[Peripheral parenteral nutrition]

The Target of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the advantages and disadvantages of Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN), including techniques, indications and results. The new generation catheters, together with a better knowledge of the intermediary metabolism, give us the opportunity to use PPN in many clinical situations for short periods of time. PPN is an alternative to Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and is also a complement to enteral nutrition and to the oral route. Progress in the design of catheters and their materials, in infusion techniques and better knowledge of optimal nutrients has made PPN into an effective, safe and useful therapy in the treatment of patients for certain periods of time.