J Neurointensive Care.  2023 Apr;6(1):57-62. 10.32587/jnic.2023.00640.

Analysis of Nitrogen Balance Test in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

• Kim DH
• Oh J

• KMID: 2555082
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.32587/jnic.2023.00640

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to analyze the catabolic phases of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by performing the Nitrogen Balance Test (NB Test).
Methods
This single-centered, retrospective study included data from 292 patients who underwent NB tests from 2019 to 2022 and categorized them as TBI and Non-TBI groups. The basic clinical factors (gender, age, and initial GCS), critical care factors (APACHE, SOFA, and ICU stay days), and outcomes (GOS). The trend of the NB test was investigated in all groups and analyzed the statistical correlation of the NB test was with severity, critical care factors, and outcomes.
Results
A total of 52 patients were found to have TBI. The 26 out of 52 TBI patients underwent the second NB test 1 week after the first NB test. The deficiency of protein calculated was 24.375 g. There was a significant statistical difference of NB test patterns between the non-TBI and TBI patients.
Conclusion
Physicians should be aware of the catabolic phases of acute TBI events indicating notable protein loss in the patients. Therefore, we should consider the additional supply of protein when managing TBI patients.

Keyword

Nitrogen balance test; Malnutrition; Traumatic brain injury; Neurocritical care