Parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the feeding of a person intravenously, bypassing the usual process of eating and digestion. The person receives nutritional formulae that contain nutrients such as glucose, salts, amino acids, lipids and added vitamins and dietary minerals. It is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or total nutrient admixture (TNA) when no significant nutrition is obtained by other routes, and partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) when nutrition is also partially enteric.

Indications

Parenteral nutrition is used to feed patients who cannot eat or drink sufficiently. These patients could have conditions such as malabsorption, anorexia nervosa, severe dehydration, esophageal fistula, and certain types of cancer. Parenteral nutrition is also used in malnourished patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Complications

Complications of parenteral nutrition can include infections, blood clots, and liver disease. Other complications can include gastrointestinal atrophy, metabolic bone disease, and hyperglycemia.

See also

• Enteral nutrition
• Malnutrition
• Nutrition

References

Parenteral nutrition Resources
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