Inpatient outcomes of preterm infants receiving ω-3 enriched lipid emulsion (SMOFlipid): an observational study

Comparative effectiveness of two lipid emulsions in preventing retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants requiring parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVES

The main aim was to compare the effects of two parenteral lipid emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence, severity, and need for treatment. Secondary aim was to compare the effect on weight gain in the first 6 weeks of life.

METHODS

Single-center, observational, retrospective study analyzing preterm infants with a gestational age < 31 weeks and a birth weight < 1,251 g, born between April 2015 and December 2018. The infants' medical records were reviewed to collect clinical data. Parenteral nutrition details were obtained from the hospital pharmacy database.

RESULTS

In total, 180 patients were included: 90 received ClinOleic® and 90 received SMOFlipid®. No significant differences were observed for the incidence of ROP (40% in ClinOleic® group and 41% in SMOFlipid® group, p=0.88) or ROP requiring treatment (4% and 10% respectively, p=0.152). Weekly weight gain was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no difference between the two groups regarding ROP, ROP requiring treatment or weekly weight gain in the first 6 weeks of life.

Comparative effectiveness of two lipid emulsions in preventing retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants requiring parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVES

The main aim was to compare the effects of 2 parenteral lipid emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence, severity, and need for treatment. Secondary aim was to compare the effect on weight gain in the first 6 weeks of life.

METHODS

Single-center, observational, retrospective study analyzing preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) <31 weeks and a birth weight <1251 g born between April 2015 and December 2018. The infants' medical records were reviewed to collect clinical data. Parenteral nutrition (PN) details were obtained from the hospital pharmacy database.

RESULTS

In total, 180 patients were included: 90 received ClinOleic® and 90 received SMOFlipid®. No significant differences were observed for the incidence of ROP (40% in ClinOleic® group and 41% in SMOFlipid® group, p=.88) or ROP requiring treatment (4% and 10%, respectively, p=.152). Weekly weight gain was similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no difference between the 2 groups regarding ROP, ROP requiring treatment, or weekly weight gain in the first 6 weeks of life.

Temporal Trends in Severe Brain Injury and Associated Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

INTRODUCTION

Severe brain injury (SBI), including severe intraventricular haemorrhage (sIVH) and cystic periventricular leukomalacia, poses significant challenges for preterm infants, yet recent data and trends are limited.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted using the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network data on preterm infants born <32 weeks' gestation admitted at Monash Children's Hospital, Australia, from January 2014 to April 2021. The occurrence and trends of SBI and sIVH among preterm infants, along with the rates and trends of death and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in SBI infants were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1,609 preterm infants, 6.7% had SBI, and 5.6% exhibited sIVH. A total of 37.6% of infants with SBI did not survive to discharge, with 92% of these deaths occurring following redirection of clinical care. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 65.2% of SBI survivors, while 86.4% of SBI survivors experienced NDI. No statistically significant differences were observed in the temporal trends of SBI (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.08 [0.97-1.20]; p = 0.13) or sIVH (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.09 [0.97-1.21]; p = 0.11). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference noted in the temporal trend of the composite outcome, which included death or NDI among infants with SBI (adjusted OR [95% CI] 0.90 [0.53-1.53]; p = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

Neither the rates of SBI nor its associated composite outcome of death or NDI improved over time. A notable proportion of preterm infants with SBI faced redirection of care and subsequent mortality, while most survivors exhibited adverse neurodevelopmental challenges. The development of better therapeutic interventions is imperative to improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

[Comparison of the impact of different fat emulsions on clinical outcomes in preterm infants with varying duration of parenteral nutrition: a randomized controlled multicenter study]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the impact of two types of fat emulsion on clinical outcomes in preterm infants with varying duration of parenteral nutrition (PN).

METHODS

Preterm infants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: medium/long-chain triglyceride fat emulsion (referred to as MCT/LCT) group or multi-oil fat emulsion (containing soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil; referred to as SMOF) group. The infants were stratified into groups based on the duration of PN (15-21 days, 22-28 days, and ≥29 days). Clinical characteristics, nutritional status, biochemical indicators, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the MCT/LCT group, the SMOF group had lower peak levels of triglyceride during the hospital stay in preterm infants with PN of 15-21 days, 22-28 days, and ≥29 days, respectively (P<0.05). Logistic regression trend analysis showed that with a longer duration of PN, the risk of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) significantly increased in the MCT/LCT group (P<0.05), while the risk of brain injury did not significantly change (P>0.05). In the SMOF group, the risks of PNAC and BPD did not significantly change with a longer duration of PN (P>0.05), but the risk of brain injury significantly decreased (P=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to MCT/LCT, SMOF have better lipid tolerance. With a longer duration of PN, SMOF does not increase the risks of PNAC and BPD and had a protective effect against brain injury. This suggests that in preterm infants requiring long-term PN, the use of SMOF is superior to MCT/LCT.

Lipid strategies to prevent intestinal failure-associated liver disease in neonates: A pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs in up to 50% of neonates treated with prolonged parenteral nutrition. Preventative strategies for IFALD include soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) minimization and use of mixed-oil intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE). We conducted a pilot study prospectively comparing these two ILE strategies in the prevention of IFALD in neonates who required abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We randomized eligible neonates to SOLE at 1 g/kg/day (SOLE Min) or mixed-oil ILE containing fish oil (MOLE) at 3 g/kg/day. These treatment groups were also compared with historic controls who received SOLE at 2-3 g/kg/day (SOLE Historic). We defined IFALD as a direct bilirubin >2 mg/dl on two measurements. Secondary outcomes included laboratory, growth, clinical, and nutrition outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 24 prospective and 24 historic patients were included. There was no difference in the rate of IFALD. However, there was a difference in the weekly change of direct bilirubin levels (SOLE Historic +0.293 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001; SOLE Min +0.242 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001). The MOLE group also had a lower direct bilirubin at study completion (SOLE Historic, 1.7 ± 1.7 mg/dl; SOLE Min, 1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dl; MOLE, 0.4 ± 0.4 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and received greater total calories (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The rate of IFALD did not differ when comparing ILE strategies in neonates requiring abdominal surgery. However, the MOLE group maintained significantly lower direct bilirubin levels over time while receiving increased calories. This pilot study highlights the need for further randomized controlled trials comparing these ILE strategies.

Patterns of lipid-injectable emulsion use in neonatal intensive care units across the United States: A multi-institution survey

BACKGROUND

Lipid-injectable emulsions (ILEs) are a necessity for neonates dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). In this manuscript, we describe the patterns of ILE use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States (US).

METHODS

An electronic survey was sent to 488 NICUs across the US between December 2020 and March 2021. Survey fields included availability and utilization of various ILE in neonates.

RESULTS

The response rate was 22% (107 out of 488). Soybean oil ILE (SO-ILE) and soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, fish oil ILE (SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE) had similar availability (87% vs 86%, respectively), and SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE was more commonly used (SO-ILE, 71% vs SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE, 86%). Fish oil-ILE (FO-ILE) was used by 55% of centers. SO-ILE was most frequently used with PN and needs <4 weeks without cholestasis (79%). The most common reason for SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE use was cholestasis (71%). ILE minimization was used by 28% of SO-ILE and 22% of SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE users; 95% of these centers restrict SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE to doses ≤2 g/kg/day. Twenty-two percent of centers started FO-ILE at direct bilirubin of >5 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

The results of this survey reveal significant variability in ILE usage across the US. Lipid minimization with SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE and initiation of FO-ILE for cholestasis at higher bilirubin thresholds are prevalent. Such reports are crucial for a better understanding of ILE use in the NICU and in future ILE development.

Hepatic Function in Premature Lambs Supported by the Artificial Placenta and Total Parenteral Nutrition

The artificial placenta (AP) promotes organ development and reduces organ injury in a lamb model of extreme prematurity. This study evaluates hepatic outcomes after AP support with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration. Premature lambs (116-121 days estimated gestational age; term = 145) were cannulated for 7 days of AP support. Lambs received TPN with SMOFlipid (n = 7) or Intralipid (n = 5). Liver function and injury were compared between the two groups biochemically and histologically. Groups were compared by ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons or linear-mixed effects models. From baseline to day 7, total bilirubin (Intralipid 2.6 ± 2.3 to 7.9 ± 4.4 mg/dl; SMOFlipid 0.3 ± 0.1 to 5.5 ± 2.3 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase increased in both groups ( p < 0.001 for all). Direct bilirubin (0.3 ± 0.2 to 1.8 ± 1.4 mg/dl; p = 0.006) and AST (27 ± 5 to 309 ± 242 mg/dl; p < 0.001) increased in SMOFlipid group (not measured in Intralipid group). On liver histology, Intralipid showed more cholestasis than SMOFlipid; both groups showed more than tissue controls. The Intralipid group alone showed hepatocyte injury and had more congestion than controls. Lambs supported by the AP with TPN administration maintain normal hepatic function and sustain minimal hepatic injury. SMOFlipid is associated with decreased cholestasis and hepatic injury versus Intralipid.

An Evaluation to Establish the Acceptable Serum Triglyceride Levels in Neonates Receiving Intravenous Fat Emulsion Infusion in a Multicenter Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish neonatal serum triglyceride (TG) level reference ranges during lipid infusion and correlate peak TG with neonatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective review of 356 neonates with 696 TG measures obtained in four neonatal intensive care units between 2015 and 2017. TG was evaluated collectively to establish a reference range and a threshold limit. To analyze the effects of a higher TG threshold, neonates were categorized by their peak TG: <180 (TG<180), 180 to 400 (TG180-400), and > 400 mg/dL (TG>400). Univariable and multivariable regression models were constructed to compare peak TG to patient characteristic and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The frequency of TG > 400 mg/dL was 5% and found only in neonates weighing < 1.5 kg. Neonates in the TG180-400 (n = 91) group were significantly lower in birth weight and gestational age, had lower 5-minute APGAR scores, and had increased ventilatory requirement when compared with neonates in the TG<180 (n = 240) group (all p < 0.001). The TG180-400 group had increased risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.02) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p = 0.03). Elevated TG was associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 14.4, p < 0.001) in univariable analysis, but the relationship weakened (OR: 4.4, p = 0.05) after adjusting for comorbidities in multivariable logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

It is unclear if the adverse outcomes seen in neonates with higher peak TG were due to elevated TG alone, or whether illness severity predicted the increased TG. More prospective studies are needed to further delineate the relationships.

Growth of Head Circumference and Body Length in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The growth of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants relies, to a large extent, on parenteral nutrition (PN) during the early weeks of life. Despite the parenteral nutrients supply, extrauterine growth restriction remains the main concern for these infants. A parenteral multicomponent lipid emulsion (MLE) might improve growth and neurological outcomes, delivering fats for brain growth that the traditional soybean-based lipid emulsion (SLE) fails to provide. We hypothesize that the use of an MLE in PN may reduce the loss of head circumference (HC) z-score from birth to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) or at discharge compared with the use of an SLE in VLBW infants.

METHODS

Infants with BW ≤1250 g, without malformations or chromosomal abnormalities, were randomly assigned to receive an MLE or an SLE. The primary outcome was the change in HC z-score (HC Δ z-score) from birth to 36 weeks' PMA or at discharge. Secondary outcomes included the change in weight and length z-score (W Δ z-score and L Δ z-score) as well as incidence of late-onset sepsis and PN-associated cholestasis (PNAC).

RESULTS

Of the 128 infants randomized, 51 infants in the MLE group and 50 infants in the SLE group were analyzed. The MLE was significantly associated with a decreased loss in HC and length z-scores from birth to 36 weeks' PMA or at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized controlled trial providing the evidence that an MLE is associated with improved HC growth in comparison with a pure SLE.

Case Report: The Use of Intravenous SMOFlipid Infusion to Treat Severe Asparaginase-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia in Two Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients

Asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia can have a spectrum of clinical presentations, from being asymptomatic to having life-threatening thrombosis or hyperviscosity syndrome. At present, there is no recommendation on routine lipid monitoring during asparaginase-containing treatment phase, nor a standardized guideline on its management. Two cases are presented here to illustrate the effects of concurrent infection on asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia in patients with high-risk ALL and the use of SMOFlipid infusion as a treatment option in an acute situation.

New-generation intravenous fat emulsions and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Fat emulsion is an important component of parenteral nutrition in premature infants. However, intravenous fat emulsions (IVFE) was reported to be associated with some serious complications, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Compared to conventional soybean oil-based IVFE, new-generation IVFE may protect against BPD but the results are conflicting.

METHODS

Relevant literatures search was conducted and the summary effect estimates of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with fixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Of 22 studies involving 3781 infants were selected in this study and BPD was reported as part of the included studies. The pooled estimate for 13 studies, comparing administration of new-generation IVFE with conventional IVFE, indicated that new-generation IVFE was not associated with a reduced risk of BPD in preterm infants, compared with conventional IVFE (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.80-1.14); the pooled estimate for 18 studies, comparing administration of fish oil-containing IVFE with non-fish oil IVFE, indicated that fish oil-containing IVFE has no protective effect against the occurrence of BPD in preterm infants (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.71-1.08).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to support that the new-generation IVFEs could prevent the incidence of BPD or fish oil-containing IVFEs could show a beneficial effect to BPD in premature infants.

Composite Lipid Emulsion for the Infant at Risk of Intestinal Failure-associated Liver Disease: The Canadian Perspective

Currently, in North America we are fortunate to have a number of available options for lipid emulsions to be used in the parenteral nutrition regimens for infants and children, including for long-term parenteral nutrition given intestinal failure. Neonates and infants in particular are at risk for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). The choice of parenteral lipid emulsion will influence the risk and severity of IFALD. The purpose of this review is to discuss the rationale for the composite lipid emulsion SMOFlipid that includes soybean, medium-chain triglycerides, olive and fish oils for IFALD, with focus on the Canadian practice and experience.

Growth and Clinical Outcome in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants After the Introduction of a Multicomponent Intravenous Lipid Emulsion

BACKGROUND

Very low-birth-weight (VLBW; birth weight < 1500 g) infants are often dependent on intravenous nutrition after birth. Conventional soy-based intravenous lipid emulsions (Soy LE) are associated with inflammatory and metabolic complications that may be harmful to preterm infants. Evidence to support any clinical benefit associated with newer multicomponent emulsions (Mixed LE), remains inconsistent and unsubstantiated in appropriate studies. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether growth and clinical outcomes differed between VLBW infants given Mixed LE vs Soy LE at Auckland City Hospital.

METHODS

Data were collected on nutrition, growth, and neonatal morbidities for the first 4 weeks after birth. Outcomes were compared between 2 lipid cohorts, Soy LE (February 2013 - August 2014) and Mixed LE (August 2014 - December 2015), using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

207 infants (Soy LE, 105 vs Mixed LE, 102) were included in the study. Significantly fewer infants in the Mixed LE cohort developed any stage retinopathy of prematurity (Soy LE 59% vs Mixed LE 39%, P = .005) or intraventricular hemorrhage (Soy LE 27% vs Mixed LE 15%, P = .03) during their admission. Mixed LE was also associated with significantly lower mean (P = .01), minimum (P = .03), and maximum (P = .04) total bilirubin concentrations across the first 4 weeks after birth. There was no difference in growth velocity or weight, length, and head circumference z-score change.

CONCLUSION

SMOFlipid may represent a favorable alternative to conventional lipid emulsions in neonatal parenteral nutrition regimens; however, long-term effects should be further evaluated.

Mixed Oil-Based Lipid Emulsions vs Soybean Oil-Based Lipid Emulsions on Incidence and Severity of Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Neonates requiring long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at risk for developing intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of IFALD in a highly surgical neonatal population receiving mixed oil-based lipid emulsions (MOLEs) vs soybean oil-based lipid emulsions (SOLEs) for long-term PN.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients admitted to a neonatal intensive care nursery that received PN for ≥14 days. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts; those who received SOLE and those who received MOLE. The primary outcome of this study was the occurrence of IFALD. Secondary outcomes included time to IFALD, peak bilirubin level during therapy, incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were included in the study, IFALD occurred in 44.8% of patients receiving SOLE compared with 30% of patients receiving MOLE (relative risk, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.39-1.15). In the multivariable analysis, adjusting for the known confounders (prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, presence of ostomy, and duration of PN and lipids), the type of lipids was not a significant predictor for development of IFALD. Duration of PN and duration of lipids were determined to be significant risk factors for IFALD, regardless of type of lipid emulsion (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of MOLE resulted in no significant difference in the outcomes studied when compared with SOLE. Duration of PN and duration of lipids were significant risk factors for development of IFALD.

Nutrients and Microbiota in Lung Diseases of Prematurity: The Placenta-Gut-Lung Triangle

Cardiorespiratory function is not only the foremost determinant of life after premature birth, but also a major factor of long-term outcomes. However, the path from placental disconnection to nutritional autonomy is enduring and challenging for the preterm infant and, at each step, will have profound influences on respiratory physiology and disease. Fluid and energy intake, specific nutrients such as amino-acids, lipids and vitamins, and their ways of administration -parenteral or enteral-have direct implications on lung tissue composition and cellular functions, thus affect lung development and homeostasis and contributing to acute and chronic respiratory disorders. In addition, metabolomic signatures have recently emerged as biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other neonatal diseases, suggesting a profound implication of specific metabolites such as amino-acids, acylcarnitine and fatty acids in lung injury and repair, inflammation and immune modulation. Recent advances have highlighted the profound influence of the microbiome on many short- and long-term outcomes in the preterm infant. Lung and intestinal microbiomes are deeply intricated, and nutrition plays a prominent role in their establishment and regulation. There is an emerging evidence that human milk prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants, potentially through microbiome composition and/or inflammation modulation. Restoring antibiotic therapy-mediated microbiome disruption is another potentially beneficial action of human milk, which can be in part emulated by pre- and probiotics and supplements. This review will explore the many facets of the gut-lung axis and its pathophysiology in acute and chronic respiratory disorders of the prematurely born infant, and explore established and innovative nutritional approaches for prevention and treatment.

Multi-component lipid emulsion vs soy-based lipid emulsion for very low birth weight preterm neonates: A pre-post comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of soybean oil-medium chain triglycerides-olive oil-fish oil lipid emulsion (SMOF-LE) on clinical outcomes of very-low-birth-weight neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a pre-post comparative study of very-low-birth-weight neonates, dividing them according to lipid emulsion received: Intralipid (soy-based; n = 680) or SMOF-LE (n = 617). Primary outcomes were mortality, chronic lung disease, severe retinopathy, infection, and necrotising enterocolitis. Secondary outcomes were cholestasis, osteopenia, time to full feeds, and time to regain birthweight.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable. Primary outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, although any retinopathy was significantly lower in the SMOF-LE group. SMOF-LE group had lower odds of cholestasis, osteopenia, and lipid interruption, and reduced times to full feeds and to regain birthweight.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with Intralipid, SMOF-LE was not associated with differences in mortality and major morbidities but was associated with lower odds of any retinopathy, cholestasis, and osteopenia; and improved lipid tolerance.

Fish oil-based injectable lipid emulsions containing medium-chain triglycerides or added α-tocopherol offer anti-inflammatory benefits in a murine model of parenteral nutrition-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND

Fish oil (FO) intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are used as a monotherapy to treat parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated liver disease and provide essential fatty acids (EFAs) needed to sustain growth and prevent EFA deficiency (EFAD). Studies have suggested that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and α-tocopherol have anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test whether FO-ILEs containing MCTs and/or additional α-tocopherol decrease the inflammatory response to an endotoxin challenge compared with FO-ILE alone and preserve the ability to prevent PN-induced liver injury in mice.

METHODS

A murine model of PN-induced hepatosteatosis was used to compare the effects of ILEs formulated in the laboratory containing varying ratios of FO and MCTs, and subsequently FO- and 50:50 FO:MCT-ILE plus 500 mg/L α-tocopherol (FO + AT and 50:50 + AT, respectively). C57BL/6 mice receiving unpurified diet (UPD), PN-equivalent diet (PN) + saline, and PN + soybean oil (SO)-ILE served as controls. After 19 d, mice received an intraperitoneal saline or endotoxin challenge 4 h before being killed. Serum and livers were harvested for histologic analysis, fatty acid profiling, and measurement of systemic inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6).

RESULTS

All ILEs were well tolerated and prevented biochemical EFAD. Livers of mice that received saline and SO developed steatosis. Mice that received 30:70 FO:MCT developed mild hepatosteatosis. All other FO-containing ILEs preserved normal hepatic architecture. Mice that received FO- or SO-ILE had significantly elevated systemic inflammatory markers after endotoxin challenge compared with UPD-fed controls, whereas 50:50 FO:MCT, 30:70 FO:MCT, FO + AT, and 50:50 + AT groups had significantly lower inflammatory markers similar to those seen in UPD-fed controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed FO/MCT and the addition of α-tocopherol to FO improved the inflammatory response to endotoxin challenge compared with FO-ILE alone while still preventing PN-induced liver injury and EFAD in mice. There was no synergistic relation between α-tocopherol and MCTs.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: An Update on Experimental Therapeutics

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that affects thousands of newborns and infants every year. Although it is accepted that BPD results from lung damage and inflammation triggered by mechanical ventilation and hyperoxia, the causes and molecular events leading to lung damage and arrested development remain unknown. While recent advances in neonatal care have improved the survival of very low-weight infants, the rates of BPD have not improved accordingly. This is mainly due to our limited understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis and the effective therapeutic options available. Current therapeutics for BPD involve ventilation management, steroid treatment, and administration of various agents, such as pulmonary surfactant, caffeine, vitamin A, nitric oxide, and stem cells. However, the efficacy of these agents in preventing and ameliorating BPD symptoms varies depending on the populations studied and the disease stage. As the field moves towards personalised therapeutic approaches, this review summarises clinical and experimental studies conducted in various models, aiming to increase understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these agents can prevent or treat BPD. Due to the increasing number of extremely premature infants, it is imperative that we continue to work towards understanding the mechanisms of BPD pathogenesis and generating more effective therapeutic options.

Current Evidence for the Use of Smoflipid® Emulsion in Critical Care Patients for Parenteral Nutrition

There are strong data showing that malnutrition is highly prevalent in intensive care unit patients (20–50% in the worldwide), presenting a negative accumulated body energy balance. This results in an increased mortality, infections, and hospital length stay with high costs associated with the total treatment. Parenteral nutrition is the first option when the patient's physical condition is not suitable for oral nutrient intake. It is composed essentially by lipids as an energy source, metabolic, and structural function. However, these patients also require a mixture of essential and nonessential fatty acids (SMOF emulsions) to supply not only energy needs but also restore immunological, anti-inflammatory, and proregenerative functions. A revision of the safety and efficacy of Smoflipid® in patients requiring long-term parenteral nutrition was discussed here. Although controversial data are available indicating the contraindications or effectiveness of its use, most of studies presented indicate favorable benefits associated with improved clinical outcomes. The reported roles of this supplementation include positive immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, positive impact in liver function, reduction of hospital stay, and nosocomial infections as additional contributions to its energetic role, which in many cases results in reduced total costs per patient. Finally, many authors propose that the use of Smoflipid® should become a gold standard of parenteral nutrition in intensive unit care patients and that the costs associated with this supplement should not be limiting for its use, not only to improve the clinical outcome but also to reduce the treatment costs.