Peripheral intravenous nutrition without fat in neonatal surgery

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Intravenous Therapy

Background:

• Parenteral nutrition is crucial for infants unable to feed orally.
• Central venous catheters, commonly used for parenteral nutrition, carry risks such as sepsis and thrombosis.
• Alternative methods for intravenous nutrition delivery in neonates are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of peripheral intravenous nutrition in infants.
• To compare outcomes with traditional central venous nutrition methods.

Main Methods:

• Infants under 2 months received intravenous nutrition via peripheral veins.
• Infusate composition included glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Infusion rates were ≥200 ml/kg/day for 5-247 days.

Main Results:

• Weight gains were comparable to other intravenous nutrition techniques.
• No instances of fluid overload (edema, heart failure) or osmotic diuresis were observed.
• Phlebitis occurred in 20% of infusions, and skin slough in 15%, both manageable.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral intravenous nutrition is a viable alternative for neonatal nutrition.
• This method avoids central venous catheter-related complications like sepsis and thrombosis.
• Peripheral administration offers a potentially safer approach to parenteral nutrition in infants.