title: Transcutaneous application of oil and prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency in preterm infants.
abstract: The topical application of vegetable oil was assessed as an alternative means of providing essential fatty acids (EFA) to parentally fed preterm infants who were not receiving lipid. Three infant pairs ranging in gestational age from 26-32 weeks were studied. Safflower oil or safflower oil esters (1 g linoleic acid/kg/day) were applied to available areas daily. All infants rapidly developed biochemical EFA deficiency. The plasma fatty acid profiles were similar in infants with or without topical oil, and all returned to normal once parenteral lipid was introduced. We found no evidence to suggest that the transdermal route is of use in the nutritional management of preterm infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Simmer
mesh_terms: D015126:8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid / Q000097:blood; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000172:deficiency*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000097:blood; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D012450:Safflower Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D012450:Safflower Oil; D015126:8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid