Cholestasis caused by lipid emulsions

Liver function was observed in 35 patients receiving intravenous feeding for more than three weeks. A progressive cholestatic jaundice occurred in ten of 18 patients receiving a lipid emulsion in a dose of 3 grams per kilogram per day. Only one of 17 patients receiving a dose of 1 gram per kilogram per day showed evidence of cholestasis. Neither the type of amino acid preparation used nor the dosage appeared to be a factor. Similarly, the contribution to calories from dextrose did not influence the frequency of cholestasis. The cholestatic jaundice improved with the return to normal of liver function when the lipid emulsion dosage was reduced or intravenous feeding was discontinued.