Comparison of Two Different Lipid Emulsions for Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants

Double-blind, Prospective, Randomized Comparison of a Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)/Long Chain Triglycerides (LCT)/Fish Oil (FO) Containing 20% Lipid Emulsion With a MCT/LCT Emulsion (20%) for Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants

The study shall provide evidence for the save and efficient use of a fish oil containing lipid emulsion in parenteral nutrition of preterm infants.Safety will be assessed by monitoring hepatological and hematological laboratory parameters. Efficiency will be assessed by monitoring of inflammatory parameters.

Inclusion Criteria:

• prematurity (birth weight 500 - 1500 g)
• postnatal age <= 72 h
• need for cumulative parenteral energy supply of at least 70% during study duration
• signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• simultaneous participation in another clinical study
• platelet count below 50000 /ml
• cumulative enteral energy supply of > 30 % during study duration
• serious congenital infections and/or diseases
• serious metabolic disturbances
• severe cranial bleeding (Papile III, IV)
• need for administration of blood products
• contra-indication for iv lipid administration
• withdrawal of consent