Home parenteral nutrition: the first twelve months

A patient was treated by home parenteral nutrition because of alimentary failure due to active Crohn's disease, enterocutaneous fistulae, and the short bowel syndrome following massive intestinal resection. This therapy has now been continued for twelve months during which her symptoms, weight, and quality of life have all improved. Complications included an episode of Staph. Albus bacteraemia, and displacement of the replacement catheter. Hepatic steatosis due to excessive dextrose administration because of apparent allergy to Intralipid constitutes an unresolved problem.