Effects of L-glutamine Granules on Protein Metabolism and Immunofunction in Severely Burned Patients

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of L-glutamine granules on protein metabolism and immunofunction in severely burned patients.METHODS:39 severe burn patients(total burn surface areas 30%～60%,full thickness burn areas 20%～50%) were randomly divided into two groups:control group(C group,19 patients) and glutamine treatment group(GLN group,20 patients).GLN group patients were given glutamine granules 0.5g/kg daily for 7 days,and C group were given same weight placebo for 7 days.The concentrations of plasma glutamine,prealbumin,transferrin,immunological globulin and IL-2 were determined.Moreover,the wound healing rate of burn area was observed and then hospital stay days were recorded.RESULTS:After 7 days of taking glutamine,the concentrations of plasma glutamine,prealbumin,transferrin IgG,IgM and IL-2 in GLN group were significant higher than those in before medication and C group(P0.01),but the concentration of IgA had no marked changes in comparison with C group(P0.05).The wound healing rate was faster and hospital stay days were shorter in GLN group than those in C group(P0.05).CONCLUSION:Taking glutamine could promote protein synthesis,enhance immunofunction,raise wound healing rate and reduce hospital stay day obviously.