The History of Intestinal Failure and Transplantation

Intestinal failure: A new era in clinical management

“…The next major advancement occurred following the description of the circulation by William Harvey in the early seventeenth century 21,22 . Intravenous injection of wine and ale in dogs resulted in similar outcomes as oral ingestion.…”

“…Attempts to increase glucose concentrations were hampered by thrombophlebitis. Intravenous administration of alcohol, considered as an alternative caloric source, was associated with ‘unsatisfactory’ side‐effects 22,23 …”

“…In the 1920s, fat infusions were trialed in children with intestinal failure. However, the high rate of adverse effects was a major limitation 22,23 . In the 1950s, a fat solution based on cotton seed became available, but its use was later discontinued by the US Food and Drug Administration because of reports of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and liver dysfunction 23 .…”

“…Intravenous administration of alcohol, considered as an alternative caloric source, was associated with 'unsatisfactory' side-effects. 22,23 In response to the need to enhance the caloric density of the solutions and to prevent and treat essential fatty acid deficiency, there was renewed interest in the development of intravenous fat emulsions. In the 1920s, fat infusions were trialed in children with intestinal failure.…”

“…However, the high rate of adverse effects was a major limitation. 22,23 In the 1950s, a fat solution based on cotton seed became available, but its use was later discontinued by the US Food and Drug Administration because of reports of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and liver dysfunction. 23 The development of Intralipid, a soy bean oil solution emulsified by egg yolk phospholipids in glycerol, finally enabled the delivery a rich source of energy in a non-toxic solution.…”