What is TPN used for?
Also, what does TPN do for a patient?
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), also known as intravenous or IV nutrition feeding, is a method of getting nutrition into the body through the veins. In other words, it provides nutrients for patients who do not have a functioning GI tract or who have disorders requiring complete bowel rest.
- Dehydration and electrolyte Imbalances.
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugars)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugars)
- Infection.
- Liver Failure.
- Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin and minerals)
Similarly, is TPN dangerous?
Three of the most common complications with the use of TPN include infection, abnormal glucose levels, and liver dysfunction. Central line placement is a risky procedure in itself. Complications can include puncturing a major artery or vein or the lung. Heart arrhythmias can also occur during placement.
The median time from initiation of TPN to death was 5 months (range, 1-154 months). Sixteen patients survived >or=1 year. TPN-related complications included 18 catheter infections (1 per 2.8 catheter-years), 4 thromboses, 3 pneumothoraces, and 2 episodes of TPN-related liver disease.