Lipid emulsions are fundamental in PN for preterm
newborns to meet the energy requirements for maintenance
and growth and to prevent a deficiency of essential
fatty acids. Lipid administration strategies include a minimum
supply of 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg/day, starting on the first
day of life, increasing 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg day to a maximum
of 3.0 g/kg/day, attained in 4 to 5 days.15,16,27,28 In this
study, approximately 50% of patients received lipid emulsion
after 48 hours of life, the initial and maximum doses
were low and it took 6 to 7 days to reach the maximum
dose. This lipid supply was sufficient to meet the essential
fatty acid requirements, but contributed to the low
supply of energy.