Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a very complex pharmaceutical formulation, usually including amino acids, dextrose, electrolytes, vitamins, trace elements and water for injection. Where patients are unable to consume adequate fluids and calories to maintain normal nutritional status, a TPN may be prescribed to provide these intravenously (usually via a central venous catheter).
Clinical situations where patients may receive TPN include malabsorption disorders, small bowel resection, sepsis or trauma, gastrointestinal obstruction, severe burns or vomiting and diarrhoea. TPN can be delivered via peripheral, central or femoral catheters depending on the content of the formula. Central administration offers advantages such as longer-term access and the ability to deliver higher concentration solutions (as the formula will have no osmolality restriction). However, central lines are generally more invasive and carry a higher infection risk.
The complete bulletin can be downloaded here
The 2009 RGH E-Bulletins are archived here.
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