Omegaven, 10 grams Lipids (B4187)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): Omegaven
• Technical/Medical Term: Lipid Injectable Emulsion (Liposomal)

Summary

Omegaven is a lipid emulsion used as a source of calories and essential fatty acids for patients requiring parenteral nutrition, where nutrients are provided intravenously.

Purpose

Omegaven is designed to provide essential fatty acids and calories to patients who cannot intake nutrients orally or enterally. It is particularly useful for patients with severe malnutrition, chronic intestinal failure, or specific lipid metabolism disorders. The goal is to improve nutritional status and support overall health.

Indications

• Patients with chronic intestinal failure
• Severe malnutrition
• Lipid metabolism disorders
• Conditions requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
• Patients with insufficient enteral nutrition intake

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Typically, no specific preparations such as fasting are required.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Baseline liver function tests, lipid profiles, and complete blood counts may be conducted to assess the patient's suitability for lipid infusion.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation of the Infusion: Omegaven is prepared by healthcare providers following strict aseptic techniques.
2. Infusion Setup: The lipid emulsion is then administered through an intravenous (IV) line, usually as part of a total parenteral nutrition regimen.
3. Monitoring: The patient’s vital signs and blood lipid levels are regularly monitored during the infusion.
4. Adjustment: The rate of infusion may be adjusted based on the patient's tolerance and response to treatment.

• Tools/Equipment Used: IV catheters, infusion pumps, lipid emulsion bags.
• Anesthesia/Sedation Details: No anesthesia or sedation is typically required for this procedure.

Duration

The infusion duration can vary but typically lasts several hours and is administered daily or multiple times per week as part of a TPN regimen.

Setting

Omegaven infusion is commonly performed in hospital settings, outpatient clinics, or at home under the supervision of healthcare providers.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Injection site reactions, elevated liver enzymes, electrolyte imbalances.
• Rare Risks: Hypertriglyceridemia, fat overload syndrome, allergic reactions.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved nutritional status, provision of essential fatty acids, enhanced caloric intake, and better overall health. Benefits may be seen within days to weeks depending on the patient's condition.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular monitoring of liver function, lipid profiles, and overall nutritional status.
• Expected Recovery Time: Patients may continue to receive Omegaven as part of their long-term parenteral nutrition regimen. No specific recovery time if it's part of ongoing care. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled periodically.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Conventional parenteral nutrition lipids (soybean oil-based emulsions).
• Pros and Cons: Omegaven may be preferred for its unique fatty acid composition and potential lower risk of liver disease compared to traditional lipid emulsions.

Patient Experience

Patients may experience minimal discomfort during the infusion process. Post-procedure, they might feel benefits associated with improved nutrition. Pain management and comfort measures involve routine IV care and monitoring for any adverse reactions.