Review of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy.
Intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) is an important source of calories and essential fatty acids for patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Administered as an individual infusion or combined with PN, the fats provided by IVFE are vital for cellular structural function and metabolism. The affinity of some medications to lipids has led to the use of IVFE as a treatment for any lipophilic drug overdose. This article will explain the available formulations of IVFE, administration, and maintenance issues, as well as the risks and benefits for various applications.
Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Virginia. Jeffery W. Spray, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, BCCCP, is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and practices as a clinical pharmacy specialist in critical care at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia. He serves on the nutrition, pharmacy and therapeutics, and critical care committees at the medical center, where he is also director of the postgraduate, year 1 pharmacy residency program.
Jeffery W
JW
Spray
D000931:Antidotes; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*
D000931:Antidotes; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D008055:Lipids