Improved Albumin Synthesis in Postoperative Patients by Amino Acid Infusion

Abstract

To determine whether intravenous 3.5 per cent amino acid solution enhanced the rate of albumin synthesis in postoperative patients, we measured the albumin synthesis rate by the (¹⁴C) carbonate technic in 10 patients on the fourth day after elective gastrointestinal-tract operations. Five patients were randomized to receive a 3.5 per cent solution of essential and non-essential amino acids, and five to receive 5 per cent glucose. A mean (±S.E.M.) of 75.0±2.0 g per day of amino acids or of 111.0±12.4 glucose was given. In the amino acid group the mean (±S.E.M.) albumin synthesis rate was 237±24 mg per kilogram per day, in comparison to 157±23 in the glucose group (P<0.05). The infused amino acids were apparently more effective than plain glucose in promoting albumin synthesis. (N Engl J Med 295:1037–1040, 1976)