Parenteral nutrition in palliative care: single-centre observational study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Clinical Nutrition
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Cachexia and malnutrition are significant issues in palliative care.
• Parenteral nutrition is frequently used, but its role in terminal patients is debated due to limited evidence.
• Current recommendations for parenteral nutrition in end-of-life care are vague.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits and risks of parenteral nutrition in palliative care patients.
• To assess the clinical implementation and outcomes of parenteral nutrition guidelines in end-of-life settings.

Main Methods:

• A single-center observational study followed 72 palliative care patients for one month.
• Patients receiving parenteral nutrition were compared to those who did not.
• Outcomes assessed included venous access complications, edema, weight changes, and health-related quality of life.

Main Results:

• Nearly all patients (93%) experienced reduced food intake.
• Parenteral nutrition (given to 47%) reduced energy deficits but did not improve quality of life.
• Frequent venous access complications and more pronounced edema were observed in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.

Conclusions:

• The benefit-risk profile of parenteral nutrition in end-of-life care appears questionable.
• Given the identified risks, parenteral nutrition should be initiated cautiously in end-of-life settings.