[Problems of long-term parenteral feeding in childhood (author's transl)]

Long-term parenteral feeding in childhood must be adapted to the requirements of the young organism. The caloric requirements are mainly provided by glucose and fat emulsions; additional calories can be supplied by xylite and, with some reservations, by fructose. For neonates and young infants the combination and quantity of amino-acids is of particular importance: histidine, arginine, proline and tyrosine are essential amino-acids; glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and cystine should form part of the unspecific sources of nitrogen. Addition of trace elements and vitamins is obligatory in long-term parenteral feeding. Complications may arise at the site of the catheter (sepsis, clotting). Late damage due to intravenous feeding is known to occurs; but a more detailed knowledge needs long-term investigations.