[Efficacy of the dipeptide N(2)-L-Alanyl-L-glutamine in traumatic patients admitted to the ICU: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicentre study].

Hypothesis: the endovenous administration of glutamine, independently of the type of nurtrition received, can reduce the ICU length of stay, the incidence of infections and the mortality in the traumatic patients admitted to the ICU.

Objectives: The main objective is to assess the efficacy of glutamine suplementation, given intravenously, to reduce the incidence of infectious complications, mortality and ICU length of stay in the traumatic patients admitted to the ICU. Other objectives are: 1) to assess the efficacy of glutamine in different groups of patients according to the severity and the plasma levels of glutamine. 2) Record all the adverse events due to the intravenous administration of glutamine.

Methods: prospective, randomized, doble-blind and multicenter study with two parallel groups: placebo and treatment group. The patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria will receive either glutamine or placebo, independently of the type on nutrition. Glutamine will be administered as a pharmaconutrient at 0.5 g/kg/day during 5 days as a continous perfusion.