Liposyn® versus Intralipid®. A comparative study of two lipid emulsions in critically ill patients receiving total parenteral nutrition

The use of Liposyn® 20%, a lipid emulsion of 50% soybean and 50% safflower oil, was compared with Intralipid® 20%, a soybean oil emulsion, in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). After randomization, 14 patients received Liposyn and 13 patients received Intralipid for seven to ten days (mean, eight days) in amounts that covered 40% of their estimated caloric needs. Body weight, vital signs, arterial blood gases, blood chemistry, coagulation parameters, and urinary nitrogen excretion were followed daily. Liposyn was indistinguishable from Intralipid with regard to these indices. It is concluded that the efficacy and safety of the two lipid emulsions are very similar when used in TPN regimens.