No abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the hypothesis that a submaximal insulin dose reverses the net muscle catabolism associated with severe burns, and to determine its effects on amino acid kinetics. Summary Background DataThe authors previously showed that a maximal dose of insulin administered to patients with severe burns promoted skeletal muscle glucose uptake and net protein synthesis. However, this treatment was associated with caloric overload resulting from the large quantities of exogenous glucose required to maintain euglycemia, and hypoglycemia was a potential problem. MethodsThirteen patients were studied after severe burn injury (>60% total body surface area

In severely burned pediatric patients, enteral nutrition supplied predominantly as carbohydrate rather than fat improves the net balance of skeletal muscle protein across the leg. This is attributable to decreased protein breakdown, suggesting a protein-sparing effect of high-carbohydrate feedings.