Peripheral parenteral nutrition: an option for patients with an indication for short-term parenteral nutrition.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine and describe our experience with the use of peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN). METHODS: Patients with an indication for parenteral nutrition for less than 15 days received it via a peripheral vein via a short, 20 or 22 gauge French polyurethane catheter. Parenteral nutrition had a final osmolality of 993 mOsm/l and was administered by infusion pump. The nutritional status of patients was assessed by the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) technique. Patients were followed by a trained nutritional team and the access site was changed if problems developed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were followed with a mean age of 59.5 +/- 17.5 years. There were 36 males (69.2%). Nutritional requirements were reached in 67.6% of the patients within 2.9 +/- 0.7 days. The mean time on parenteral nutrition was 7.2 +/- 6.6 days. In 74.3% of the cases parenteral nutrition was offered until the end of the planned treatment. Pain at the venipuncture site occurred in 17.1% of the cases, pain and fever in 20% and pain, hyperthermia and edema in 2.8%. No patient developed an abscess. CONCLUSIONS: PPN can benefit a great number of patients without the risks linked to a venous central catheter. Complications associated with PPN are low especially when the care and follow-up are provided by a nutritional support team.