Volume kinetics of glucose 2.5% solution and insulin resistance after abdominal hysterectomy.
BACKGROUND
We hypothesized that volume kinetics can be used to predict the rate of infusion of glucose 2.5% solution required to yield any predetermined plasma glucose level and degree of plasma dilution during the postoperative period.


METHODS
In 15 women, mean age 50 yr (range 37-63), 2 days after an abdominal hysterectomy, a volume kinetic analysis was performed on an i.v. infusion of 12.5 ml kg(-1) ( approximately 900 ml) of glucose 2.5% given over 45 min. The insulin resistance was measured by a glucose clamp, and it was compared with daily bioimpedance analyses, which indicated the hydration of the intra/extracellular body fluid spaces.


RESULTS
The clearance of glucose was 0.42 litre min(-1) (0.60 litre min(-1) is normal) while the other five parameters in the kinetic model were similar to those obtained in healthy volunteers. Computer simulations indicated that in a 70-kg female, at steady state, the rate of infusion (ml min(-1)) should be three times the allowed increase in plasma glucose (mmol litre(-1)). To maintain a predetermined plasma dilution the corresponding rate factor was 160. The glucose uptake during clamping was 3.9 mg kg(-1) min(-1) (7.0 is normal), which, during the second day after hysterectomy, correlated with the dehydration of the intracellular space (r=0.77; P<0.002) and with the protein catabolism as indicated by the urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine (r=-0.76, P<0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
The anaesthetist can prescribe postoperative administration of glucose 2.5% to reach any desired plasma glucose level and dilution by using the two presented nomograms. Insulin resistance correlated with intracellular dehydration and protein catabolism.
Strandberg
P
P
Department of Anaesthesia, Söder Hospital, Sweden.
Hahn
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017097:Electric Impedance; D045604:Extracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D015309:Glucose Clamp Technique; D006438:Hemodilution / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005947:Glucose