Metabolic complications associated with parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition is an accepted medical therapy for individuals with gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. It also uses one of the most complex intravenous solutions, which contains all the nutrients needed for a patient's nutritional requirements. Metabolic complications may result from intolerance of glucose, overfeeding, electrolyte shifts, and fluid imbalances. This article describes how to anticipate, identify, and treat such complications so they do not become life threatening.