[Total parenteral nutrition. Review of the subject]

Much effort by many investigators during past few centuries has led to a technique of total intravenous nutrition which can support normal growth, development, and positive nitrogen balance in infants and adults for an indefinite period of time. The current technique of parenteral hyperalimentation is one which is relatively safe and efficacious, but it will undoubtedly undergo changes and modifications as improved methods and materials become available. With judicious application of the technique as a clinical and laboratory investigative and therapeutic tool, new indications for intravenous therapy will continue to expand and extend to practically every medical specialty and into many areas of basic research.