Effect of branched chain amino acid enrichment of total parenteral nutrition on nitrogen sparing and clinical outcome of sepsis and trauma: a prospective randomized double blind trial

• Published in: British journal of surgery Vol. 77; no. 8; p. 924
• Main Authors: von Meyenfeldt, M F, Soeters, P B, Vente, J P, van Berlo, C L, Rouflart, M M, de Jong, K P, van der Linden, C J, Gouma, D J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.08.1990
• Subjects: Amino Acids, Branched-Chain - administration & dosage; Amino Acids, Branched-Chain - metabolism; Bacterial Infections - metabolism; Bacterial Infections - therapy; Double-Blind Method; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Male; Methylhistidines - urine; Multiple Trauma - metabolism; Multiple Trauma - therapy; Nitrogen - metabolism; Parenteral Nutrition, Total; Postoperative Complications - metabolism; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800770828

Administration of extra branched chain amino acids (BCAA) has been associated with a nitrogen sparing effect in septic and traumatized patients. Whether nitrogen sparing is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality rates is unknown. We therefore undertook a prospective, randomized, double blind trial investigating the effects of BCAA enrichment of a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimen on nitrogen balance, 3-methylhistidine excretion, morbidity as evidenced by disturbances in organ function, severity of sepsis and mortality. One hundred and one patients entered the study; 52 received a standard TPN solution and 49 a BCAA-enriched solution. Both groups received 30 kcal kg-1 body-weight, 15 per cent fat calories and 0.17 g nitrogen kg-1 body-weight. In the BCAA-enriched group, patients received 0.56 g BCAA kg-1 body-weight (50.2 per cent BCAA). Standard group patients received 0.18 g BCAA kg-1 body-weight (15.6 per cent BCAA). Nitrogen balances and 3-methylhistidine excretion were not significantly different between groups. Although morbidity scores tended to decrease during the study no difference was observed between groups. Mortality (early or late), sepsis or stress-related, did not differ significantly between groups. We were not able to confirm the reported beneficial effects of BCAA-enriched TPN solutions for use in septic and traumatized patients.