Short-term effects of fat emulsion on serum lipids in postoperative patients.

The effect of short-term infusion of intravenous fat on serum lipids was assessed in 23 patients who had elective cancer operations and were given 20% Intralipid for 5 days postoperatively as part of a standard total parenteral nutrition regimen. Serum lipids were measured prior to, during and after the 5-day infusion period. The percentage of cholesterol as high-density lipoproteins (HDL) fell from a mean preinfusion value of 34.7 +/- 2.8 to 27.9 +/- 2.5 (p less than 0.05), while the percentage of cholesterol as low-density lipoproteins (LDL) increased from 40.7 +/- 2.2 to 46.8 +/- 3.4 (p less than 0.05). Serum triglycerides fell significantly (p less than 0.01) from 106.2 +/- 13.7 mg/dl to 64.6 +/- 8.8 mg/dl at 3 days, being 85.3 +/- 3.7 mg/dl at 5 days. No significant change in percent cholesterol as very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), or levels of serum total cholesterol or phospholipids occurred. Lipoprotein X was detectable in six patients after 5 days. To study triglyceride clearance 1.7 g/kg of fat emulsion was infused over 8 hr and serial blood samples obtained. Within 3 hr of stopping the fat infusion, triglyceride levels had fallen to preinfusion values.

Use of 20% fat emulsion in total parenteral nutrition.

Sixteen elderly postoperative patients were randomized in a crossover study comparing isocaloric volumes of 20% and 10% fat emulsions used for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The caloric intake was maintained constant during the two 7-day periods of each infusion. The indices measured after each period were total volume of fluid administered, change in body weight, hematocrit, serum sodium, creatinine, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, inorganic phosphate, and cholesterol. The total volume of 10% isocaloric nutrient solution was significantly (p less than .05) greater than that of the 20% solution. A rise in body weight and a fall in serum indices of hydration status were observed; five patients developed clinical signs of overhydration while on the 10% solution. These changes did not occur with the 20% solution. Thus, isocaloric substitution of a 20% fat emulsion for a 10% fat emulsion with TPN prevented overhydration and hemodilution without compromising nutrient intake.

Altered gentamicin pharmacokinetics during the perioperative period.

The effect of surgery on the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin sulfate in hospitalized patients was studied. Patients with cancer undergoing surgery of the head and neck were given gentamicin sulfate in doses calculated to achieve peak serum concentrations of 6-8 micrograms/mL and trough concentrations of 1-2 micrograms/mL. Each patient received a loading dose at the time of surgical incision, followed by five maintenance doses at eight-hour intervals. Steady-state peak and trough serum gentamicin concentrations were predicted using a one-compartment open pharmacokinetic model and literature values for volume of distribution (V) and first-order elimination rate constant (k). Serum gentamicin concentrations were measured 0.25 hours before and at 0.5, 3.5, and 6.5 hours after completion of infusion of the second maintenance dose. Peak and trough serum concentrations were obtained by extrapolation from these measured concentrations using weighted, nonlinear least squares regression. Predicted versus measured serum gentamicin concentrations and estimated versus observed values for V and k were compared. Eight men and seven women had evaluable serum gentamicin concentrations. Patients received a mean calculated maintenance dose of 4.4 +/- 0.7 mg/kg/day. Mean extrapolated peak and trough serum gentamicin concentrations were significantly lower than predicted, and observed values of V and k were significantly greater than estimated values. Gentamicin dosages calculated using standard pharmacokinetic variable values may not produce therapeutic concentrations in patients undergoing surgery. Monitoring of serum concentrations with dosage adjustment when indicated is necessary for optimal therapy in these patients.

Amelioration of metabolic complications of conventional total parenteral nutrition. A prospective randomized study.

The most common metabolic complications of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), glucose intolerance and abnormal liver function, can be significantly reduced when 30% of the glucose calories are replaced by fat. We gave 88 patients either conventional TPN (CON-TPN, 25% dextrose and 4.25% amino acids) or modified TPN (MOD-TPN, 15% dextrose, fat, and 5% amino acids). The treatment groups were as follows: group A, no surgery with TPN only; group B, postoperative TPN; and group C, preoperative and postoperative TPN. Serial blood samples were analyzed for glucose, albumin, triglycerides, and insulin, and for liver function values. Nine patients manifested hyperglycemia and were removed from the study; seven patients had received CON-TPN and two had received MOD-TPN. In group A, the insulin level rose 50% less with MOD-TPN. There was a 50% smaller rise in the triglyceride, SGOT, and SGPT levels in patients who received MOD-TPN. Replacing one third of the TPN glucose calories with fat leads to better glucose tolerance and fewer hepatic complications.