Fat Emulsions (intravenous)
Preterm Infant Deaths
- Preterm Infant Deaths: have been reported after infusions. Autopsy revealed intravascular fat accumulation in the lungs. Carefully assess benefit/risk ratio prior to treatment
- Total daily dose should not be exceeded (1 g fat/kg in 4 hours)
- Premature and small for gestational age infants: should receive less than maximum recommended doses as they have poor clearance of intravenous fat emulsions
- Monitor infants ability to eliminate infused fat (see monitoring)
Monitoring data
- Closely monitor ability to eliminate infused fat from circulation (serum triglycerides and/or plasma free fatty acids levels. The lipemia must clear between daily infusions.
- Monitor hemogram, blood coagulation, liver function tests, plasma lipid profile, and platelet count (especially in neonates).