Resumo

BENITEZ, S. Efecto de la Arginina Sobre el Sistema Inmunológico y Parametros Nutricionales en Pacientes con Cirugías Abdominales Complicadas. Rev. Nac. (Itauguá), dez. 2009, vol.1, no.2, p.31-38. ISSN 2072-8174.

ABSTRACT Supplementation of enteral nutrition with arginine in minimum dose (6 g/day) from the first day of feeding alter a complicated abdominal surgery would have effects on the immune response and plasma proteína levels. Objetives: Investigate the effect of arginine in the total WBC count, percentage of neutrophils and lymhocytes, levels of C Reactive Protein, Albumin, Transferrin, total protein and total lymphocyte count. Methodology: Experimental study in adult patients hospitalized in the Departament of Surgery, National Hospital of Itauguá, during August to February 2009. The patients were randomized to receive 6g/day of Arginine and compared with a placebo group. Result: A significantly increase in the total lymphocyte count and in the levels of transferrin were found in the group who receives arginine. The other variables had no significant variations. Conclusion: The minimum dose Arginine improved the total lymphocyte count and transferrin levels in subjects who had surgery. It is suggested to continue with average dose of Arginine.

Palavras-chave: Arginine; Nutrition Therapy; surgery/postoperative complications.