Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Newborn Infants during Parenteral Nutrition

ABSTRACT. Amino acid substance concentrations in plasma have been measured during total and partial parenteral nutri-tion with Vamin in 12 seriously ill newborn infants. When plasma amino acid concentrations were compared to the levels in reference infants, 11 of 21 were low, among the 11 were seven essential amino acids (Arg, Cys, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, Tyr), while concentrations above the reference median and range occurred for seven amino acids. For three (Asp, Glu, Phe) levels were exceptionally high. From these findings, from studies by others on amino acid levels during parenteral nutrition with Vamin, and from amino acid needs judged from venous-arterial differ-ences in newborns, an amino acid preparation for parenteral administration to newborn infants is suggested. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (7:369-373, 1983) Parenteral nutrition is a life-saving procedure for se