Parenteral MCT/ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Intravenous Fat Emulsion Is Associated With Cytokine and Fatty Acid Profiles Consistent With Attenuated Inflammatory Response in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background: Soybean oil–based intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) administered to preterm neonates can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which are associated with severe complications of prematurity. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that administration of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)–enriched IVFE in preterm neonates is associated with a cytokine and fatty acid (FA) profile consistent with attenuated inflammatory response. Patients/Methods: In a double-blind randomized study, 60 preterm neonates (gestational age 26–32 weeks) were randomized to receive either MCT/ω-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE (intervention group) or soybean oil–based IVFE (control group). Serum biochemistry, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α, interleukin (IL)–6, IL-8, α-tocopherol, and FAs were assessed at baseline, on day of life 15, and day of life 30 or at the end of intervention. Results: All cytokine levels changed significantly across the 3 time points, whereas the type of IVFE had a ...