Background: Lipid injectable emulsion (ILE) is an integral part of parenteral nutrition (PN), providing energy and essential fatty acids. With recent consensus recommendations for PN, clinical guidelines for ordering and preparation of PN, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of new ILE products, and revised ILE labeling to include a 1.2-micron filter, a gap in current practice knowledge was apparent.
Materials and methods: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition PN Safety Committee surveyed clinicians on how ILE products are prescribed, prepared, and administered to patients from neonates to adults.
Results: The results of this survey conducted in late 2016 found a wide variation in practice, particularly across patient age groups.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the need for ongoing dissemination and education on standardized safe practices for ILE use.
Keywords: intravenous fat emulsions; lipid injectable emulsion; lipids; parenteral nutrition.