[Hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition in postoperative patients (Proyecto Europan)]

Hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition (HPPN) appears to be indicated in patients with moderate malnutrition subjected to a short period of fasting following surgery. Our objective is to determine whether or not the intake of hypocaloric parenteral solutions containing aminoacid is useful in postsurgical patients, by means of a study of different nutritional evaluation parameters. A study was performed on 35 postsurgical patients who fulfilled at least 2 of the following criteria indicating malnutrition: 1) albumin levels less than 3 g/dl; 2) prealbumin levels less than 21 mg/; 3) body weight less than 95% of ideal weight. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I consisted of 15 patients treated with conventional fluid therapy, Group II consisted of 10 patients treated with nutritional support based on glucose and aminoacid and Group III was comprised of 10 patients also treated with a nutritional therapy based on glycerol and aminoacid. The most significant data included a rapid recovery of short term proteins (prealbumin and retinol-binding protein) and a less negative nitrogen balance 5 days afterwards in both the glucose and glycerol groups, both of which were statistically significant. With regard to complications studied, there was a greater incidence of suture dehiscence in the control group than in the groups under treatment (13.3% compared to 50%). Our conclusion is that HPPN is a valid nutritional support measure in postsurgical patients in certain clinical situations and circumstances, although further controlled, randomized studies should be considered, during both the pre and post operative periods of these patients in order to clearly indicate how and when nutritional therapy should be applied.