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Measurement of elemental nitrogen by chemiluminescence: an evaluation of the Antek nitrogen analyzer system
Author(s) -
Dechert RE,
Cerny JC,
Bartlett RH
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607190014002195
Subject(s) - chemiluminescence , spectrum analyzer , nitrogen , chemistry , environmental chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , chromatography , computer science , organic chemistry , telecommunications
Application of indirect calorimetry has aided nutritional support and management in critically ill populations. However, knowledge of resting energy expenditure is only one‐half of the nutritional profile. Knowledge of protein losses and requirements are also important. Attainment of positive protein balance is believed to play an important role in wound healing, host defenses, morbidity, and mortality. Previous limitations of the measurement of protein losses (time and cost) have limited its application to the ICU patient. This report describes a relatively new technology which measures elemental nitrogen in biologic samples. We have found this instrument to be fast, accurate, easy to calibrate and use. Its application in the critically ill patient allows us to monitor daily changes in protein losses and balance.