The presence of inorganic calcium in pediatric parenteral admixtures.

INTRODUCTION: Newborn infants and small children require large amounts of calcium and phosphate in a low volume of solution which can increase the risk of precipitation of calcium phosphate. Calcium gluconate is the predominant calcium salt form employed in parenteral nutrition (PN) compounding due to its solubility profile with phosphate. Unfortunately, calcium gluconate contains higher levels of aluminum contamination than calcium chloride, resulting in an increased potential for aluminum toxicity in patients receiving traditional PN. The physicochemical stability of 30 total parenteral admixtures containing inorganic calcium salts was evaluated.

METHODS: Parenteral admixtures were prepared in one-chamber ethylene vinyl acetate bags: amino acids, glucose, electrolytes including only inorganic calcium salt and 20% (w/w) lipid emulsions (SMOFlipid®, Omegaven® or Lipofundin MCT/LCT®) were placed together in a one chamber bag. Admixtures were stored at +4 °C for up to eight days after preparation. Visual observations, globule size distribution (using optical microscopy, laser diffraction and photon correlation spectroscopy methods), pH analysis and zeta potential measurements were performed.

RESULTS: The physicochemical stability of 29 of parenteral admixtures in the presence of inorganic calcium salt was confirmed. One admixture was deemed unsuitable for use in clinical practice due to the coalescence of oil droplets.

CONCLUSION: Despite the presence of inorganic calcium salts, pediatric parenteral admixtures were stable up to eight days of storage. Due to presence of multiple components and a high risk of incompatibilities, physicochemical studies should be performed for each admixture before use in clinical practice.