Parenteral feeding in the management of children with cancer.

Total parenteral nutrition TPN has been used to treat or prevent malnutrition in 65 children with a variety of solid tumors and leukemia in the past 7 years. TPN was used in 58 patients with gastrointestinal complications of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation; in 2 patients for preoperative correction of malnutrition; and in 8 who were entered into a prospective study. During TPN, general nutrition and appearance improved in all patients. Weight gain was noted in most. Despite gastrointestinal complications, which usually require the interruption of chemotherapy and radiation, treatment could be continued at full dose in 31 children with nutritional support by TPN. TPN was discontinued in 6 patients when blood cultures became positive. Sepsis was treated successfully by removal of the central venous catheter in all 6 and administration of antibiotics in 3. TPN appears to be safe and effective means of combating malnutrition which may occur with cancer and its therapy.