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Objective Within an incubator environment at 37 degrees C, we evaluated the physical compatibility of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) in simulated neonatal total parenteral nutrition (TPN) infusions. Design Representative neonatal TPN formulas containing four concentrations of amino acids [AA] (1-4 g/dL) and two levels of dextrose [D] (5 and 10 g/dL) were monitored for calcium-phosphate precipitate formation over 24 hours using a laser-based particle counting technique. Setting Research Laboratory. Subjects None. Measurements and main results Of the eight AA-D combinations studied, two formulas containing 1 g/dL AA with either 5 g/dL or 10 g/dL of D and high amounts of Ca and P resulted in significant increases in particle counts and visibly evident precipitation during the 24-hour infusion. Precipitation was noted only after the infusion passed through the incubator, but not in the TPN bags, demonstrating the heightened risk of calcium-phosphate incompatibility with increased temperatures. Conclusions Low AA concentrations and high temperatures are significant risk factors for the precipitation of the insoluble dibasic calcium phosphate that may be fatal upon intravenous infusion. When thermoregulation is required, the AA concentration of the TPN formula should not be less than 1.5 g/dL (and ideally > or =3 g/dL) when high intakes of calcium (60 mg/dL) and phosphate (46.5 mg/dL) are prescribed.

Objective To evaluate plasma clearance of lipid injectable emulsions packaged in either glass or plastic containers in neonates from 2 7-month periods, 1 year apart. Study design Clinical records from June 1 to December 31, 2003 (glass [G] period) and the same months in 2004 (plastic [P] period) were assessed. Neonates who received lipid injectable emulsions were studied. Lipid container (glass vs plastic) was the independent variable. Results Of the 197 patients studied, 122 (G, 50/81; P, 72/116) had evaluable triglyceride (TG) levels, for an overall rate of 62%. Only birth weight (G, 1.09 ± 0.32 kg vs P, 1.23 ± .45 kg) and birth length (G, 36.4 ± 3.5 cm vs P, 37.9 ± 3.5 cm) were significantly different between the 2 groups ( P = .047 and .028, respectively). There were no differences in the day of life on which lipid injection was started, the lipid dose, or the timing of TG measurements. The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was significantly higher in the P period (G, 3/50 vs P, 19/72; P = .004). Conclusions Administration of the same lipid formulation in plastic bags compared with glass containers is associated with higher rates of hypertriglyceridemia. The poorer clearance of lipids could be due to a higher proportion of large-diameter fat globules in plastic bags compared with those in glass containers.