Corrado Manni

ANTICATABOLIC PROPERTIES OF BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS IN TRAUMA

The anticatabolic properties of branched chain amino acids enriched protein solutions in 22 patients with multiple trauma have been evaluated. Nitrogen balance, nitrogen output, the daily change of blood urea nitrogen, plasma albumin and total protein levels were recorded daily. Each 2 days free amino acids and 3-methyl histidine urinary concentrations were measured. The results obtained in the study suggest that in trauma patients high ratios of essential amino acids/total nitrogen are needed and that amino acid solutions enriched in branched chain amino acids are most effective in preventing muscle catabolism and promoting protein synthesis.

Information Systems in Emergency Medicine

In Emergency Medicine the need for information is vital. Our experience is mainly concentrated in the use of computers in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Laboratory and the Anti-Poison Center. We have gained experience with several different types of computers: Personal computers, interfaced with analytical instruments and equipped for graphic representation, have been used in the ICU and the Laboratory. In the Anti-Poison Center terminals connected to a main frame with virtually an unlimited memory and capacity allows the storage of a large amount of data and the performance of complex permutations.

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE

A study has been carried out on patients presenting respiratory failure from chronic obstructive lung disease. Acid-base balance, electrolytes and amino acids levels have been studied in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients in hypercapnic coma and results compared with those observed in patients with primary acute hypercapnia. Additional cardiopulmonary measurements were made. The study has shown evidence of significant modification of the distribution ratios of plasma and CSF electrolytes and amino acids, particularly in the patients with coma. The changes seem to be related to variations of the transmembrane potentials and alterations of some metabolic pathways involved in the homeostasis and in neurotransmission. Finally some of the changes of amino acid in plasma and CSF appear significantly correlated to variations in pulmonary function and to modification of acid-base balance observed both in plasma and CSF.