Home parenteral nutrition in a patient with Crohn's disease. A case report

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) carried out by the patient at home is a new concept in the treatment of intestinal failure. We describe a patient with Crohn's disease who has extensive involvement of the small intestine with resultant severe malabsorption, and who was therefore treated with 'home' TPN for 4 months. During this treatment there were no serious complications. The disabling symptoms present before hyperalimentation was commenced disappeared, and overall clinical improvement has been maintained for a further 6 months after TPN therapy. This case illustrates the feasibility of safe TPN at home in selected patients who have access to specialized hyperalimentation units.