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Why do some people need total intravenous nutrition? Discover its absolute indications!
Intravenous nutrition, also known as intravenous feeding, refers to the delivery of nutritional products to an individual through the veins to bypass the normal eating and digestion process. Such products are usually produced by pharmaceutical companies or specialized drug compounding institutions and formulate appropriate nutritional mixtures based on individual needs, including glucose, salt, amino acids, lipids, vitamins and dietary minerals.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a solution when other routes fail to provide adequate nutrition.
Medical uses of intravenous nutrition
Intravenous nutrition is mainly used when the intestines are dysfunctional, such as when the intestines are blocked or leaky. This technique has been used in comatose patients, although enteral nutrition is usually the preferable option. Intravenous nutrition is a viable solution when patients are unable to receive adequate nutrition through the mouth or intestines to prevent malnutrition.
Absolute indications for total intravenous nutrition
Conditions requiring the use of total intravenous nutrition include: short bowel syndrome, small bowel obstruction, active intestinal bleeding, complete pseudo-obstruction with food intolerance, and high intestinal output (defined as more than 500 ml/day) Tract-cutaneous fistula, etc. In these cases, the patient's intestines are unable to effectively absorb the nutrients they need, and complete intravenous nutrition becomes the only option.
Intravenous nutrition in the elderly population
Older patients often have insufficient nutritional intake due to different physiological, psychological or physical conditions. In this population, intravenous nutrition is recommended when oral or enteral nutrition cannot be sustained for more than 3 days, or when it is thought that the diet may be insufficient to meet needs for more than 7 to 10 days. In patients affected by multiple chronic diseases, the risks associated with the use of intravenous nutrition are relatively increased, but necessary nutrition can still be provided to these patients.
Cancer patients and intravenous nutrition
For cancer patients, the risk of malnutrition increases significantly during treatment. This may be due to a loss of appetite, increased energy requirements and changes in metabolism. If nutrition cannot be obtained through the intestines, total intravenous nutrition becomes a necessary option.
In advanced cancer, the decision whether to initiate intravenous nutrition must be based on a thorough evaluation of its risks and benefits.
Continuation of intravenous nutrition and daily life
About 40,000 people in the United States require intravenous nutrition at home. Since intravenous nutrition usually takes 10 to 16 hours to complete, it will directly affect daily life. Many patients use backpack-style pumps to increase mobility and make life less restrictive. Patients must try to avoid introducing too many changes into their lives in order to maintain good mental health.
Potential complications of intravenous nutrition
Although intravenous nutrition is the hope of life for many people, it also brings some potential complications. The most common complication is an intravenous catheter infection, which is what patients need to pay most attention to. In addition, chronic venous passages are also prone to blood clots, causing more serious consequences such as pulmonary embolism. For patients receiving long-term intravenous nutrition, liver problems are also one of the common complications.
Intravenous nutrition has changed people's lifestyles, but for some people, are such changes acceptable?
In general, complete intravenous nutrition is not only a technological advancement, but also a lifeline for patients with certain conditions. Although it poses certain challenges, the potential of intravenous nutrition, when used appropriately, can help many people at risk of malnutrition regain their health and vitality. However, how to balance these challenges and demands in life and prevent potential complications remains an urgent question.
