PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - L M Hanff AU - J J M van Westerop AU - B C P Koch AU - B A E de Koning TI - Incompatibility of trace element copper with amino acids in paediatric parenteral nutrition AID - 10.1136/ejhpharm-2015-000666 DP - 2015 Sep 01 TA - European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy PG - 304--305 VI - 22 IP - 5 4099 - http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/5/304.short 4100 - http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/5/304.full SO - Eur J Hosp Pharm2015 Sep 01; 22 AB - Case description The multi-trace-element preparation in the home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) of three infants with intestinal failure was changed. Subsequenty, shortly after TPN administration was started, discolouration caused by precipitation in the in-line filter was seen. Using scanning electron microscopy in combination with X-ray microanalysis (SEM/XRMA), the precipitate was found to contain copper, sulphur and nitrogen indicating a complex of copper with amino acids. The problem was resolved when the multi-trace-element preparation was replaced with a preparation containing less copper.Conclusions We conclude that the formation of a complex of copper from the multi-trace-element preparation with amino acids from the paediatric amino acid solution, may cause precipitation in paediatric home TPN solutions.