Hyperalimentation-induced cholestasis. Increased incidence and severity in premature infants
G. R. Pereira, M. S. Sherman, J. DiGiacomo, M. Ziegler, K. Roth and D. Jacobowski
Two hundren sixty-seven neonates who received parenteral nutrition were
monitored for signs of liver dysfunction. Cholestatic jaundice occurred in
we infants, with a higher incidence in the more immature infants. There was
an inverse correlation between severity of jaundice and the degree of
prematurity. Infants with cholestasis remained without gastrointestinal
feedings and received parenteral nutrition for periods of time
significantly higher than infants without cholestasis. The incidence of
this complication did not seem to correlate with the amount of protein
infusate (amino acid solution). A higher incidence of sepsis was noted in
infants who were affected by cholestasis. Close monitoring for signs of
liver dysfunction in all neonates receiving parenteral nutrition is
strongly recommended.
