The effects of protein hydrolysate-monosaccharide infusion on low-birth-weight infants

Four neonates who weighed between 940 and 1,200 Gm. at birth were studied for themetabolic effects of the infusion of a solution of 4.5 per cent protein hydrolysate with 13.5 per cent monosaccharide. Infusion for 48 hours resulted in increased serum and urine osmolality, positive potassium balance, negative sodium balance, increased serum urea nitrogen, increased blood glucose and total hexose, and decreased aortic arterial pH. One infant developed Candida albicans sepsis. From these limited data it is concluded that before prolonged parenteral alimentation is applied clinically to the care of low-birth-weight neonates, the relationship of benefit to risk must be evaluated by controlled studies.