Is intravenous fish oil associated with the neurodevelopment of extremely low birth weight preterm infants on parenteral nutrition?

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.

The effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aimed to summarize studies assessing the effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

METHODS

PubMed was searched (July 1985 to October 2023). We reviewed randomized controlled trials, and observational studies assessing intravenous lipid emulsion with fish oil in preterm infants (born less than 37 weeks' gestation), that reported long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified four publications relating to three randomized controlled trials in addition to four cohort studies. Study designs and outcomes were heterogenous and precluded meta-analyses. Results of trials were null for a selection of neurodevelopmental outcomes, however possible benefits of parenteral fish oil supplementation for neurodevelopment was reported in three cohort studies. Certainty of the evidence is hindered by methodological limitations of available trials and observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to firmly establish the effects of parenteral fish oil on preterm neurodevelopment.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs. a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: 24 Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Few studies in the literature have analyzed the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the administration of a multicomponent versus a soybean-based lipid emulsion (LE) in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in our unit provided evidence of better growth in head circumference during the hospital stay in those who received a multicomponent LE.

METHODS

This is a 24 month follow-up study of preterm infants, previously enrolled in a randomized trial, who received a multicomponent LE (SMOFlipid^®) or a standard soybean-based one (Intralipid^®). We evaluated neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) in the two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-three children were followed up to the age of 24 months CA. Due to the peculiar time frame of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated only in 77 children: 37 in the SMOFlipid^® group and 40 in the Intralipid^® group. No differences in major disability rates or in Griffith's evaluation were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population study, the administration of a multicomponent LE containing fish oil, compared to a soybean-based LE, had no significant effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 24 months CA.

Parenteral Nutrition

Prematurity and other complications at birth are nutritional emergencies. Parenteral nutrition is a bridge to enteral nutrition for a few days or months, and sometimes the sole source of nutrition for life. Parenteral nutrition regimens are constructed to provide adequate and balanced energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients to support growth and prevent deficiencies. Neonatal parenteral nutrition regimens are complicated by periodic shortages of essential products, compatibility challenges, and contaminants. Newborns benefit from serial growth assessments, monitoring of biochemical status, nutrition-focused physical examinations, and management by a multidisciplinary team to ensure adequacy of parenteral nutrition and promote best outcomes.