The effects of a short-term long-chain-triglyceride infusion on the postoperative immune function of pediatric patients receiving a gastrointestinal surgical procedure.

Objective: This clinical trial investigates whether short-term administration of long chain triglycerides (LCT) has any influence on the immune function in children following gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods: Sixty pediatric patients receiving a gastrointestinal operation were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 24). After abdominal operation, the subjects received parenteral nutrition (PN) support with or without LCT for 5 days. The patients' fasting blood samples were respectively collected at 24 hours preoperative, then 24 hours and 120 hours postoperative. Blood parameters related to the patients' immune function were measured.

Results: Before surgery and LCT treatment, the experimental group and control group did not differ significantly in overall state of health. Except for a small increase of serum IgM at 24 hours postsurgery (p < .05), all parameters representing the patients' immune function showed no significant difference between the LCT group and the control group with respect to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), T lymphocyte, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM, complement C3, C4, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IFN-gamma (p > .05, respectively) before the operation, 24 hours and 120 hours after the operation.

Conclusions: A short-term LCT administration at an appropriate dosage and infusion speed does not alter the pediatric patients' immune function after gastrointestinal surgery. The etiology and clinical significance of the slightly increased IgM 24 hours postsurgery need to be further investigated.