The effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants: A narrative review

Abstract

Objective: This narrative review aimed to summarize studies assessing the effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

Methods: PubMed was searched (July 1985 to October 2023). We reviewed randomized controlled trials, and observational studies assessing intravenous lipid emulsion with fish oil in preterm infants (born less than 37 weeks' gestation), that reported long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Results: We identified four publications relating to three randomized controlled trials in addition to four cohort studies. Study designs and outcomes were heterogenous and precluded meta-analyses. Results of trials were null for a selection of neurodevelopmental outcomes, however possible benefits of parenteral fish oil supplementation for neurodevelopment was reported in three cohort studies. Certainty of the evidence is hindered by methodological limitations of available trials and observational studies.

Conclusions: Further research is required to firmly establish the effects of parenteral fish oil on preterm neurodevelopment.

Keywords: Docosahexaenoic acid; Fish oil; Neurodevelopment; Parenteral nutrition; Preterm infant.