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Parenteral fish oil-associated burr cell anemia
Husam S Mallah1, Marilyn R Brown, Thomas M Rossi
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Section, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 667 Rochester, NY 14642, USA. husam_mallah@urmc.rochester.edu
The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 29, 2010
Summary
Parenteral fish oil supplementation may cause burr cell anemia in infants with short bowel syndrome. Discontinuing the fish oil led to the anemia
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) often necessitates long-term parenteral nutrition (PN).
- Total parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) is a significant complication in infants with SBS.
- Fish oil-based lipid emulsions are used to manage PNALD.
Observation:
- An infant with SBS developed PNALD and subsequently burr cell anemia.
- The anemia emerged after initiating parenteral fish oil (Omegaven).
Findings:
- Burr cell anemia resolved after discontinuing parenteral fish oil.
- This suggests a potential association between parenteral fish oil and hemolytic anemia in this context.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor for hemolytic anemia in infants receiving parenteral fish oil.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of fish oil-induced hemolytic anemia.
