[Multicenter study on incidence of total parenteral nutrition complications in the critically-ill patient. ICOMEP study. Part I].

OBJECTIVE

To assess parenteral nutrition complications in a prospective cohort of patients admitted to the ICU.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, multicenter study of patients admitted to the ICU and that received total parenteral nutrition (TPN). A 14-item questionnaire was done. Total number of admissions and TPN-treated patients were recorded. Demographical data, diagnosis, APACHE II, multiorgan dysfunction index and TPN indications were included. Each complication was previously defined and was related to the route, administration, serum electrolytes unbalances, active ingredients, liver dysfunction, and nosocomial infections. An independent group managed the databases. Data were expressed in absolute values or by their median and percentile (25-75). The rate and incidence density of complications are determined.

RESULTS

The number of admissions during the study period was 3409. Three hundred and seventy (11%) were valid cases that were treated with PN. Two hundred and thirty seven were men, 142 patients were admitted for medical causes, 195 for surgical causes and 33 for trauma. One hundred and twenty patients were moderately or severely underfed, 181 received PN for 7 days (3-11), and 189 received PN and EN. The main indication for PN was paralytic ileus, in 145 patients. TPN was withdrawn for switching to EN in 121 cases and for complications in 5 cases. PN summed up 3220 days. The incidence of complications was: access route 9.32%, maintenance 19.7% and 0.8 per 100 days. Administration, 5.6% and 6.4 per 100 days. Nutrients, 94.3% and 10.8 per 100 days. Catheter-induced sepsis, 54.6% and 0.44 bacteriemias per 100 days with catheter. Nosocomial infection, 54.6% and 6.27 per 100 days on TPN.

CONCLUSIONS

hyperglycemia and liver dysfunction have a greater incidence. Hyperglycemia, electrolyte unbalances and catheter complications have a greater number of therapeutic interventions, but does not mean that TPN should be withdrawn.