Parenteral nutrition during pregnancy. Lack of association with idiopathic preterm labor or preeclampsia.

We reviewed published cases of lipid-containing parenteral nutrition during pregnancy to determine the incidence of idiopathic preterm labor and preeclampsia. Seventy-three reported cases of lipid-containing parenteral nutrition during pregnancy were identified. Idiopathic preterm labor occurred in 2 of 11 (18%) cases that delivered prior to term. Most patients who had preterm delivery while receiving parenteral nutrition had underlying medical conditions and/or coexistent obstetric problems that are associated with preterm delivery. Total parenteral nutrition during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery from idiopathic preterm labor. Preeclampsia was not reported in patients receiving lipid-containing parenteral nutrition. The lack of association of preeclampsia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition deserves further study.