[Prolonged parenteral nutrition in pediatrics: technics and indications]

Prolonged parenteral nutrition is an indispensable technique in a number of gastro-intestinal and non-gastro-intestinal indications in the field of paediatrics. The catheter should be placed in the superior vena cava either percutaneously or surgically. The maintenance of the infusion line, the dressings and the monitoring of the child should be conducted by a specialised nursing team. The carbohydrate and protein nutrients are prepared in the pharmacy and should be adapted daily. The complexity of this technique requires a close collaboration between physicians, surgeons, pharmacists and biochemists. The iatrogenic and metabolic complications may be multiple and severe, but can be reduced to a minimum by a rigorous methodology.