Intravenous fish oil containing lipid emulsion attenuates inflammatory cytokines and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very premature infants: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial

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.

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.

Effect of SMOF lipid emulsion on physical growth and extrauterine growth retardation in very preterm infants: Insights from a multicenter retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean, medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) on short-term clinical outcomes, physical growth, and extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) in very preterm infants.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of very preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units at five tertiary hospitals in China between January 2021 and December 2021. According to the type of fat emulsion used in parenteral nutrition (PN), eligible very preterm infants were divided into the MCTs/long-chain triacylglycerol (MCT/LCT) group and SMOF group. Change in weight z-score (weight Δz) between measurements at birth and at 36 wk of postmenstrual age or at discharge, the incidence of EUGR, and short-term clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

We enrolled 409 very preterm infants, including 205 in the MCT/LCT group and 204 in the SMOF group. Univariate analysis showed that infants in the SMOF group had significantly longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and PN, longer days to reach total enteral nutrition, and a higher proportion of maximum weight loss than those in MCT/LCT group (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for the confounding variables, multifactorial logistic regression analysis of short-term clinical outcomes showed that SMOF had protective effects on PN-associated cholestasis (odds ratio [OR], 0.470; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.266-0.831) and metabolic bone disease of prematurity (OR, 0.263; 95% CI, 0.078-0.880). Additionally, SMOF was an independent risk factor for lower weight growth velocity (β = -0.733; 95% CI, -1.452 to -0.015) but had no effect on the incidence of EUGR (OR, 1.567; 95% CI, 0.912 to -2.693).

CONCLUSION

Compared with MCT/LCT, SMOF can reduce the risk for PN-associated cholestasis and metabolic bone disease of prematurity in very preterm infants and has a negative effect on growth velocity but has no effect on the incidence of EUGR.

Biomarkers of lung alveolarization and microvascular maturation in response to intermittent hypoxia and/or early antioxidant/fish oil supplementation in neonatal rats

OBJECTIVE

Extremely preterm infants experience frequent intermittent hypoxia (IH) episodes during oxygen therapy which causes significant damage to the lungs and curtails important signaling pathways that regulate normal lung alveolarization and microvascular maturation. We tested the hypothesis that early supplementation with fish oil and/or antioxidants in rats exposed to neonatal IH improves expression of lung biomarkers of alveolarization and microvascular maturation, and reduces IH-induced lung injury.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

From birth (P0) to P14, rat pups were exposed to room air (RA) or neonatal IH during which they received daily oral supplementation with either: (1) olive oil (OO) (control); (2) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in OO; (3) fish oil; (4) glutathione nanoparticles (nGSH); or (5) fish oil +CoQ10. At P14 pups were placed in RA until P21 with no further treatment. RA controls were similarly treated. Lung growth and alveolarization, histopathology, apoptosis, oxidative stress and biomarkers of alveolarization and microvascular maturation were determined.

RESULTS

Neonatal IH was associated with reduced lung weights and severe histopathological outcomes. These effects were curtailed with fish oil and nGSH. nGSH was also protective against apoptosis, while CoQ10 prevented IH-induced ROS production. Of all treatments, nGSH and CoQ10 + fish oil-induced vascular endothelial growth factor165 and CD31 (Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), which are associated with angiogenesis. CoQ10 + fish oil improved alveolarization in RA and IH despite evidence of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of nGSH and CoQ10 + fish oil suggest an antioxidant effect which may be required to curtail IH-induced lung injury. Further clinical assessment of the effectiveness of nGSH is warranted.

Effects of mixed oil emulsion on short-term clinical outcomes in premature infants: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the clinical effects of two different lipid emulsions in premature infants with gestational age < 32 weeks (VPI) or birth weight < 1500 g (VLBWI) to provide an evidence-based medicine basis for optimizing intravenous lipid emulsion.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter randomized controlled study. A total of 465 VPIs or VLBWIs, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of five tertiary hospitals in China from March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, were recruited. All subjects were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, medium-chain triglycerides/long-chain triglycerides (MCT/LCT) group (n = 231) and soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) group (n = 234). Clinical features, biochemical indexes, nutrition support therapy, and complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in perinatal data, hospitalization, parenteral and enteral nutrition support between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the MCT/LCT group, the incidence of neonates with a peak value of total bilirubin (TB) > 5 mg/dL (84/231 [36.4% vs. 60/234 [25.6%]), a peak value of direct bilirubin (DB) ≥ 2 mg/dL (26/231 [11.3% vs. 14/234 [6.0%]), a peak value of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) > 900 IU/L (17/231 [7.4% vs. 7/234 [3.0%]), and a peak value of triglycerides (TG) > 3.4 mmol/L (13/231 [5.6% vs. 4/234[1.7%]]) were lower in the SMOF group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that in the subgroup analysis of < 28 weeks, the incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) were lower in the SMOF group (P = 0.043 and 0.029, respectively), whereas no significant differences were present in the incidence of PNAC and MBDP between the two groups at > 28 weeks group (P = 0.177 and 0.991, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of PNAC (aRR: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-0.70, P = 0.002) and MBDP (aRR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.19-0.81, P = 0.029) in the SMOF group were lower than that in the MCT/LCT group. In addition, no significant differences were recorded in the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis (Bell's stage ≥ 2), late-onset sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity and extrauterine growth retardation between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of mixed oil emulsion in VPI or VLBWI can reduce the risk of plasma TB > 5 mg/dL, DB ≥ 2 mg/dL, ALP > 900 IU/L, and TG > 3.4 mmol/L during hospitalization. SMOF has better lipid tolerance, reduces the incidence of PNAC and MBDP, and exerts more benefits in preterm infants with gestational age < 28 weeks.

Molecular mechanisms of cell death in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in neonates is the most common pulmonary disease that causes neonatal mortality, has complex pathogenesis, and lacks effective treatment. It is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The occurrence and development of BPD involve various factors, of which premature birth is the most crucial reason for BPD. Under the premise of abnormal lung structure and functional product, newborns are susceptible to damage to oxides, free radicals, hypoxia, infections and so on. The most influential is oxidative stress, which induces cell death in different ways when the oxidative stress balance in the body is disrupted. Increasing evidence has shown that programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis, plays a significant role in the molecular and biological mechanisms of BPD and the further development of the disease. Understanding the mode of PCD and its signaling pathways can provide new therapeutic approaches and targets for the clinical treatment of BPD. This review elucidates the mechanism of BPD, focusing on the multiple types of PCD in BPD and their molecular mechanisms, which are mainly based on experimental results obtained in rodents.

Fish oil-containing lipid emulsions prevention on parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in very low birth weight infants: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of fish oil-containing lipid emulsions on preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is not known. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify any prevention effect.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched up to 26 January 2021 for studies related to the preventive effect of fish oil-containing lipid emulsions and fish oil-free lipid emulsions on cholestasis in VLBW infants. Revman 5.3 was used to synthesize the results. A fixed-effect model was used to summarize the data when the heterogeneity was non-significant (I² < 50%), and a random-effects model was used when the heterogeneity was significant (I² > 50%).

RESULTS

Of 728 articles, 11 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis indicated that fish oil-containing lipid emulsion reduced the occurrence of PNAC significantly with risk ratio (RR) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.80, P = 0.002. The heterogeneity was non-significant with I² = 23%. Subgroup analysis based on parenteral nutrition duration and median birth weight was performed. The synthesis results for patients with parenteral nutrition duration exceeding 14 days revealed I² = 35% (P = 0.15) and pooled RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.73, P = 0.0008; and for patients with duration less than 14 days revealed I² = 0% (P = 0.72) and pooled RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.39-3.35, P = 0.81. The synthesis for patients with birth weight more than 1000 g revealed I² = 0% (P = 0.41) and pooled RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.26-1.18, P = 0.12; and for patients with birth weight below 1000 g revealed I² = 44% (P = 0.11) and pooled RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.85, P = 0.009.

CONCLUSIONS

The fish oil-containing lipid emulsion can reduce the occurrence of PNAC in VLBW infants based on the available original randomized controlled trial studies, especially for patients with parenteral nutrition duration exceeding 14 days and extremely low birth weight infants. Future studies should be performed before a definitive conclusion can be established.

[Research advances in the effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on neonates]

Adequate supply of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) is of great importance for neonates, especially preterm infants. In particular, n-3 LCPUFAs and n-6 LCPUFAs play a key role in brain development, immune regulation, and disease prevention. Lack of LCPUFAs may lead to neurodevelopmental impairment, affect the development of neonatal immune system, and result in neonatal diseases. This article reviews related research advances in the physiological function of LCPUFAs and its effect on neonates, so as to provide reference for clinical application.

Morbidity Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates Receiving Parenteral Nutrition with Fish Oil Enriched Lipid Emulsion or Lipid Emulsion with Soybean Oil: An Observational Study

Intralipid (Fresenius Kabi) was the most commonly used lipid emulsion in parenteral nutrition (PN), with a 100% soybean oil composition, a low vitamin E content, and a ω-6: ω-3 ratio of 7:1. A recent alternative formulation is SMOFlipid (Fresenius Kabi), with a ω-6: ω-3 ratio of 5:2 and higher vitamin E content. A retrospective observational study was conducted to determine neonatal morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants during two periods: P1, when PN was based exclusively on Intralipid, and P2, when only SMOFlipid was supplied. In total, 170 VLBW neonates were analyzed, of whom 103 received PN for more than 6 days, 56 during P1, and 47 during P2. In both periods, the antenatal and neonatal characteristics of the cohort were comparable. In this analysis, the prevalence of associated comorbidities was determined. During P2, there were fewer cases of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and of cholestasis, but more cases of late sepsis, mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis. No changes in the prevalence of other neonatal comorbidities were observed. We believe that the SMOFlipid used in PN could discreetly improve the prevalence of cholestasis or BPD.

Parenteral nutrition with fish oil-based lipid emulsion reduces the risk of cholestasis in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

Preterm infants receive long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) for gastrointestinal immaturity. This study aimed to determine if mixed lipid emulsions containing fish oil decrease the incidence of PN-associated cholestasis by reducing oxidative stress and providing an anti-inflammatory effect.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 399 very low birth weight premature infants (gestational age ≤32 weeks) between January 2009 and November 2017 at a single neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants received total PN with either mixed lipid emulsion including fish oil (SMOFlipid®, n = 195) or soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (Lipovenoes®, n = 204) for at least 7 days. We compared the outcomes of PN-associated cholestasis, comorbidities, and mortality between the groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of PN-associated cholestasis was significantly lower in the SMOFlipid group than in the Lipovenoes group. The duration to full feeding days was significantly shorter in the SMOFlipid group compared with the Lipovenoes group. Relevant complications, such as severe retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, were also significantly reduced in the SMOFlipid group compared with the Lipovenoes group.

CONCLUSION

In premature infants, PN with fish oil-based lipid emulsions is associated with a lower incidence of PN-associated cholestasis compared with soybean oil-based lipid emulsions.

Intravenous Lipid Emulsions Affect Respiratory Outcome in Preterm Newborn: A Case-Control Study

(1) Background: Hypertriglyceridemia (HiTG) is a metabolic complication of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) infusion. We aimed to evaluate the influence of HiTG on the respiratory outcome of preterm babies; (2) Methods: We enrolled, in a case-control study, newborns with gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g, over a 3-year period. They were divided into cases and controls; cases were defined by the detection of HiTG defined as serum triglycerides (TG) value >150 mg/dL; (3) Results: We enrolled 40 cases and 105 controls. Cases had an increased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (30.0% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.05) and longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (7 days, 95% CI 4-10 days vs. 4 days, 95% CI 1-7 days, p < 0.01) compared to controls. Multivariate analysis confirmed that HiTG independently influenced the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, also in the subgroups with gestational age ≤28 + 6/7 weeks or birth weight ≤1000 g; (4) Conclusion: Newborns with HiTG related to ILEs had a longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. Temporary suspension or reduction in ILEs in the case of HiTG is associated with an improvement of respiratory outcome.

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.

Oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio in preterm infants on routine parenteral nutrition with conventional or fish oil containing lipid emulsions

INTRODUCTION

The benefits of intravenous (IV) fish oil (FO), as a source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, on lung growth in preterm infants, remain controversial.

AIM

To evaluate if IV FO improves lung growth in small preterm infants on routine parenteral nutrition (PN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of preterm infants with a birth weight <1250 g who received routine PN from birth. We compared patients who received FO containing IV lipid emulsions with infants who received conventional emulsions (CNTR). The oxygen saturation (SpO₂ ) to a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂ ) ratio (SFR) at 36 weeks (W) of gestation was chosen as the primary outcome variable to assess lung growth.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventy-seven infants were studied: 240 received IV FO and 237 CNTR. While exposure to antenatal glucocorticoids was higher in IV FO group than in CNTR (95 vs 90%, P = .04), there were no differences in birth data, enteral and parenteral nutrition intakes, ventilator supports and drug therapies. The incidence of the most common complications of prematurity at 36 W was not different (bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 27 vs 21% in IV FO vs CNTR infants, P = .1). Weight gain from birth to 36 W was marginally, but significantly, higher (+0.5 g/kg/d, P = .03) in IV FO group vs CNTR. SFR increased from 32 W to 36 W in all study patients (P < .001). IV FO infants had significantly lower SpO₂ from 33 W to 35 W (P < .001) and lower (worse) SFR at 36 W (432 ± 57 vs 444 ± 51, P = .026) compared to CNTR.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to our hypothesis, the use of FO containing IV lipid emulsions for the routine PN of the preterm infant did not improve lung growth compared to the infants who received conventional IV lipid emulsions.

Effects of fish oil-containing lipid emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of different types of parenteral emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in very low birth weight (VLBW, birth body weight < 1500 g) infants by comparing fish oil-containing and soy-based parenteral emulsions.

METHODS

Data of preterm infants with body weights below 1500 gm at birth and receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for a minimum of 7 days during the period between January 2009 and November 2017 were analyzed in this retrospective study. We compared clinical outcomes in two epochs using different lipid emulsions: epoch 1 (soybean-based lipid emulsions, January 2009-February 2014) versus epoch 2 (fish oil-containing lipid emulsions, January 2015-November 2017). The primary outcomes measured were the incidence of ROP and the number of ROP cases requiring bevacizumab therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 396 infants were enrolled in this study (203 in epoch 1 and 193 in epoch 2). A lower incidence of any stage ROP (24.1 vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001) and lower requirement of bevacizumab therapy (12.8 vs. 5.2%, p = 0.001) were observed in epoch 2. Gestational age, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels, and type of lipid emulsion in TPN were associated with higher ROP incidence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that parenteral nutrition in the form of lipid emulsions containing fish oil was associated with a lower risk of development of ROP [Odds Ratio: 0.178, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.095-0.330, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with soybean-based lipid solutions, the use of fish oil-containing lipid solutions may be associated with a lower incidence of ROP and decreased need for bevacizumab treatment in preterm infants.

Lipids and Suicide Risk

In the search for biomarkers and modifiable risk factors for suicide, lipid status has garnered considerable interest, although the lipid-suicide connection is not without controversy. Major categories of lipids that have been reported as germane to suicide include sterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Research concerning lipid effects on mood and suicide risk includes epidemiologic approaches, cohort studies, and clinical trials. In general, current evidence suggests that higher n-3 relative to n-6 PUFA intake may have beneficial effects on depression and suicide risk, particularly in women, while low cholesterol may be detrimental in both sexes. Additionally, low estrogen in women has been associated with suicide attempts, whereas high androgen loads may contribute to the higher suicide completion rate in men. Basic and translational research provides strong evidence for several potential mechanisms that have been implicated in depression and suicide. Firstly, PUFAs, cholesterol, and estrogen can interact to influence structure and function of membrane microdomains ("lipid rafts"), with potential regulatory effects on inflammation and signal transduction, including monoaminergic signaling. Secondly, PUFAs bind to and activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression, with resultant effects on inflammation and bioenergetics. Thirdly, PUFAs are both a target for and a hormetic regulator of oxidative stress. Critical to a greater understanding of lipid status as a suicide risk predictor and treatment target will be studies that map genomic and phenotypic characteristics of individuals whose emotional state is affected most by lipid status. Also important will be a more nuanced understanding of lipid-lipid interactions and the differential roles of lipid subclasses on suicide risk.

Lipid emulsions for parenterally fed preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Conventionally used soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (S-LE) have high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and phytosterols that may contribute to adverse effects in preterm infants. The newer lipid emulsions (LE) from different lipid sources are currently available for use in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of all LE for parenteral nutrition (PN) in preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation) including preterm infants with surgical conditions or parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD)/cholestasis using direct comparisons and pair-wise meta-analyses.

SEARCH METHODS

We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1946 to 18 June 2018), Embase (1974 to 18 July 2018), CINAHL (1982 to 18 June 2018), MIDRIS (1971 to 31 May 2018), conference proceedings, trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO's Trials Registry and Platform), and reference lists of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled studies in preterm infants with or without surgical conditions or PNALD within the first six months of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data collection and analysis conformed to the methods of Cochrane Neonatal. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence for important outcomes in addition to reporting statistical significance of results.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 29 studies (n = 2037) in this review. LE were classified in three broad groups: 1. all fish oil-containing LE including pure fish oil-LE (F-LE) and multisource LE (e.g. medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)-olive-fish-soybean oil-LE (MOFS-LE), MCT-fish-soybean oil-LE (MFS-LE) and olive-fish-soybean oil-LE (OFS-LE); 2. conventional S-LE; 3. alternative-LE (e.g. MCT-soybean oil-LE (MS-LE), olive-soybean oil-LE and borage oil-based LE).We considered the following broad comparisons: fish oil LE versus non-fish oil LE; fish oil LE versus another fish oil LE; alternative-LE versus S-LE; alternative-LE versus another alternative-LE in preterm infants less than 37 weeks' gestation, preterm infants with surgical conditions and preterm infants with PNALD/cholestasis. Separate subgroup comparisons of each LE preparation were included within these broader groups.Most studies in preterm infants used PN for mean duration of four weeks or less and for longer duration in infants with cholestasis or surgical conditions.We defined the primary outcome of PNALD/cholestasis as conjugated bilirubin (Cbil) 2 mg/dL or greater and resolution of PNALD/cholestasis as Cbil less than 2 mg/dL. There was heterogeneity in definitions used by the included studies with Cbil cut-offs ranging from 17.1 μmol/L (1 mg/dL) up to 50 μmol/L (about 3 mg/dL).In preterm infants, meta-analysis found no evidence of a difference in the incidence of PNALD/cholestasis (Cbil cut-off: 2 mg/dl) between fish oil-LEs and all non-fish oil LEs (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 1.56; typical risk difference (RD) -0.03, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.02; 4 studies; n = 328; low-quality evidence).We also considered an outcome allowing for any definition of PNALD (different Cbil cutoffs). In the meta-analysis for PNALD/cholestasis, using any definition and restricted to low or unclear risk of bias studies, there was no evidence of a difference between fish oil LE and all non-fish oil LE for incidence of cholestasis (typical RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.21; typical RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02; 10 studies; n = 1024; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence of difference in subgroup meta-analyses of individual LE types in any comparison.In preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis, there was only one small study each reporting no evidence of a difference in incidence or resolution of cholestasis respectively with use of a pure F-LE versus S-LE (using a Cbil cut-off of 2 mg/dL).In preterm infants with PNALD/cholestasis (using any definition), the meta-analysis showed significantly less cholestasis with the use of fish oil-LE compared to S-LE (typical RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.91; typical RD -0.39, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.12; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 3, 95% CI 2 to 9; 2 studies; n = 40; very low-quality evidence). However, this outcome had a very low number of participants from two small studies with methodological differences, one of which was terminated early, increasing the uncertainty about effect estimates.There were no differences between LE types in pair-wise meta-analyses for growth in preterm infants. There was paucity of studies in preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis to perform meta-analyses for growth and most other outcomes.In the secondary outcomes for preterm infants, there was no difference between fish-oil LE and non-fish oil LE in meta-analysis for severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (stage 3 or greater, or requiring surgery: typical RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.16; typical RD -0.03, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.02; 7 studies; n = 731; very low-quality evidence). There were no differences in the LE types in pair-wise meta-analyses for death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), ventilation duration, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, jaundice, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, intrahepatocellular lipid content and conjugated bilirubin levels in any comparison.In surgical infants, one study (n = 19) reported no differences in death, sepsis rates, Cbil and neurodevelopmental outcomes with pure F-LE versus S-LE.In infants with cholestasis, there were no evidence of differences in death or sepsis in meta-analyses between fish oil-LE and S-LE; (2 studies; n = 40; very low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In the current review, we did not find any particular LE with or without fish oil to be better than another LE in preterm infants for prevention of PNALD/cholestasis, growth, mortality, ROP, BPD and other neonatal outcomes.In preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis, there is currently insufficient evidence from randomised studies to determine with any certainty if fish oil LEs offer advantage in prevention or resolution of cholestasis or in any other clinical outcome.Further research, with larger well-designed trials, is warranted to evaluate the ideal composition of LE in preterm infants and the role of fish oil-containing and other LEs in the prevention and resolution of PNALD, ROP and other clinical outcomes.

Lipoxin A4 reduces hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats through PINK1 signaling pathway

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in premature infants and is mainly caused by hyperoxia exposure and mechanical ventilation. Alveolar simplification, pulmonary vascular abnormalities and pulmonary inflammation are the main pathological changes in hyperoxic lung injury animals. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is an important endogenous lipid that can mediate the regression of inflammation and plays a role in acute lung injury and asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LXA4 on inflammation and lung function in neonatal rats with hyperoxic lung injury and to explore the mechanism of the PINK1 pathway. After 85% oxygen exposure in newborn rats for 7 days, the BPD model was established. We found that LXA4 could significantly reduce cell and protein infiltration and oxidative stress in rat lungs, improve pulmonary function and alveolar simplification, and promote weight gain. LXA4 inhibited the expression of TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-1β in serum and BALF from hyperoxic rats. Moreover, we found that LXA4 could reduce the expression of the PINK1 gene and down-regulate the expression of PINK1, Parkin, BNIP3L/Nix and the autophagic protein LC3B.These protective effects of LXA4 could be partially reversed by addition of BOC-2.Thus, we concluded that LXA4 can alleviate the airway inflammatory response, reduce the severity of lung injury and improve lung function in a hyperoxic rat model of BPD partly through the PINK1 signaling pathway.

Predictive value of the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index for parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis in extremely low birth weight infants

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) improves the survival of premature infants. However, prolonged PN increases the risk of PN-associated cholestasis (PNAC).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) for PNAC in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW, birth weight < 1000 g) infants.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of ELBW infants from March 2010 to February 2017. Clinical data and the serial APRI, AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST-to-ALT ratio, and direct bilirubin (DB) were analyzed. PNAC was diagnosed in infants with a history of PN for at least 2 weeks and direct bilirubin concentrations > 2 mg/dL after other causes of neonatal cholestasis were excluded.

Results

Among the 179 eligible ELBW infants, 56 (31.3%) were diagnosed with PNAC. APRI significantly differed between infants with PNAC and those without PNAC. The best APRI cut-off point was 0.410 at 2 weeks after the start of PN (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.752, p < 0.05; positive predictive value, 50.6%; negative predictive value, 84.1%).

Conclusion

APRI at 2 weeks after PN could be a reliable predictor of PNAC development in ELBW infants on PN.