Bleeding disorder from the "fat overload" syndrome

Impact of lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition on platelets: a literature review

Lipid emulsions are essential components of parenteral nutrition solutions that provide energy and essential fatty acids. The complexity of the formulations of lipid emulsions may lead to adverse outcomes such as platelet reactivity and changes in platelet aggregation and related coagulation. Platelets are responsible for haemostasis; they activate and demonstrate morphological changes upon extracellular factors to maintain blood fluidity and vascular integrity. Although parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions are generally found safe with regard to modulation of platelet activity, studies are still accumulating. Thus, this review aims to investigate platelet-related changes by parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions in human studies. Studies have pointed out patients at risk of bleeding and increased platelet aggregation responses due to the administration of lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions may further benefit patients at high risk of thrombosis due to anti-thrombotic effects and should be cautiously used in patients with thrombocytopenia. The reported platelet-related changes might be associated with the fatty acid change in the plasma membranes of platelets following changes in platelet synthesis and plasma levels of eicosanoids. In conclusion, studies investigating platelets and parenteral nutrition should be supported to minimize the adverse effects and to benefit from the potential protective effects of parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions.

Brain Autopsy Findings in a Patient Who Received Lipid Emulsion Therapy for Suspected Drug Intoxication

ABSTRACT

Lipid emulsion therapy (LET) is the intravenous administration of lipid solution for parenteral alimentation, especially in preterm infants and adults with debilitating illnesses. It has also been used in attempts of detoxification in suspected cases of drug overdose. Whether this interferes with circulation and/or perfusion is debatable, and it is suggested that it may interfere with coagulation process. The emulsifying agent has been identified microscopically mainly in the lungs of these patients, with rare reports in adults and even more rare ones in the brain; however, although it is rarely reported in other organs, to our knowledge, no reports of gross autopsy findings in the brain are available in the English literature, nor are there reports of pathologic findings after lipid emulsion therapy administration for drug toxicity. Although it is also debated in the literature whether this material forms as an artifact or represents the actual agent, here we report the gross and microscopic autopsy findings in the brain of a patient who received LET for suspected beta-blocker intoxication. It will be beneficial for pathologists who perform autopsies in the forensic or medical settings to be aware of these findings, along with the uses and potential complications of LET.

Inadvertent Acute Lipid Injectable Emulsion Overdose Resulting in Fat Overload Syndrome and Pancreatitis in a Patient with TPN Dependence

We report a case of an acute, inadvertent, 7.5-fold intravenous lipid emulsion overdose with 20% SMOFlipid in an 11-month-old female with tetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A (TTC7A) mutation, intestinal failure, and parenteral nutrition dependence. The overdose resulted in critical deterioration with evidence of fever, metabolic acidosis, respiratory failure, and pancreatitis that resulted in admission to the intensive care unit. This is a unique case of fat overload syndrome with acute pancreatitis following an accidental lipid injectable emulsion overdose in a pediatric patient.

Fatal accidental lipid overdose with intravenous composite lipid emulsion in a premature newborn: a case report

Background

Tenfold or more overdose of a drug or preparation is a dreadful adverse event in neonatology, often due to an error in programming the infusion pump flow rate. Lipid overdose is exceptional in this context and has never been reported during the administration of a composite intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE).

Case presentation

Twenty-four hours after birth, a 30 weeks’ gestation infant with a birthweight of 930 g inadvertently received 28 ml of a composite ILE over 4 h. The ILE contained 50% medium-chain triglycerides and 50% soybean oil, corresponding to 6 g/kg of lipids (25 mg/kg/min). The patient developed acute respiratory distress with echocardiographic markers of pulmonary hypertension and was treated with inhaled nitric oxide and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Serum triglyceride level peaked at 51.4 g/L, 17 h after the lipid overload. Triple-volume exchange transfusion was performed twice, decreasing the triglyceride concentration to < 10 g/L. The infant’s condition remained critical, with persistent bleeding and shock despite supportive treatment and peritoneal dialysis. Death occurred 69 h after the overdose in a context of refractory lactic acidosis.

Conclusions

Massive ILE overdose is life-threatening in the early neonatal period, particularly in premature and hypotrophic infants. This case highlights the vigilance required when ILEs are administered separately from other parenteral intakes. Exchange transfusion should be considered at the first signs of clinical or biological worsening to avoid progression to multiple organ failure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-03064-6.

ASPEN lipid injectable emulsion safety recommendations part 2: Neonate and pediatric considerations

Lipid injectable emulsions (ILEs) are complex pharmaceutical formulations intended as a source of energy and fatty acids for parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy. Part 1 of this series addressed issues associated with and safety recommendations pertaining to adult ILE use. Part 2 addresses ILE safety in neonatal and pediatric patients. Considerations for ILE use in the neonatal and pediatric populations differ from those of adults. For example, these patients often require higher doses compared with adult counterparts to support growth, development, and daily metabolic needs. ILE is also frequently administered as a separate infusion as opposed to in a total nutrient admixture owing to compatibility and stability issues and limitations to intravenous access in the neonatal and pediatric populations. ILE is the most frequent PN ingredient associated with PN errors occurring in the administration, prescribing, and transcribing processes. Concerns exist with use of in-line filters and repackaging of commercial products for infusion. ILE use in neonatal and pediatric patients has been associated with both minor and major adverse effects, which most often occur with doses exceeding manufacturer recommendations. Gaps in ILE best practices for neonatal and pediatric patients predispose to errors in the PN use system. This paper describes safe-use considerations for ILE products available in the United States in neonatal and pediatric patients, including indications, prescribing, order review, preparation, administration, and monitoring. This paper has been approved by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Board of Directors.

Rifampicin, not vitamin E, suppresses parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease development through the pregnane X receptor pathway in piglets

Infants receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) develop PN-associated liver disease (PNALD). We previously (Ng K et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 40: 656-671, 2016. doi:10.1177/0148607114567900.) showed that PN containing soy-based lipid supplemented with vitamin E (α-tocopherol) prevents the development of PNALD. We hypothesize that this occurs via vitamin E activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR)-mediated pathways involved in bile acid metabolism. Neonatal piglets received PN for 14 days containing Intralipid (IL; soy-based lipid emulsion), IL supplemented with 12.6 mg·kg^-1·day^-1 vitamin E (VITE), or IL with 10 mg·kg^-1·day^-1 Rifadin IV (RIF), a PXR agonist. Pigs treated with IL and VITE, but not RIF, developed cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia, markers of liver disease. The hepatic PXR target genes CYP3A29 and UGT1A6 increased during RIF treatment. RIF also modestly increased metabolism of chenodeoxycholic acid to the more hydrophilic bile acid hyocholic acid. Serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, a key regulator in suppressing hepatic bile acid synthesis, significantly increased in the RIF group. We conclude rifampicin modified markers of PNALD development by increased metabolism of bile acids and potentially suppressed bile acid synthesis. Vitamin E was ineffective at high lipid doses in preventing PNALD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intravenous vitamin E and rifampicin were administered to neonatal piglets receiving parenteral nutrition to determine their efficacy in reducing the progression of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD). Rifampicin increased serum FGF-19 concentrations and synthesis of the bile acid hyocholic acid which led to a reduction of PNALD parameters at 2 wk of administration. This result has potential clinical implications for the use of rifampicin as a safe and inexpensive treatment for short-term development of PNALD.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in total parenteral nutrition dependent children: description of 5 cases and practical tips for management

Although total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is mandatory in children with intestinal failure, this treatment is not risk free. The main complications of TPN include catheter-related sepsis, thrombosis, hepatic cholestasis and cirrhosis, metabolic bone disease, and, rarely, reactive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The pathogenesis of HLH in patients with TPN is not known, although some authors hypothesized that it can result from the activation of macrophages because of "fat overload." We reported 5 cases of HLH that occurred in patients with 4 different underlying disorders, all requiring TPN for a long term. In our series, an underlying immunological defect or a serious infection (sepsis) can have triggered HLH. Therefore, it could be reasonable to hypothesize that besides TPN in itself, minor immune defects and infections may act together by overcoming a threshold of immune stimulation, which ultimately leads to HLH.

Fat overload syndrome after the rapid infusion of SMOFlipid emulsion

Fat overload syndrome is a well-known complication of intravenous lipid emulsion therapy. It is characterized by headaches, fever, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, respiratory distress, and spontaneous hemorrhage. Other symptoms include anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, low fibrinogen levels, and coagulopathy. Several reports in the literature describe fat overload syndrome caused by rapid infusion of lipid emulsions, all with soybean-based lipid emulsions. We report fat overload syndrome in a 2-year-old girl with short bowel syndrome on home parenteral nutrition. Fat overload syndrome occurred as a result of accidental, very rapid infusion of a 20% soy oil, medium-chain triglyceride, olive and fish oil-based lipid emulsion (SMOFlipid) that showed the same complications seen with an earlier lipid emulsion (Intralipid). The patient was successfully treated with supportive care combining fluid infusion, transfusion of platelets, and substitution of serum albumin (0.5 g/kg/d) and fresh-frozen plasma (10 mL/kg). In the next couple of days, she received extra platelets, erythrocyte transfusion, and filgrastim (Neupogen; 5 µg/kg/d) due to a very low leukocyte count. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of fat overload syndrome caused by SMOFlipid emulsion described in the literature.

Fatty emaciation: a case report of suspected fat overload syndrome in oral refeeding

Refeeding syndrome has been observed in patients receiving nutrition after a prolonged period of malnourishment and is characterized by multiple metabolic derangements. Besides hypophosphatemia and hypoglycemia, lipemia has been described in association with parenteral nutrition administration to the malnourished. The authors describe one anorexic patient who developed lipemia during oral refeeding, followed by a precipitous drop in hematocrit suggestive of fat overload syndrome.

State of the art review: Intravenous fat emulsions: Current applications, safety profile, and clinical implications

OBJECTIVE

To review the current state of the science regarding intravenous fat emulsions (IVFEs), with an emphasis on their safety profile.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were identified via a search of the MEDLINE database, including publications from 1979 to December 2009, using a search string that included the terms parenteral nutrition, lipid emulsion, fat emulsion, IVFE, safety, adverse effect, neonate intralipid, and terms describing a range of specific adverse events (AEs) such as pancreatitis.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

We selected articles that allowed us to compare the results of clinical trials involving delivery of medications via IVFEs with the historical use and effects of IVFEs in parenteral nutrition, with an emphasis on AEs. We focused on 2 drugs in current use that are administered intravenously in lipid emulsions: propofol and clevidipine.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Clearance of the fat particles in IVFEs is mediated by the enzyme lipoprotein lipase. AEs are more likely if the rate or duration of IVFE administration exceeds the enzyme's clearance capacity. AEs are also more likely after administration of a 10% IVFE formulation than a 20% formulation, because the higher concentration of free phospholipid in the 10% formulation interferes with lipoprotein lipase activity. AEs can be reduced by administering IVFEs at a dosage < or = 2.5 g/kg/day and at a rate < or = 0.11 g/kg/h. The anesthetic agent propofol, which is formulated in a 10% IVFE, has been used clinically for 25 years. Typical AEs associated with propofol use include infection, high plasma triglyceride concentrations, and pancreatitis. Recent clinical trials involving clevidipine, which is formulated in a 20% IVFE, have demonstrated a low rate of lipid-related AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review demonstrate that IVFEs are well tolerated when administered in accordance with guideline recommendations.

Practical guidelines for nutritional management of burn injury and recovery

Nutrition practice in burn injury requires a multifaceted approach aimed at providing metabolic support during a heightened inflammatory state, while accommodating surgical and medical needs of the patient. Nutritional assessment and determination of nutrient requirements is challenging, particularly given the metabolic disarray that frequently accompanies inflammation. Nutritional therapy requires careful decision making, regarding the safe use of enteral or parenteral nutrition and the aggressiveness of nutrient delivery given the severity of the patient's illness and response to treatment. With the discovery that specific nutrients can actually alter the course of disease, the role of nutrition support in critical illness has shifted from one of preventing malnutrition to one of disease modulation. Today the use of glutamine, arginine, essential fatty acids, and other nutritional factors for their effects on immunity and cell regulation is becoming more common, although the evidence is often lagging. An exciting dichotomy exits, forcing nutrition support specialists to make responsible choices while remaining open to new potential helpful therapeutic options.

An audit of the provision of parenteral nutrition in two acute hospitals: team versus non-team

Studies have indicated that provision of artificial nutritional support services by a multidisciplinary nutrition support team results in significant health benefits and cost savings. An audit was conducted to compare the provision of parenteral nutrition in two hospitals, one with a nutrition support team and one without, with published standards for nutritional care. In the hospital with the nutrition support team there was greater use of nutritional assessment, the energy content of prescribed regimens and energy intake of patients was closer to estimated requirements and the incidence of some metabolic complications was lower. It has been recommended that a nutrition support team should be formed in the hospital that currently has no such facility.

Overfeeding macronutrients to critically ill adults: metabolic complications

Metabolic complications from overfeeding critically ill patients are serious and sometimes fatal. Nutrition care is best provided through repeated evaluation of patients' responses to feeding. Nutrition support may need to be modified over time to maintain metabolic stability and promote recovery. This article describes the etiology of 10 metabolic complications of overfeeding. Guidelines for recommending macronutrients are discussed, as are factors that could increase the risk of overfeeding. Patients who are very small, very large, or very old are particularly vulnerable to overfeeding. Overfeeding protein has led to azotemia, hypertonic dehydration, and metabolic acidosis. Excessive carbohydrate infusion has resulted in hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis. High-fat infusions have caused hypertriglyceridemia and fat-overload syndrome. Hypercapnia and refeeding syndrome have also been caused by aggressive overfeeding. Dietitians can prevent or curtail the metabolic complications of overfeeding by identifying patients at risk, providing adequate assessment, coordinating interdisciplinary care plans, and delivering timely and appropriate monitoring and intervention. Dietitians need to document complications, interventions, and the outcomes of their clinical care to evaluate the appropriateness of existing nutrition guidelines.

Comparison of bone marrow toxicity of medium-chain and long-chain triglyceride emulsions: an in vitro study in humans

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluated the in vitro bone marrow toxicity of two lipid emulsions containing either long-chain triglycerides (LCT) or a mixture of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and LCT.

METHODS

Bone marrow cells were obtained from six healthy subjects and were cultured for 14 days after a 24-hour preincubation with various concentrations (from 0 to 10 mg/mL) of LCT- and LCT/MCT-based lipid emulsions.

RESULTS

Compared with controls (no preincubation with lipid emulsion), both lipid emulsions significantly inhibited by 50% to 70% colony formation of all the human bone marrow cells cultured from a triglyceride concentration of 0.5 mg/mL (p < .05). Erythroid burst-forming unit (BFU-E) formation was significantly more inhibited with LCT/MCT emulsion than with LCT emulsion (p < .05). The inhibition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming unit (GM-CFU) and mixed granulocyte-erythrocyte-monocyte-megakaryocyte colony-forming unit (GEMM-CFU) formation did not significantly differ with the two emulsions.

CONCLUSIONS

Both LCT- and LCT/MCT-based lipid emulsions strongly inhibit colony formation by human bone marrow cells. BFU-E colony formation is more sensitive to LCT/MCT inhibition than to LCT.

Neurological complications from fat emulsion therapy

Fat emulsion therapy is convenient for parenterally administering calories and essential fats. We report 2 children with neurological complications of fat emulsion therapy that arose before any systemic findings. The complications included focal and generalized seizures, weakness, and altered mental status. Biopsy and autopsy findings included cerebral endothelial and intravascular lipid deposition. Early recognition of fat emulsion therapy complications is essential as the neurological complications are potentially reversible with alteration of the parenteral diet.

Haematological disorders and lung alveolar macrophage function following total parenteral nutrition in rats

Alterations in haematological parameters have been reported both clinically and experimentally following administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Fat emulsions also affect function of the mononuclear phagocytic system. We have examined haematological parameters and pulmonary alveolar macrophages in rats fed intravenously with the individual components of TPN; a 20 % fat emulsion (Intralipid) and an amino acid solution (Vamin-Glucos), for 1, 3 and 7 days as a continuous infusion. The control groups were given saline infusion for the same periods of time. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, leukocytes, leukocyte superoxide anion production, leukocyte distribution, platelets and platelet aggregation were measured. Lung lavage fluid was examined for alveolar macrophage concentration and procoagulant activity of macrophages. Several of the animals in the experimental groups developed superior caval vein thrombosis. Both experimental groups developed anaemia after 7 days of infusion. Thrombocytopaenia occurred in both experimental groups after 3 and 7 days of infusion. Platelet aggregation decreased already after 1 day of infusion. We did not observe any alteration in counts, distribution in peripheral blood, or superoxide production of leukocytes. The concentration of alveolar macrophages in the lung lavage fluid increased in the experimental groups. The tissue factor activity of the alveolar macrophages increased in the group receiving Intralipid. Our observations are consistent with a granulomatous inflammation reaction.

Selection of optimal lipid sources in enteral and parenteral nutrition

The manipulation of dietary fat intake can affect the response to disease, injury, and infection. These effects include enhancement or inhibition of immune function, altered susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, promotion or maintenance of gut integrity, and prevention of total parenteral nutrition-induced hepatic dysfunction. These effects may occur as a result of changes in the fatty acid composition of biomembranes or changes in concentrations of lipid moieties such as prostaglandins or leukotrienes. Those fats that have been shown to affect physiologic function include long-chain, medium-chain, and short-chain fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Currently available enteral and parenteral products used for nutrition support contain widely varied amounts of these different fatty acids. Therefore, the selection of the most appropriate product or nutrition support regimen for an individual patient requires an understanding of the metabolism of these different fat substrates, their therapeutic indications, and the contraindications and controversies that surround their use. This article reviews these issues and also focuses on several alternate lipid sources such as short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and blended and structured lipids.

Intralipid adversely affects reticuloendothelial bacterial clearance

Lipid emulsion is a major caloric source in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. Cleared by the Kupffer cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), lipid emulsion may adversely affect the RES function by decreasing its ability to remove blood-borne bacteria. This study evaluates and compares the blood clearance and organ localization of viable radiolabeled [35S] Escherichia coli following slow intraperitoneal (IP) and more rapid intravenous (IV) administration of a 20% fat emulsion (FE). Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150 g were placed in 6 experimental groups (10 rats per group). Group 1 received IP normal saline (3 mL/d for 3 days); group II received IP FE (20%) (4 g/kg/d for 3 days); and group III received normal saline IV (3 mL/d for 3 days). The remaining animals received a slow (15-minute) IV infusion of FE (4 g/kg/dose) prior to bacterial challenge: group IV at 4 hours; group V at 24 hours; and group IV at 4 and 24 hours. E coli (10(9)/mL) were injected via the tail vein. Blood samples were obtained for clearance study. At 10 minutes, tissue samples (50 to 100 mg) of liver, spleen, kidney, and lung were obtained and processed for liquid scintillation counting. Although rapid bacterial blood clearance was found in all the groups, there was a significant change in organ localization of bacteria. Normal distribution of bacteria in group I was as follows: liver 70.1% +/- 6.2%, spleen 5.2% +/- 1.2%, kidney 0.2% +/- 0.04%, and lung 1.6% +/- 0.6%. There was a slight increase in lung localization of bacteria in rats receiving IP FE (3.7% +/- 1.5%; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of intravenous fat infusion on neonatal neutrophil and platelet function

Intravenous fat (Intralipid) is used extensively as a major component of parenteral nutrition for patients in the neonatal intensive care unit. Abnormalities of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and platelet number or function related to Intralipid infusion have been reported although conflicting results exist. In order to examine potential adverse hematologic effects of Intralipid, 10 ill neonates were studied before and after a 16-hr infusion of 1 g/kilo of Intralipid. PMN count, chemokinesis, chemotaxis, and aggregation were unchanged pre- and post intralipid infusion. Platelet count, bleeding time, and platelet aggregation were also unchanged. Similar results were obtained in vitro when neonatal and adult PMNs and platelets were incubated in Intralipid and their function analyzed. These findings suggest that short-term, low-dose Intralipid has no measurable impact on neonatal PMN or platelet activity and support its use in neonates even in the presence of infection or thrombocytopenia.

Home parenteral nutrition for the child with cancer

Compliance with treatment is greatly increased when the caregiver(s) understand the treatment, the need for the treatment, and the need for strict adherence to sterile technique. When the caregiver is not ready to handle home care of the child, compliance is less than optimal and may be a threat to the child. Parenteral nutrition support can be both safe and effective in children with cancer when the family and health-care team work together. Nutrition support facilitates treatment of the whole child and can help improve his or her quality of life.

A key to the literature of total parenteral nutrition: update 1987

This comprehensive bibliography is intended to enhance the education of the practitioner, student, and academician in the area of parenteral nutrition. This bibliography is not all-inclusive but serves as an update from the original published in 1983. Of particular note in this work is the addition of topics that reflect a growing interest in medical specialties with regard to patient nutritional status and support.

Hematologic disorders following prolonged use of intravenous fat emulsions in children

Abnormalities in hematologic parameters, associated with prolonged utilization of intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE), were observed in seven children on long-term cyclic total parenteral nutrition (TPN). All patients were receiving IVFE (Intralipid 20%) 1 to 2 g/kg/24 hr as part of TPN, during 3 to 18 months. Recurrent thrombocytopenia occurred in all seven patients. Platelet lifespan, as measured with 111 Indium was reduced. Sea-blue histiocytes containing granulations and hemophagocytosis were seen on bone marrow smears. Scans taken after injection of autologous erythrocytes labeled with technetium-99 showed bone marrow sequestration of these cells. Taken together, this constellation of hematologic abnormalities suggests that long-term IVFE administration induces hyperactivation of the monocyte-macrophage system.

Total parenteral nutrition in children

This article first focuses on the indications for total parenteral nutrition and the effect of its use on the outcome of various nutrient-depleting diseases in infants and children. This is followed by a discussion of some of the newer nutrient additions to total parenteral nutrition regimens, such as biotin, carnitine, zinc, copper, iron, and others.