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

The aim of this study was to examine and describe our experience with the use of peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN).

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.

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.

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.