Neurological complications from fat emulsion therapy

Fat emulsion therapy is convenient for parenterally administering calories and essential fats. We report 2 children with neurological complications of fat emulsion therapy that arose before any systemic findings. The complications included focal and generalized seizures, weakness, and altered mental status. Biopsy and autopsy findings included cerebral endothelial and intravascular lipid deposition. Early recognition of fat emulsion therapy complications is essential as the neurological complications are potentially reversible with alteration of the parenteral diet.