LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe distinctions in the composition of intravenous lipids utilized in neonatal intensive care units in the United States
2. Clarify the outcomes that clinicians consider as being susceptible to intravenous lipid composition
3. Emphasize limitations of current formulations of intravenous lipids when considering nutrient needs for neonatal populations. 

OVERVIEW

The initial focus on intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) in critically ill neonates over 50 years ago centered on safely providing a calorically dense intravenous nutrient that prevented essential fatty acid deficiency. Increased access to different ILEs in neonatal intensive care units in the United States occurred only very recently. These newly available formulations have expanded our expectations of ILE beyond that of a source of calories and essential fatty acids. This talk will discuss the ILE compositions and (mis)matches between composition and expected influences on metabolic and health outcomes in critically ill neonates.