National Shortage of Intravenous Fat Emulsion (IVFE)
There is currently an intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) shortage in the U.S. due to a temporary decrease in market supply. It is not clear when the supply will return to normal levels. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has assembled a group of experts to develop clinical recommendations for IVFE usage during this shortage and has the following recommendations:
For Children, ASPEN recommends:
Provision of IVFE is critical in these patient populations; therefore, continue the same IVFE therapy as before the shortage.
For Adults, ASPEN recommends:
Generally continue same IVFE therapy as before the shortage, however, minimize the use of IVFE when clinically feasible. At a minimum, patients should receive a total of 100gm fat weekly which may be given by whatever method is safe and efficient to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) with the remainder of non-protein calories provided by glucose. For some specific adult home patients (e.g., patients with glucose intolerance, severely malnourished patient, patients at risk for re-feeding syndrome, and during pregnancy), IVFE should be provided as a component of daily calories based on current practice prior to the shortage.
OptionOne will implement these recommendations immediately and will continue until the supply of IVFE has stabilized. A link to these recommendations can be found here.
Pediatric patients and pregnant patients will continue on the previously ordered Lipids at this time. Adult patients will receive 50gm Lipids twice weekly.
We will continue to keep you informed of any changes. Please call us with any questions at (405) 548-4848
OptionOne Nutrition Team