Resting Energy Expenditure and Nutritional Status in Children with Sickle Cell Disease after Glutamine Supplementation

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether glutamine supplementation has an effect on resting energy expenditure (REE) and nutritional status in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).Design Subjects were supplemented orally with glutamine (600 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Nutritional parameters, which included REE, weight, height, albumin, and calorie and protein intakes, were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of glutamine supplementation. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry under standard conditions. The Harris-Benedict equations were used to calculate predicted energy needs.Subjects Five children with SCD (HbSS) (4 boys and I girl), aged 5 to 15 years, participated in the study.Statistical analysis performed Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population. Dependent samples t-test was performed to determine whether pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements differed. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between variables.Results No significant difference was found between pre-treatment and post-treatment REE measurements. At baseline, the mean REE was 18% higher than the predicted formula. The mean albumin level after the supplemental period was significantly lower than the baseline level; however, albumin levels remained within normal limits. A significant negative correlation was found between baseline protein intake and baseline albumin level.Application/conclusion These data support findings that children with SCD may be hypermetabolic and have enhanced energy requirements. A larger study is needed to determine the effect glutamine supplementation has on REE and nutritional status in children with SCD.