Total parenteral nutrition
From Ganfyd
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), as the name suggests, involves supplying the body's nutritional needs parenterally. For nutritional purposes, the only feasible route is intravenously, usually via a central line.
Components
- energy ("calories") supplied mainly through macronutrients, including
- micronutrients & vitamins
Indications
- gut dysfunction anticipated to last more than 5 days, e.g. prolonged ileus
- short bowel syndrome
- enteral fistula disease (where the fistula is too high for a defunctioning stoma)
Complications
- delivery, i.e. complications associated with central venous access
- metabolic
- liver derangements
- electrolyte disturbance
- poor glycaemic control
