Parenteral lipids and the preterm infant: between Scylla and Charybdis.

Intravenous lipid infusions are a valid option for a dense source of energy and essential fatty acids when the enteral route is unavailable. However, the use of these preparations in neonatal patients has been associated with metabolic concerns such as oxidative stress, and complications such as abnormal vascular tone, intravascular fat deposition and even fat embolism. Metabolic issues related to nutrient accretion and noxious biological reactions should be considered when prescribing parenteral lipids with high PUFA content to the critically ill newborn infant.