Prevention of infection in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is an extremely important therapy widely used for nutritional support of many hospitalized patients with complicated medical and surgical problems. One of the most significant complications of TPN therapy however is sepsis. Catheter-associated sepsis is the most frequent infectious complication, although intrinsic or extrinsic contamination of TPN fluid or administration sets or local catheter site infection also occur. Most of the infectious complications of TPN therapy can be prevented with meticulous attention to aseptic technique. An organized team approach to providing TPN for patients will reduce the frequency of complications and will help assure that proper technique is followed at all times. Members of the team need to be aware of hazards presented by new procedures or equipment which have not been thoroughly evaluated and must constantly be aware of new types of problems associated with this therapy. When proper techniques are followed by a well-coordinated team, TPN can be safely provided to most patients who need the therapy.U