[Comparative study of production and control processes of parenteral nutritional admixtures in neonatology]

To assess the impact of disparities in production and analytical control processes on the quality of parenteral nutrition (PN) preparations produced in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

This study was carried out in four hospital pharmacies of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. To assess the impact of production processes, each centre produced ten PN preparations from the same prescription. Analytical controls (sodium, potassium and calcium dosage) were carried out on all the preparations. To assess the impact of the control processes, a batch of ten preparations was produced from the same prescription. Samples were sent to the four hospital pharmacies for analytical control (sodium, potassium and calcium dosage).

Measurements of relative production bias show that there is a significant difference between the preparations from the four centres in terms of sodium and potassium content. Each centre had at least one production bias for one of the three electrolytes measured. Concerning analytical controls, there was a significant difference between the four centres in the sodium and potassium levels measured. With the exception of calcium, all the centres reported measurements within the usual specifications of±10% of the target value. The results obtained have no clinically significant impact.

The diversity of NP practices has a real impact on the quality of the preparations made. A regional collaboration should be envisaged to standardise patient care.