-label trial including infants between 1-24 months old was performed. Patients were randomized to receive: 1) standard diet (1.7 g protein/100 mL), 2) protein-enriched (2.6 g/100 mL), 3) high-protein enriched (5.1 g/100 mL). Blood and urine biochemical determinations, and nitrogen balance were performed during the first day of feeding and between the days 3 to 5.
Results
22 infants were included. Increase in total proteins, retinol-binding-protein, transferrin and nitrogen balance was higher in group 3. However, only a significant increase was observed in total protein in group 1, retinol and transferrin in group 3 and nitrogen balance in groups 1 and 2 (table). 1 patient of group 2 and 2 patients of group 3 presented urea increase higher than 80 mg/dl.
Conclusion
A higher protein intake was associated with higher increase of serum protein levels in infants following cardiac surgery. However, high-protein enriched diet could not be tolerated by some patients.