Plasma glutamine levels in patients after non-elective or elective ICU admission: an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A low plasma glutamine level at the time of acute admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is an independent predictor of an unfavourable outcome in critically ill patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in plasma glutamine levels upon non-elective or elective ICU admission. The secondary objective was to compare glutamine levels over time, and to determine correlations between glutamine levels and the severity of illness and presence of infection in ICU patients.

Methods

We performed a single-centre observational study in a closed-format, 22-bed, mixed ICU. Plasma glutamine levels were measured at admission and every morning at 6.00 a.m. during the ICU stay. We aimed to include at least 80 patients per group.

SUBMITTER: Buter H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4787198 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature