What are the indications for total parenteral nutrition?
Total parenteral nutrition provides intravenous carbohydrates in the form of glucose, protein in the form of amino acids, lipids in the form of triglycerides, and vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. The primary indication for its use is therapy for the patient who cannot have enteral feeding, should not have enteral feeding, or cannot tolerate enough enteral feeding. When given in amounts necessary to meet a patient’s metabolic needs, this therapy is generally referred to as total parenteral nutrition (TPN). When it is given in amounts exceeding metabolic needs, it is called hyperalimentation. TPN has been shown to be most useful for patients with intestinal failure due to resection of a large portion of the gut or diffuse severe intestinal disease. Another proven use is the long-term (over a week) preparation of a severely malnourished patient for major surgery. Many patients who may be considered for TPN, such as critically ill patients or healthy patients in the post-operative p
