[Complications of the prolonged use of lipid emulsion in children on parenteral nutrition].

In 8 children who were fed exclusively for an average of 30 months with parenteral nutrition containing 25% of the energetic intake as lipid emulsion (Intralipid) acute complications similar to those observed in the fat storage syndrome occurred. One child died from gastrointestinal bleeding. In the other cases, evolution was dramatically improved by corticosteroid therapy. An histiocytic hyperactivation induced by the artificial emulsion might be responsible for these complications. The authors emphasize the risks of long-term use of lipid emulsion and the preventive measures which should be taken in children under prolonged parenteral nutrition.