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Effect of Glutamine and Vitamin C on Interleukin-6 and Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Critical Care
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Glutamine and vitamin C enteral supplement
Registration Number
NCT03166956
Lead Sponsor
Chung Shan Medical University
Brief Summary

Background \& Aims. Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid that was found in reduced plasma amount in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. The supplementations of glutamine and vitamin C potentially have beneficial effects on wound healing and a reduction in infection rate. In this investigation, enteral glutamine and vitamin C were provided for ICU patient, and the associated changes in proinflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes were investigated.

Detailed Description

Background \& Aims. Glutamine is a conditional essential amino acid that was found in reduced plasma amount in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. The supplementation of glutamine in ICU patients has been under much debate. Another nutritional supplement, vitamin C, had a beneficial effect on wound healing and a reduction in infection rate. In this investigation, enteral glutamine and vitamin C were provided for ICU patient, and the associated changes in proinflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes were investigated.

Methods. This is a prospective double-blind randomized study for surgical ICU patients whom can sustain enteral feeding. The test group was provided with glutamine and vitamin C (the GA group); the control (C) group was provided with maltodextrin of equivalent calories as that provided in the GA group. Plasma glutamine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and clinical data were collected and analyzed with biostatistical methods.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
41
Inclusion Criteria
  • Between the ages 20 and 85 years
  • Not enrolled in other clinical trials in the previous 1 month and during the study period
  • Surgical ICU patients cared by the 9 participating surgeons
Exclusion Criteria
  • Older than age 85 years
  • Pregnant women
  • With an abnormal liver function (receiving drugs or clinical therapies)
  • Abnormal renal function (under hemodialysis)
  • Multiple organ failure (more than 2 organs)
  • Expected ICU stay of less than 72 hours

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
GA (glutamine and vitamin C) groupGlutamine and vitamin C enteral supplementInterventions of glutamine and vitamin C enteral supplementations were given to surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Subjects in the GA group received enteral supplement of 10 g L-glutamine and 90 mg vitamin C per serving provided by Nutritec-Enjoy Nutrition Inc. (Taipei, Taiwan).
Control (C) groupGlutamine and vitamin C enteral supplementPlacebo: Subjects in the C group received isocaloric maltodextrin as placebo.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Interleukin-6Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses on the starting day of enteral feeding (day of enrollment), and every 7 days until day of discharge from ICU, or on the day of discharge from ICU, which ever is shorter, assessed up to 14 days.

Blood samples were collected for biochemical on the starting day of enteral feeding, and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU.

Body mass index (BMI)At enrollment.

body height and weight were taken and body mass index (BMI) calculated at baseline.

Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoreAt enrollment.

APACHE II score was calculated to classify the disease severity.

C reactive proteinOn the starting day of enteral feeding (enrollment), and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU, assessed up to 14 days.

Hematological analyses

Interleukin-10Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses on the starting day of enteral feeding (day of enrollment), and every 7 days until day of discharge from ICU, or on the day of discharge from ICU, which ever is shorter, assessed up to 14 days.

Blood samples were collected for biochemical on the starting day of enteral feeding, and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU.

Plasma glutamineBlood samples were collected for biochemical analyses on the starting day of enteral feeding, and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU, assessed up to 14 days.

Blood was collected for analyses of plasma glutamine levels

Red blood cellsOn the starting day of enteral feeding (enrollment), and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU, assessed up to 14 days.

Blood was collected for hematological analyses

HemoglobinOn the starting day of enteral feeding (enrollment), and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU, assessed up to 14 days.

Blood was collected for hematological analyses

White blood cellsOn the starting day of enteral feeding (enrollment), and every 7 days or on the day of discharge from ICU, assessed up to 14 days.

Hematological analyses

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mortality in hospital stayUp to one year

Clinical outcome

Length of ICU stayUp to one year

Clinical outcome

Duration of ventilator useUp to one year

Clinical outcome

ICU infectious complicationsUp to one year

Clinical outcome

Mortality in ICU stayUp to one year

Clinical outcome

Length of hospital stayUp to one year

Clinical outcome

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