Total parenteral nutrition: how to reduce the risks
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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
1Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen, University Hospital NHS Trust.
Abstract:
Total parenteral nutrition has a number of associated complications. These include air embolism and haemothorax on insertion of the line, infection, catheter blockage, catheter-related sepsis and thrombotic obstruction. A nurse-led initiative was undertaken to improve the administration of TPN through the development of evidence-based practice. The aims were to keep the catheter free from infection and blockage, with an uninterrupted feeding period, irrespective of length of time. A study of 235 episodes of feeding over two years showed a marked reduction in complications, and resulted in a dedicated unit for patients requiring TPN.
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