The negative nitrogen balance in post-operative paediatric patients.

The spectrum of the protein waste in 36 paediatric patients undergoing abdominal explorationsyv/ho were infused three different concentrations of dextrose solutions without aminoacids is presented. When 10 and 15 per cent dextrose solutions were infused insulin levels increased, free fatty acids decreased and much more protein was wasted. The mean nitrogen losses in groups of 5%, DW, 10% DW and 15% DW were 146.39, 22.56, and 333.69 mg/kg/ day, respectively. This means that, low glucose and insulin levels allow greater endogenous fat mobilization, thus spare more body protein. (JPMA36: 55, 1986).