JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
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JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr · May 2010
Aluminum content in intravenous solutions for administration to neonates: role of product preparation and administration methods.
Aluminum loading can reach toxic levels depending on the amount of aluminum intake in intravenous solutions (IV). Premature infants are at a higher risk of aluminum toxicity because of their reduced urinary aluminum elimination. All steps involved in the preparation of intravenous solutions for premature neonates in intensive care units were evaluated to determine to what degree, if any, they increased the aluminum load and should be considered when assessing the daily aluminum intake (<5 mcg/kg) established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ⋯ Commercial products are the main source of aluminum in parenteral nutrition; nevertheless, manipulation, containers, and administration sets increased aluminum levels by about 40%. Because this is a significant rate, these sources should be taken into account when calculating the amount of aluminum delivered to the patient in order to comply with FDA standards.