[Approaches in parenteral nutrition].

The central venous catheter, on the one hand, and the peripheral venous cannula, on the other hand, are available as fundamental access possibilities for parenteral nutrition. While the implantation of a central venous catheter is technically tiresome and subject to a complication rate up to 5%, the peripheral venous cannulization, in general, does not represent any technical problem. However, in case of peripheral venous access, due to the local venous compatibility, not only the duration of application is generally limited to 4-6 days, but the feeding of nutritious substances as such (excepting fat emulsions) is restricted, too. This means a limitation of the applicability in temporary and acute phases of a disease, as well as its application as a supplementary therapy in the event of oral or enteral nutrition. The advantage of the central venous parenteral nutrition refers to the possibility of a long-term high-doses, and thus to a complete parenteral, nutritional therapy. It is, however, subject to an aggravating rate of thrombotic (0.5-5%) and septic complication (3-6%), so that the indication and duration of application should be looked upon very closely and critically. The low-risk alternatives of a peripheral venous parenteral nutrition should be observed more closely.