The acute effects of intralipid on lung function.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Critical Care
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Intralipid, a lipid emulsion, is commonly used for parenteral nutrition.
• Concerns exist regarding potential lung injury from the fatty acids within intralipid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of oleic acid and intralipid on pulmonary function.
• To determine if intralipid protects against oleic acid-induced lung injury.

Main Methods:

• Open-chested, mechanically ventilated dogs were used to measure lobar perfusion, shunt, and lung edema.
• Groups received oleic acid, intralipid, or oleic acid suspended in intralipid.
• Pulmonary parameters were assessed at different time points.

Main Results:

• Oleic acid alone significantly increased pulmonary shunt and edema and decreased perfusion.
• Intralipid administration did not alter pulmonary shunt, perfusion, or edema.
• Oleic acid suspended in intralipid caused less lung injury than oleic acid alone.

Conclusions:

• Intralipid has no acute adverse effects on pulmonary gas exchange, blood flow, or edema.
• Intralipid may offer protection against the deleterious effects of free fatty acids on the lungs.