Effect of Glutamine Supplemented Nutrition Support on Protein and Glutamine Metabolism in Burns

The Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)received as part of your routine burn care has optimal levels of protein and sugar, however the best mixture of amino acids for a patient with burn wounds is not yet known. Amino acids occur naturally in the body and the food we eat. The body combines amino acids to make protein. It uses the proteins to do things such as heal wounds, fight infection, and provide energy. We are studying if the body's use of protein is increased after receiving TPN containing the amino acid called glutamine. We hope to learn the best composition of TPN so that the body can more efficiently repair wounded tissues and recover earlier from an acute burn injury.