The infusion of glucose with amino acids on the first day
of life decreases protein catabolism, increases protein incorporation
rates, can help lower plasma glucose concentrations
and should be started within the first days of
life.17,19 Studies comparing a high versus low supply of amino
acids in the first days of life showed that high protein
supplies resulted in increased protein incorporation without
increasing toxicity,20-26 with initial supplies of 3.0 g/
kg/day being recommended. In our study, only 53% received
amino acids in the first 48 hours of life, and the
initial and maximum supplies were low, taking 6 to 7 days
to reach the maximum supply. This practice exposed newborns
to a negative protein balance and may have contributed
to the low supply of glucose and energy.