Pediatric TPN: efficacy and toxicity of a new fat emulsion

Fat emulsions are particularly valuable in pediatric total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because they provide an isotonic solution rich in calories. Little is known about the ideal composition of fatty acid emulsions, however, and very few formulations are commercially available. A new fat emulsion using a safflower oil base has recently been approved. We have used this new emulsion to provide a significant percentage of the nonprotein caloric requirements (24 to 42%) in 4 patients requiring TPN. These patients ranged in age from 1 to 15 years and received no enteral nutrition during the 3-week course of the study. Nutritional improvement without major toxic effects was documented in each patient.