Parenteral nutritional support in children with cancer

Acute and chronic starvation is often associated with childhood cancer. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with 20% glucose and 3.0% amino acids, and minerals and vitamins was instituted to treat or prevent malnutrition in 41 children with cancer, ages three months to 18 years. TPN was required for anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea associated with anti-cancer therapy in 33 patients for intestinal complications or surgery in nine, and for preoperative correction of malnutrition in two. During TPN, general nutrition and appearance improved in all patients. Weight gain was noted in most. Despite gastrointestinal complications which usually require the interruption of chemotherapy and irradiation, in 21 children treatment could be continued at full dose with nutritional support by TPN. TPN was discontinued in six patients when blood cultures became positive. Sepsis was treated successfully by removal of the central venous catheter in all six and administration of antibiotics in three. No metabolic complications were noted. TPN appears to be a safe and effective means of combating the malnutrition which may occur with cancer and its therapy.