Fat from fish oil prevents liver disease in IV-fed children

For infants dependant on extended IV-feeding, the prognosis is often grim. Due to unknown reasons, liver damage is frequently a result of parenteral nutrition, with many of the children dying within a year. But a new study at Children's Hospital Boston offers hope. By switching the standard fat used in IV-solutions with fat from fish oil, researchers were able to reverse liver disease in two babies suffering from intestinal failure.

In the future, a formal clinical trial will be conducted to further test Omegaven, the IV-fat mixture made from fish oils. If successful, the new solution may prevent liver toxicity in children dependent on parenteral nutrition.

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