Risk factors of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in very-low-birthweight infants

Aim We aimed to explore risk factors associated with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. Methods VLBW infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) for at least 14 days were enrolled in a retrospective dual-centre study and divided into two groups chronologically: group A (2000-2007) and group B (2008-2015). The incidence of PNAC and related factors were investigated. We compared the differences between PNAC and non-PNAC groups. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the potential risk factors of PNAC. Results A total of 387 VLBW infants (53 in group A and 334 in group B) were enrolled in the study. The total incidence of PNAC was 6.7%, 9.4% in group A and 6.3% in group B. The dosage of amino acid (P = 0.009), glucose (P = 0.006), PN calories (P = 0.021) and the ratio of glucose/fat (P = 0.014) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Non-protein energy to nitrogen ratio (P = 0.017) was lower in group B. Birthweight was significantly lower in the PNAC group than in the non-PNAC group (P = 0.021). Subgroup analysis showed that gestational age and duration of PN were significantly different between the PNAC and non-PNAC groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that prolonged duration of PN (>= 43 days) (odds ratio 3.155, 95% confidence interval 1.009-9.861, P = 0.048) was an independent risk factor of PNAC. Conclusions For VLBW infants, prolonged duration of PN is a risk factor for the development of PNAC. PNAC may be prevented by weaning off PN as early as possible in VLBW infants.