ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the effects of glutamine(Gln)associated with enternal nutrition supplement on patients with severe pulmonary infection. MethodsSixty patients with severe pulmonary infection were randomly divided into two groups: group A(standard enternal nutrition supplement),group B(standard enternal nutrition supplement+Gln)(5.0 g,nasogastric feeding,tid). The enteral nutrition was given through nasogastric tube by using a pump in both groups,from 500 mL8226;d1 to 1 000 mL8226;d1 gradually(in 3 or 4 days ),at 80~100 mL8226;h1.Prior to treatment and 7 and 14 days after treatment,blood samples were collected for analyzing glutamic acid,glutamine,albumin(ALB),prealbumin(PAB),Creactive protein (CRP),immunonlobulin G(IgG),interleukin6 (IL6),tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα),amount of total peripheral lymphocytes and CD+3,CD+4,CD+4/CD+8. The scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS),the durations of intensive care unit(ICU) stay,mechanical ventilation and 28 day survival rate were compared. ResultsThe Tcell subsets and number of total lymphocytes(14 days after treatment) in group A and B were (1.37±0.23)×109 and (1.95±0.29)×1098226;L1. The levels of serum CRP,IL6,TNFα in group A and B in 14 days were CRP (263.4±18.5) and (137.5±11.3) mg8226;L1;(77.6±32.6) and (62.4±22.5) pg8226;L1;(31.7±12.7) and (24.3±11.4) pg8226;L1,respectively. APACHE II and MODS scores in group A and B by the same time were 17.88±3.27 and 14.37±3.82;8.81±2.57 and 7.72±2.41. CD+3,CD+4 and CD+4/CD+8 in group B were conspicuously raised(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the durations of ICU stay,mechanical ventilation and 28 day survival rate between two groups(P>0.05).ConclusionGlutamine(Gln)plus enternal nutrition remarkably improve immune function of patients with severe pulmonary infection,and promote infection control.