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The wonderful journey of intravenous nutrition: Do you know what total intravenous nutrition (TPN) is?
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is a flexible dietary therapy that can provide necessary nutritional support to patients who are unable to absorb enough nutrients through the normal digestive system through intravenous injection. These nutritional products are made by pharmaceutical compounding agencies or standard drug companies and are formulated to meet the specific needs of patients by mixing glucose, salts, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins and minerals. When the patient is unable to obtain significant nutrition through other routes, it is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and if he still relies partially on enteral intake, it is called partial parenteral nutrition (PPN).
“TPN is a life-saving nutritional approach designed for patients who cannot utilize an intact digestive tract.”
Medical Uses
Total intravenous nutrition is mainly used when the digestive tract cannot function normally due to obstruction (such as intestinal obstruction or anastomotic leakage) or when its absorption capacity is impaired. For example, in critically ill or comatose patients, intravenous nutrition is a form of rescue nutrition, although endogenous nutrition is usually preferable and has fewer complications. According to the recommendations of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, TPN should be considered after the seventh day of hospitalization.
"Short bowel syndrome, small bowel obstruction, and acute gastrointestinal bleeding are absolute indications for the use of TPN."
Gastrointestinal diseases
For those without a functional digestive tract or with a disorder that requires absolute bowel rest, TPN may be the only viable option. For example, intestinal obstruction, short bowel syndrome and certain serious intestinal diseases require TPN to provide adequate nutrition.
Among older people
Older adults may be at risk of malnutrition due to physiological, psychological and physical differences. In particular, their muscles have poorer recovery abilities and more serious heart and kidney dysfunction, which can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and key elements. Intravenous nutrition is an appropriate option when oral or enteral intake is not possible or sufficient.
In cancer patients
Cancer patients, both inpatient and outpatient settings, are at increased risk of cachexia and malnutrition. Cancer-related malnutrition often results from decreased food intake, altered metabolism, and increased energy requirements. In this case, TPN may be used in patients who have no access to their digestive tract or whose digestive tract is inefficient.
Life with TPN
In the United States, approximately 40,000 patients use TPN at home, which interferes with daily life because TPN usually requires 10 to 16 hours of infusion time. Although adjustments to daily life are required, most patients feel that such changes are still better than hospitalization. In order to reduce the vicissitudes of lifestyle delivery, it becomes essential to maintain mental health.
Complications of TPN“Many teens are troubled by not being able to participate in activities, which can lead to stress and self-image issues.”
Although TPN is an important form of support for some patients, it has a number of potential complications. For example, problems such as infection, blood clots, and fatty liver disease can all be associated with TPN and may lead to serious health consequences, especially due to the risks posed by repeated punctures and long-term intravenous access needles.
ConclusionIn summary, total intravenous nutrition is a key technology that brings new hope and opportunities to patients who are unable to obtain the nutrients they need through normal diet due to illness. However, while enjoying this nutritional support, it is also important to understand and deal with its possible complications. Faced with such a medical solution, have you ever considered how intravenous nutrition will affect every aspect of your life?
