REVIEWS  INTESTINAL FAILURE AND REHABILITATION 

Minerva Pediatrica 2009 June;61(3):263-72

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

What is the current role for parenteral lipid emulsions containing omega-3 fatty acids in infants with short bowel syndrome?

Diamond I. R., Pencharz P. B., Wales P. W.

Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT) Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada

Parenteral nutrition associated liver disease is the most common complication of pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS). There is emerging evidence that the disease may be reversed with the use of parenteral lipid emulsions derived from fish-oils, which contain significant concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (w3FA). This paper will review the rationale for the use of parenteral lipid emulsions containing w3FA in SBS and the evidence for their efficacy. Given the promising results and apparent safety of these emulsions, we shall also consider what the current role for PN lipid emulsions containing w3FA in children with SBS should be.