The effect of different calorific doses of carbohydrate on nitrogen excretion after surgery.

The protein-sparing effect of different calorific regimens [0.025 MJ (6 kcal); 0.105 MJ (25 kcal); 0.167 MJ (40 kcal) per kg body weight per 24 h] of postoperatively infused glucose has been studied in 18 patients undergoing operations of intermediate severity. Carbohydrate infusion has a progressive nitrogen-sparing effect. However, the increased negative nitrogen balance associated with surgical stress could not be prevented completely.