EARLY POSTOPERATIVE LIPID ADMINISTRATION AFTER NEONATAL SURGERY

The ability of neonates to eliminate and utilize lipid emulsions after surgery was investigated in 12 patients. All were subjected to major surgery within 29 h of birth. All neonates were given 10% glucose iv i ntraoperatively. Six patients continued with 10% glucose iv for 24 h p ostoperatively and 6 patients received a combination of 5% glucose and soy bean emulsion (Intralipid 20%). Both regimes provided equal amoun ts of fluid and energy. Blood glucose, lactate, triglycerides, free fa tty acids, fractions of fatty acids in triglycerides, 3-hydroxybutyrat e and arterial blood gases were measured at predetermined intervals th roughout this period. Administration of a lipid emulsion early after n eonatal surgery was well tolerated and utilized, with some latency. Co ncentrations of triglycerides, free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate were higher in the lipid group, but no accumulation of these substance s was found. Palmitinic and linoleic acid were also higher in the lipi d group.