Effect of Amino Acid Infusion on Hypoproteinemia, Hypoalbuminemia, and Edema in Preterm Neonates

Neelu Mahich, Kanwar Singh, Anil Kumar Jain

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) infusion of amino acids on hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia and on the prevention of edema in preterm neonates

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, prospective cohort study enrolled 100 preterm neonates born at a gestational age between 30 and < 37 weeks. These 100 preterm neonates were divided into 2 groups: 50 neonates in the study group (in which preterm neonates were given an IV infusion of amino acids) and 50 neonates in the control group (in which preterm neonates were not given an IV infusion of amino acids). All the neonates were evaluated for edema and total protein and albumin levels on days 1, 3, and 7 of life.

Results: The mean gestational age of the cohort was 33 weeks (standard deviation [SD] = 2.3, range = 26–36 wk), and the mean birth weight was 1,542 g (SD = 416, range = 880–2,800 g). None of the neonates developed edema in the study group on days 3 and 7, while 17 neonates (34%) and 39 neonates (78%) developed edema on days 3 and 7, respectively, in the control group (P < .001). Total protein and albumin levels had significantly reduced in the control group on day 7 compared with that in the study group (P < .001).

Conclusion: Amino acid infusion in early postnatal life results in significant elevation in total protein and albumin levels in preterm neonates and helps in the prevention of edema.