Monitoring of protein catabolism in neonates and young infants post-cardiac surgery.

Aims: To evaluate cell catabolism by balance of nitrogen and phosphate, and creatinine excretion in children post-cardiac surgery; to establish protein and energy requirements to minimize catabolism; and to assess nutritional therapy by following these parameters and serial anthropometric measurements.

Methods: A prospective observational study of children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood samples and 24-h urine collections were obtained postoperatively for creatinine measurement and nitrogen and phosphate balance.