[Total and partial parenteral feeding of premature and newborn infants: nitrogen balances and serum amino acid chromatograms]

Abstract

We report upon 30 critically ill premature and newborn infants (mean birth weight: 2,350 g). In all cases we applied initially total parenteral nutrition with increasing supplies, subsequently partial parenteral nutrition. Donors of nutritive substance and calories were a 6% mother-milk adapted amino-acid solution, a glucose solution 10% and 20% and a 20% lipid emulsion. Serum electrolytes, urea, glucose, serum aminograms and nitrogen balances were determined at regular intervals. Serum aminograms were found altogether acceptable in relation to those of breast-fed newborns and small infants and to normal values, which we evaluated among 45 premature and newborn infants before supplying protein.