Peripheral parenteral nutrition: effect of a standardized compounded mixture on infusion phlebitis

The incidence and severity of infusion phlebitis was evaluated prospectively in 142 surgical patients who received peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) for a total of 700 days. In a first study phase 83 patients were given PPN for a total of 424 days. All nutrient solutions were delivered over a 12-h period from a 3-litre bag and the infusion sites rotated daily. These methods resulted in an incidence of phlebitis of 18 per cent, 75 per cent of the patients being fed successfully by PPN until resumption of oral nutrition. In an attempt to assess the importance of the method of delivering nutrient solutions, the next 59 patients were randomized to receive PPN as a compounded mixture or by a conventional technique with simultaneous infusion from separate bottles. Infusion phlebitis was significantly more frequent (P less than 0.001) in patients infused with separate bottles. There was no difference between the groups with regard to duration of nutrition or the need to establish central venous access. We conclude that PPN is a safe and cost-effective means of providing total parenteral nutrition in most surgical patients. The use of compounded mixtures significantly reduces the incidence of phlebitis without increasing total costs.