Effect of electrolytes in the presence of some trace elements on the stability of all-in-one emulsion mixtures for total parenteral nutrition.

In a previous study we showed that the 'all-in-one' emulsion mixtures investigated for total parenteral nutrition are stable for 1 month when kept in ethylene vinyl acetate polymer (EVA) bags and refrigerated at 4 degrees C. Analogous experiments were performed with the addition of two different solutions of trace-elements: one was prepared in the pharmacy while the other was commercially obtained (Addamel, Kabi Vitrum). A Coulter counter TA II with a 30 microns orifice was used for globule size measurements. Particles with diameters ranging from 0.6 up to 16 microns were measured. No significant changes in particle size were noticed during storage and the routine addition of trace elements to the 'all-in-one' mixtures was thus possible. These emulsions can be stored without stability problems for at least 8 days.