Lipid laden macrophages in tracheal aspirates of neonates receiving Intralipid®. 1860

Introduction: Lipid laden macrophages (LLM) are reported to be pathognomonic findings in exo- and endo-genous lipoid pneumonia [Allen, Clin Pediatr 1986; 25:541-545]. Several studies found LLM in lungs on autopsy of newborns receiving Intralipid® [Dahms, J.Pediatr 97:800, 1980]. Recalde et al.[Pediatr Pathol. 1984; 2:25-34] showed that LLM are present in tracheal aspirates of newborn infants on IV lipid infusions. Little is known about the usefulness of LLM as a marker of aspiration in neonates.Figure