The inhibitory effect of parenteral nutrition on recovery of neutrophil locomotory function in blunt trauma.

Twenty patients were investigated to determine whether total parenteral nutrition (TPN) influences the recovery of neutrophil (PMN) locomotory dysfunction in blunt trauma. Half were given TPN consisting of amino acids, glucose, electrolytes, and trace minerals, and half were given intravenous (I.V.) fluids consisting of 5% glucose in water or saline, electrolytes, and trace minerals. PMN locomotion was assayed using micropore filters. Analysis of the data by general linear modeling showed that PMN locomotion in TPN patients was significantly slower during the first 3 to 4 days postinjury. By sequential analysis, improved PMN function in the group not given TPN (NO TPN) occurred less than 95% of the time. TPN with amino acids and glucose may worsen and delay the recovery of PMN locomotory responses in blunt trauma, but the preference ratio of NO TPN:TPN for better PMN function was less than 95:5.