Prevention of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease: lipid minimization

Purpose of review The cause of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) is unknown. Evidence over the past decade has suggested soybean oil-based intravenous emulsions are a contributing factor to the development of PNALD. Recent findings This review details the historical and scientific rationale, which associates intravenous lipid emulsion administration and PNALD. The article then reviews our own group's experience with lipid restriction and the reversal of PNALD in neonates on long-term parenteral nutrition. Finally, a clinical approach to restricting soybean-based intravenous lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition is given. Summary An association between intravenous lipid emulsion administration and the development of PNALD seems probable. Strategies to reduce lipid emulsions or develop new, nonsoybean-based lipid emulsions should be considered.