Selenium and vitamin E stability in parenteral solutions.

Stability of alpha-tocopherol acetate and selenium in amino acid/dextrose solutions with SoluZyme or MVI-1000 vitamin injections was evaluated following exposure to fluorescent lighting and room temperature, and after flowing through an infusion apparatus. The stability of selenium in parenteral solutions for a 10-wk period was also determined. In each condition no significant loss of alpha-tocopherol acetate or selenium was observed. It was concluded that alpha-tocopherol acetate and selenium as selenious acid are stable in parenteral solutions and no significant loss occurs during delivery to patients.

Dilute iron dextran formulation for addition to parenteral nutrient solutions.

The stability of dilute iron dextran formulations and of one formulation in parenteral nutrient solutions was studied. Seven formulations for dilute (50 mg/dl) iron dextran solutions and four parenteral nutrient solutions containing 100 mg/liter of iron dextran were prepared. Total iron and free ferrous ion content of the preparations were measured for: (1) the dilute solutions at monthly intervals after up to three months of storage at room temperature and under refrigeration and (2) the parenteral nutrient solutions after 18 hours of storage at room temperature. Four of the seven dilute solutions were stable after two months of storage. The easiest-to-prepare dilute solution (iron dextran, benzyl alcohol, and sterile water for injection) was stable for three months; stability was greater when refrigerated. Iron dextran was stable in the four parenteral nutrient solutions after 18 hours of room-temperature storage. The study suggests that addition of recommended daily doses of iron dextran to parenteral nutrient solutions creates no stability problems; however, further study of the effects of temperature, pH, light, and storage time are recommended.

Total parenteral nutrition at home: studies in patients surviving 4 months to 5 years.

Total parenteral nutrition at home has been delivered to 12 patients surviving for periods ranging from 4 months to 5 years. The route used is a silicone rubber catheter introduced into the superior vena cava. The mean survival of uncomplicated catheters is 15.8 months, but in 4 patients it is in excess of 28 months. The delivery system is a simple pneumatic infusor set, portable and safe to use, and not requiring complicated electronics. All patients have maintained ideal body weight and have been socially rehabilitated, with two exceptions. Detailed metabolic studies are presented and the data include routine biochemical analyses, liver function tests, liver biopsy results, blood aminograms, the plasma phospholipid fatty acid pattern, the plasma lipoprotein pattern, and blood vitamin and trace element profiles. Based on these findings a nutrient program is recommended and discussed.