Specific topics and complications of parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has proven a tremendous advance in all disciplines in medicine but itself introduces a spectrum of possible complications related to both the parenteral nutritional solution as well as the technique of intravenous delivery. Our aim is to review the specific complications of TPN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article presents a critical literature review of relevant topics in TPN-related complications-metabolic, infections, and nutrition related.

RESULTS

Special emphasis focuses on complications of TPN arising from thrombosis or infectious sequelae related to the central venous catheterization and metabolic complications involving the kidneys, bones, liver, and biliary tract.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness and surveillance of TPN-related complications can prevent, potentially, some of these complications related to parenteral nutritional support.