lipofundin-s and Brain-Injuries

In order to assess the metabolic value of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in severely stressed intensive care unit patients, two fat emulsions containing either long-chain triglycerides (LCT), or a mixture of 50% MCT and 50% LCT were compared in 24 head trauma patients over a 10 day period. Variations of serum triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acid, glycerol and phospholipid concentrations remained comparable after both lipid infusions. Bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and transaminase plasma levels were altered in both groups without any significant differences or clinical consequences. Cumulative nitrogen balance remained negative (-10 g N. day-1 i.e. -100 g N. 10 days-1) and comparable in both groups. However, thyroxin-binding prealbumin concentrations increased significantly in patients receiving the MCT/LCT mixture. It is concluded that MCT might have a beneficial effect on visceral protein metabolism after trauma.

Topics: Blood Proteins; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Brain Injuries; Combined Modality Therapy; Critical Care; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Enteral Nutrition; Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Glasgow Coma Scale; Glycerol; Humans; Parenteral Nutrition, Total; Phospholipids; Sorbitol; Soybean Oil; Triglycerides