Use of glycerol in peripheral parenteral nutrition
Fairfull-Smith, R.J.; Stoski, D.; Freeman, J.B.
Surgery 92(4): 728-732
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 6812230 Document Number: 194882
Fasting patients about to undergo major abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to receive 3% amino acids with or without 3% glycerol. The solution was infused by peripheral vein for 5 days, starting the morning after surgery. Routine monitoring, blood tests and nitrogen balance tests were made during that time. No adverse reaction to either solution was seen. Liver function tests, electrolytes and haematological values were similar in both groups. The cumulative N balance was better in the amino acid plus glycerol group (+5 plus or minus 3.3 g) than in the amino acid group (-9.7 plus or minus 3 g). Serum insulin values were higher and serum free fatty acids lower in the amino acid plus glycerol group. Glycerol value increased and plateaued by the third day in the amino acid plus glycerol patients. Amino acids plus glycerol are safe in solution to give by peripheral vein. The addition of glycerol improves N balance as compared with amino acids alone.