Enteral hyperalimentation of burned patients: the possibility of correcting metabolic disorders by the early administration of prolonged high calorie evenly distributed tube feeds

Metabolic processes and the ways they may be treated were investigated in severely burned patients receiving prolonged high calorie evenly distributed tube feedings. It was shown that in critically ill patients the absorption of nutrients in the upper regions of the intestine was slightly impaired but the ability to absorb was preserved, which made it possible to provide prolonged evenly distributed tube feeding. For these purposes we used the nutrient mixture ‘Combustal’. Restoration of nitrogen balance could be reached within about 10 days after starting tube feeding. However, the creatine excretion remained high, a manifestation of increased dystrophy of muscle tissue. Pseudocholinesterase activity in serum was also decreased, suggesting subnormal biosynthetic processes. To provide the full correction to normal of the metabolic processes the tube feeding with 'Combustal' should be given for at least a month.