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Phenylalanine, Methionine and Histidine Requirements in TPN Fed Neonates

Phenylalanine, Methionine and Histidine Requirements in Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Fed Neonates

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05562310
Enrollment
60
Registered
2022-09-30
Start date
2023-04-02
Completion date
2027-09-02
Last updated
2025-05-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), Stable Neonates

Keywords

Neonates, Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), Phenylalanine, Methionine, Histidine

Brief summary

This is a single center project assessing the requirements for three essential amino acids in TPN fed neonates. Using the Carbon Oxidation method (indicator amino oxidation and direct amino acid oxidation method), the investigators will determine the requirement of each of the 3 amino acids. The investigators will first determine the requirement for Phenylalanine, then Methionine and finally Histidine. The investigators will recruit 18 - 20 babies per amino acid study. Breath and urine samples will be collected to determine the oxidation of the indicator amino acid. The response of the indicator amino acid to changes in intake of the test amino acid (phenylalanine, methionine, and histidine) will be analyzed by bi-phase linear mixed effect model to determine the breakpoint or mean requirement for each amino acid. It is hypothesized that the requirement for phenylalanine, methionine and histidine will be at least 50% lower than what is currently available in commercial amino acids solutions used for TPN feeding of neonates.

Detailed description

The study is based on the carbon oxidation protocol. Each baby will receive one or two levels of either phenylalanine or methionine or histidine. Each level will be assessed over a two-day period. On day 1: each baby will receive a standard pediatric amino acid solution, Primene used in the NICU and L-\[1-13C\]Na Bicarbonate will be given to measure carbon dioxide production. On day 2: he/she will receive the appropriate TPN Test Solution made up of the appropriate Bulk Amino Acid solution (for Phenylalanine/ Methionine/ Histidine Studies) with a different amount of the amino acid being investigated. To see how these amino acids are used in the body the investigators will add a small amount (calculated based on the body weight of the baby) of the amino acid L-\[1-13C\]phenylalanine to the amino acid solution. Breath and urine will be collected from the baby to study the oxidation of the L -\[1-13C\]phenylalanine. The investigators will take 2 x 0.75 ml blood to measure plasma amino acid concentration. The investigators will aim to coordinate blood taking with regular blood work done for clinical monitoring.

Interventions

DRUGTotal parenteral nutrition (TPN). This is total nutrition provided by central vein.

phenylalanine, methionine and histidine intakes will be varied in the TPN solutions to study the requirements for each of these amino acids in neonates that are TPN fed.

Sponsors

The Hospital for Sick Children
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
1 Days to 28 Days
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Stable preterm babies that are growing and fully TPN fed (at least 90% of calories and protein). 2. TPN providing adequate calories and protein as determined by attending physician and dietitian. 3. Babies born ≥ 28 weeks gestation, 4. ≤ 28 days chronological age at the time of the study, 5. Birth weight and length appropriate for gestational age, 6. Medically stable as determined by normal blood results and lack of a fever or infection, 7. At least 3 days after surgery, if the baby had a surgery.

Exclusion criteria

1. Babies on mechanical ventilation, on low flow oxygen and CPAP. 2. Small for gestational age, 3. On medications known to affect protein and amino acid metabolism, 4. Documented infection, fever 5. Unstable medical condition 6. Receiving enteral feeding providing \> 10% of protein intake.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Amino acid oxidation using a labelled amino acid.48 hrsBreath samples will be collected and analyzed to determine the amount of amino acid oxidized. This will be used to determine the amount retained in the body and therefore the amount that is required for protein synthesis.

Countries

Canada

Contacts

Primary ContactGlenda Courtney-Martin
glenda.courtney-martin@sickkids.ca4168135744
Backup ContactMahroukh Rafii
mahroukh.rafii@sickkids.ca6472151201

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026