[An efficacy study of a TPN kit with multivitamin additive in the HPN]

When home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is instituted, one should aim at reducing the risk of infections, simplifying the operation, and improving the patient's QOL, while considering the differences between the hospital and home. As for simplification of the operation, the problem is who and when to prepare the TPN while paying attention to the stability of multivitamins. Recently, a TPN kit that includes multivitamins and does not need a syringe or an injection needle to add vitamins to the TPN preparation was launched. Accordingly, we conducted a study to examine the simplicity of the procedure and usefulness of the product on the basis of time required to add other components to the TPN preparation, as assessed by questionnaire. The subjects of the study were medical care providers as well as patients on HPN and their families. The time required for TPN admixtures was significantly shorter compared with the conventional method. According to the questionnaire, the storability and easiness of the procedure were particularly highly appreciated. This product has the advantage that sterility can be maintained at home, that contamination with foreign bodies can be reduced, and that it can be stored at room temperature. Since it can be preserved in preparation for natural disasters and can be carried around during travel, it is expected to improve the QOL of patients on HPN and their families.