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Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is observed in patients with massive bowel resection who are placed on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). We investigated the use of cutaneously applied safflower oil to prevent EFAD. Five subjects on HPN supplemented with intravenous (IV) fat emulsions underwent a three-phase study: 1) no IV fat emulsions for 4 wk; 2) cutaneous safflower oil for 4-6 wk; 3) oral safflower oil for 4 wk. Fatty acid profiles (FAP) of plasma were obtained during each phase. Significant decreases in linoleic and arachidonic acid occurred by the end of phase 1 and the triene:tetraene ratio rose from a baseline value of 0. 1 to 0.5. This ratio returned to 0.2 by the end of phase 2 and significant increases in linoleic and arachidonic acid occurred. Only one of five subjects completed the oral phase (3). Cutaneous safflower oil may improve plasma FAP but adequacy of tissue stores remains unanswered. Liver function tests need to be monitored if this treatment modality is utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]