[Tolerance of two lipid emulsions used in parenterally-fed premature infants - a comparative study].

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition is essential for premature infants during their first days of extrauterine life, when enteral feeding is not tolerated. Lipid emulsions are an integral part of parenteral nutrition. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two lipid emulsions, based on olive-oil and soybean oil, used in parenteral nutrition of premature infants on: plasma lipid concentrations and hyperbilirubinemia based on plasma bilirubin levels and phototherapy times.

Material And Methods: Forty-four premature infants aged less than 32 weeks of gestation and with birth weight below 1500 g were randomized within first 48 hours of life, to receive in double-blind manner olive oil based (ClinOleic) or soybean oil based (Ivelip) emulsions. Plasma lipid concentration and bilirubin level were determined at 7(th) day of life.

Results: Thirty-eight infants completed the study, 18 in the olive oil group (27+/-2 GW, 936+/-218 g) and 20 in the soybean oil group (27+/-2 GW, 924+/-221 g). Both lipid emulsions were well tolerated and plasma lipid concentration were within a normal range, however in olive-oil group plasma cholesterol concentration (159+/-19.89 mg% vs. 128+/-8.85 mg%, p<0.0126) and plasma LDL concentration (103.36+/-8.85 mg% vs. 78.87+/-7.59 mg%, p<0.0342) were significantly higher. Plasma bilirubin levels and phototherapy times did not differ among the groups.

Conclusions: Both lipid emulsions were well tolerated, maintained normal plasma lipid concentration and did not increase plasma bilirubin level.