Current trends in pediatric total parenteral nutrition.

When a pediatric patient is unable to meet his/her caloric needs, TPN is indicated. This therapy in the pediatric patient, as in adults, must promote anabolism, but also must provide for normal growth and development. In these patients, nutritional support may be considered an emergency due to their limited body stores of essential nutrients. Included in this manuscript are the historical evolution of pediatric TPN, indications for therapy, components of the solution, potential complications, monitoring guidelines, and nursing care. Furthermore, it will be shown how a multidisciplinary approach has made this therapy successful and aided in the decline of morbidity and mortality in selected pediatric patients.