Parenteral Nutrition Is Associated With Intestinal Morphologic and Functional Changes in Humans

Abstract

Intestinal morphologic and functional changes occur in human for whom TPN is the sole nutritional source, although the findings in humans are substantially less significant than observed in animal models. The loss of mucosal structure may be sufficient to cause increased intestinal permeability, the clinical significance of which remains to be defined. Enteral nutrition is important in restoring and probably preventing morphologic intestinal changes associated with TPN, and a peptide and free amino acid-based formula supplemented with glutamine and arginine may have some added role. Our findings also suggest sepsis is associated with gut adaptation rather than degradation.