Plasma arginine and urinary nitrate and nitrite excretion in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and signs of increased pulmonary artery pressure have a deficiency of plasma arginine (ARG) and systemic nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Plasma amino acid concentrations, Doppler pulmonary systolic time intervals (ratio of acceleration time and ejection time corrected for heart rate: AT/ET(C)) and urinary nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined at the 28th day postnatal age and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age in 73 preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestational age. The AT/ET(C) ratios were significantly lower in infants with BPD (n = 32) compared to controls.

Effect of the mode of lipid administration on parenteral nutrition-related infections.

Objective: To determine if total nutrient admixtures (TNAs) influence the rate of infection in clinical practice.

Design: Prospective, randomized trial.

Setting: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.