Initial effect of injury on ketone bodies and other blood metabolites.

The arterial and venous concentrations of ketone bodies and other metabolites were measured in twelve adults, from 2 to 24 hours after injury. Two groups could be distinguished, with or without hyperketonaemia (defined as more than 0.2 mmol per litre) in the 2-hour blood-sample. In the hyperdetonaemic group the concentrations of alanine, pyruvate, and lactate and the urinary nitrogen excretion were lower throughout the first 24 hours than in the non-hyperdetonaemic group. These preliminary results indicate that hyperketonaemia after trauma is associated with decreased protein breakdown.