Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:40
Preparation and Pathogen Inactivation of Double Dose Buffy Coat Platelet Products using the INTERCEPT Blood System
Published on: December 7, 2012
Hazards of parenteral treatment: do particles count?
J W Puntis1, K M Wilkins, P A Ball
1Institute of Child Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham Maternity Hospital.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Particulate contaminants in parenteral nutrition, particularly from fat emulsions, are linked to pulmonary hypertension and arteritis in infants. Filtration of intravenous infusions may mitigate these particle-associated risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential for some infants but carries potential risks.
- Pulmonary hypertension and granulomatous pulmonary arteritis have been observed in infants receiving PN.
- Particulate matter in intravenous infusions is a suspected contributor to these adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PN and pulmonary vascular lesions in infants.
- To quantify particulate contamination in common PN components.
- To assess the potential of in-line filtration to reduce particle load.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy review of infants receiving PN compared to sudden infant death syndrome controls.
- Automated particle counting and optical microscopy to quantify particles in amino acid/dextrose solutions and fat emulsions.
- Calculation of daily particle load in a standard infant PN regimen.
Main Results:
- Two of 41 infants on PN showed pulmonary artery granulomata, versus none in 32 controls.
- Parenteral feed infusions contained approximately 37,000 particles (2-100 microns) daily for a 3000g infant.
- Fat emulsions accounted for 80% of the total particle load.
Conclusions:
- Particulate contaminants in PN, predominantly from fat emulsions, are implicated in infant pulmonary arteritis.
- In-line filtration of intravenous infusions is a potential strategy to reduce particle-associated complications.
- Development of effective filters for lipid emulsions is needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:25Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The administration of drugs via parenteral routes allows for direct drug introduction into the systemic circulation, resulting in high bioavailability because the medication bypasses the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic metabolism.
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
01:28Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
Parenteral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern therapeutics by enabling the direct administration of drugs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. These systems are particularly valuable for poorly absorbed oral medications that are unstable in the digestive environment or require rapid onset or sustained therapeutic levels. Delivery is achieved through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes, each selected based on the drug's properties...