Calcium and phosphate solubility in neonatal parenteral nutrient solutions containing TrophAmine

Significant amounts of calcium and phosphate are required in neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN) regimens to ensure adequate supplementation and prevention of metabolic bone disease. Current clinical recommendations for calcium and phosphate requirements in neonatal PN cannot be achieved with traditional amino acid formulations. The solubility curves of these amion acids do not allow the appropriate doses of calcicum and phosphate to be achieved, therefore placing the neonate at risk of receiving a precipitated infusion. Fitzgerald and MacKay investigated the calcium and phosphate solubility of TrophAmine, an amino acid injection developed for neonatal PN. The results of their findings allow higher concentrations of calcium and phosphate to be added to each pediatric PH regimen while maintaing solubility, therefore safely allowing higher concentrations of calcium and phosphate to be added to each prediatric PN regimen. The pivotal nature of Fitzgerald and MacKay's paper changed how practitioners address calcium and phosphate supplementation in the nutrition support of the neonatal patient.