[Recommendations for the use of carbohydrates in the infusion therapy]

Abstract

In healthy subjects the recommended dosages of carbohydrates are as follows: glucose 0.750 g/kg/h during 12 hours, fructose 0.250 g/kg/h during 12 hours. sorbitol 0.250 g/kg/h during 12 hours, xylitol 0.125 g/kg/h during 12 hours, glucose, fructose and xylitol as a carbohydrate mixture (2:1:1) 0.500 g/kg/h during 12 hours. Increase in uric acid, bilirubin and lactate levels is diminished if the carbohydrate mixture and amino acids are infused together. During application of an electrolyte-free carbohydrate solution the electrolyte loss depends on the dosage. This electrolyte loss is diminished when carbohydrates and electrolytes are given in combination. The precise dosage of trace elements like zinc or magnesium is unknown. A 12-hours infusion time is recommended. Thereafter a pause is needed for the normalisation of metabolic changes.