Long-term parenteral nutrition using a mixture of fat, amino acids and carbohydrates in a single three-litre bag.

Long-term parenteral nutrition is today an established therapy, both in hospitals and at home. A variety of patients with chronic intestinal dysfunction, leading to malnutrition, are candidates for this treatment. There are however several problems related to this therapy, some of which can be attributed to the infusion system. In Scandinavia most patients receiving parenteral nutrition are given separate bottles of aminoacids, fat-emulsions and carbohydrates. This method has several disadvantages. A new system which includes premixing of all nutrients in a single bag is discussed. Nutrients are mixed in three litre bags in the hospital pharmacy, under optimal conditions, and can be stored refrigerated for several days.