THE INS OUTS OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION

摘要

Parenteral nutrition (PN) can be defined as the administration of nutrients through any means other than the GI tract. The focus of this discussion will involve intravenous administration for nutritional management. PN is sometimes referred to as total or partial parenteral nutrition, and these definitions are taken directly from the human literature. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) implies that all energy and nutrient needs are met by the intravenous solution. These solutions are capable of maintaining a patient for months or years if necessary. Partial or peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) supplies a portion of the energy and nutrient needs. These solutions are typically used for short durations (days to weeks). In veterinary medicine, the strict definition of TPN cannot be met because solutions that contain the total caloric energy needs do not meet the requirements for vitamins, macrominerals, and trace elements required for long-term feeding. Although this discussion may seem academic, itis important to realize the limitations of this treatment choice in regard to the critically ill patient.