Why does my child need total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
TPN is used when all or part of a person’s digestive system does not work. A person may need TPN because of a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that severely limits the ability of their digestive tract. A person may not be able to swallow food, move the food through the digestive system, or absorb nutrients from the food. Children who are on TPN may have short bowel syndrome commonly known as short gut syndrome. Short gut syndrome is a condition in which most of the small intestine is either missing or doesn’t work. The small intestine is very important. It helps you absorb nutrients from the food you eat. Other reasons that a child may need total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are intestinal diseases like microvillus inclusion disease (MID), or injury or trauma to the intestines. Many children who are on the waiting list for an intestinal transplant are on TPN. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may also be used for children who need to supplement their diet and make up for the nutrients they
