Clin Nutr. 1995 Apr;14(2):88-96. doi: 10.1016/s0261-5614(95)80028-x.

Study of hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition in postoperative patients (European project).

Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)

F J Jiménez Jiménez, C O Leyba, L M Jiménez Jiménez, M S Valdecasas, J G Montero

PMID: 16843906 DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(95)80028-x

Abstract

The objective of this study is to ascertain whether or not the supply of a low-calorie amino acids (AA) parenteral solution is useful in postoperative patients, by assessing a series of parameters that indicate nutritional status. 75 postoperative patients who met at least 2 of the 3 criteria: 1) albumin less than 3 g/dl; 2)prealbumin less than 21 mg/dl; 3) body weight less than 95% of ideal weight, were studied. Patients were divided into 4 groups: control group, 15 patients receiving conventional infusion therapy; group I, 20 patients receiving glucose + AA; group II, 20 patients receiving glycerol + AA; and group III, 20 patients receiving sorbitol-xylitol + AA. The most significant findings were a prompt recovery of short half-life proteins (prealbumin and retinol binding protein), a less negative nitrogen balance, a greater decrease in urinary 3-methylhistidine and a marked increase in most AAs when hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition (HPPN) was used. As regards complications, suture dehiscence occurred in a greater percentage of control patients than in the active therapy groups (13.3% versus 5%) and, in contrast, a greater number of cases of infusion phlebitis was observed in the HPPN groups. Clinical data were not statistically significant. We conclude that HPPN is a valid means for providing nutritional support but, at present, there are few randomized, controlled studies that show that its use is clearly beneficial.

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• Journal Article