Clinical profile of home parenteral nutrition patients

Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) has revolutionised the treatment of intestinal failure. In Europe, incidences and prevalences are approximately 2-3 patients/year/10(6) inhabitants. As in USA, cancer has become the main indication for HPN in Europe, while Crohn's disease represents 15% of the cases. The major cause of HPN-related morbidity remains catheter infection. Metabolic complications can occur in patients with longterm HPN. In patients with non-malignant diseases, probability of survival at 5 years is about 65%. Quality of life is considered very good in about 60% of these cases. Prognosis of cancer patients is very limited.