Reduction of bioavailability of aluminium in neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions by prior complexation in the dosage form.

Aluminium (Al ) is abundant in our environment and is a contaminant of electrolyte solutions used in the manufacture of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) solutions administered to neonates, who are unable to tolerate oral feeding. Previous studies by McHalsky et al. (1) have shown concern over the levels of aluminium in parenteral products, and there are special considerations needed with regard to neonatal TPN solutions, (2). It is felt that neurotoxicology and abnormalities of bone histology may be seen with aluminium deposition in the tissues. In the present study it was shown that the average aluminium contamination in TPN solutions was in the order of 205 micrograms/L. It is well documented that aluminium is chelated successfully in dialysis solutions by desferrioxamine (DFO), Allain et al. (3). Using an AA spectrophotometer equipped with a graphite furnace, the average amount of aluminium in compounded neonatal TPN solutions was determined. Equimolar amounts of DFO to aluminium were added to various neonatal TPN formulations, and the physical stability of each solution was determined using microscopic and electronic particle counting analysis. This study suggests that aluminium can be irreversibly chelated with DFO and stable TPN solutions can be prepared.