The effect of growth hormone on nutritional markers in enterally fed immobilized trauma patients.

Background: Earlier clinical studies have demonstrated improved nitrogen balance in nonstressed patients receiving hypocaloric feedings and growth hormone (GH). This study investigates the effect of GH on nitrogen balance, on serum protein concentrations, and on other indices of nutrition when combined with enteral feeding in immobilized patients after closed-head injury or spinal cord injury.

Methods: Sixteen patients who tolerated enteral feedings and remained nonseptic were randomized to receive either placebo or 0.

Visceral protein response to enteral versus parenteral nutrition and sepsis in patients with trauma.

Background: Sepsis and the route of nutrient administration are clearly related to visceral protein levels; however, the mechanisms and amount of influence are not completely defined.

Methods: Constitutive and acute-phase protein levels were measured on days 1, 4, 7, and 10 in 68 severely injured patients with abdominal trauma indexes of 15 or more randomized to enteral or parenteral feeding. Groups were matched for age, abdominal trauma index, injury severity score, and length of stay.

Comparison of specialized and standard enteral formulas in trauma patients.

Study Objective: To compare selected nutrition and immunologic markers and infection in trauma patients receiving a specialized enteral formula with those receiving standard enteral therapy.

Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Setting: Level 1 trauma center at a county government hospital.

Effect of hypoalbuminemia and parenteral nutrition on free water excretion and electrolyte-free water resorption.

Objective: To measure the effect of human albumin supplementation during parenteral nutrition on serum albumin concentrations, colloid oncotic pressure, free water clearance, electrolyte-free water resorption, and sodium excretion.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Tertiary care center.