RESUMO
: BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the particle size stability of six parenteral nutrition regimens, fitted to various pathologies, and used by the University Hospital of Limoges. The mixtures contained glucose (30 or 50%), amino acids (Hyperamine(R)25), and either long-chain triglycerides (20% Intralipide(R)) or a combination of medium and long-chain triglycerides (20% Médialipide(R)). The regimens were not supplemented. RESULTS: The visual examinations, particle size analysis and physico-chemical tests, carried out during a long storage period, did not reveal any significant evolution of the lipid emulsions. All the tested formulae were stable for 28 days at 4 degrees C plus 24 h at room temperature. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the choice of lipid emulsions depends, for these formulae, on the metabolic and clinical needs of the treated patients.