An overview of Total Parenteral Nutrition
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a medical treatment in which a specialized form of food is infused intravenously to correct or prevent malnutrition. The laboratory testing evaluates various factors such as fluid balance, catheter site, and the individual's ability to switch to tube feeding or normal oral feeding.
What is Total Parenteral Nutrition used for?
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), also known as parenteral nutrition, is a medical treatment where a specialized form of food is infused into a vein intravenously. This treatment is used to correct or prevent malnutrition when a person's digestive system can't absorb or tolerate adequate food consumed by mouth. It provides liquid nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. TPN is often used for people with conditions that affect their ability to absorb or tolerate nutrients from oral intake, such as cancer, Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, or ischemic bowel disease. It can be administered in a hospital setting or, in some cases, at home (known as home parenteral nutrition). In some cases, TPN may be used to supplement enteral nutrition (feeding through a tube placed in the stomach or small bowel). The duration of TPN treatment can vary from weeks to months or even be required for life.
How are Total Parenteral Nutrition results reported?
Total parenteral nutrition results are typically reported through laboratory testing and monitoring of the individual's responses to the treatment. The care team periodically evaluates the fluid balance, catheter site, and the individual's ability to switch to tube feeding or normal oral feeding. Follow-up exams are also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the parenteral nutrition plan. Depending on the reason for using parenteral nutrition, the care team may help decrease the amount needed or wean the individual off it entirely. The results of parenteral nutrition can vary among individuals. However, fatigue is a common experience for those receiving home parenteral nutrition.
Understanding the report
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) results are interpreted based on laboratory testing that monitors the patient's responses to the treatment. The results are used to evaluate the patient's fluid balance, catheter site, and ability to switch to tube feeding or normal oral feeding. The care team periodically assesses the patient's parenteral nutrition plan and helps adjust the feeding cycle to optimize the treatment. The goal is to ensure that the patient receives adequate nutrition and to minimize the risk of complications. If the patient receives TPN at home, specially trained healthcare providers show the patient and their caregivers how to prepare, administer, and monitor the treatment. The quality of life on TPN can be similar to that of receiving dialysis, but fatigue is a common issue for those on home parenteral nutrition. Careful monitoring of the TPN formula can help prevent or treat complications such as catheter infection, blood clots, fluid and mineral imbalances, and problems with blood sugar metabolism.