[Parenteral hyperalimentation (author's transl)].

Intravenous hyperalimentation allows complete nutrition and anabolism in patients who cannot be fed by the oral route. However, several complications have been reported, e.g. septicaemia and hyperglycaemina. In 51 intensive-care patients receiving hyperalimentation, 18% were found to be hyperglycaemic in spite of insulin administration. Hyperglycaemia was frequently associated with stress. In 8 patients undergoing major surgery, which was chosen as a stress model, decreased insulin and increased glucagon, growth hormone and cortisone levels were observed. These findings could explain stress-induced glucose intolerance. In a further experiment, 8 intensive-care patients were given alternative intravenous feedings with either 600g of a mixture of glucose, fructose and xylitol in a ration of 1:2:1 or 600g glucose per day. During both regimens insulin administration was required in 4 patients, but the insulin dosage was lower with the mixture. Plasma glucose during glucose infusion was 205+/-25mg/100ml(M+/-SEM) and the sum of plasma glucose, fructose and xylitol during infusion of the mixture was 176+/-33mg/100ml, the difference being of borderline significance (p less than 0.05). The advantages and disadvantages of infusable substrates are summarized on the basis of the available literature and it is concluded that, in general, glucose is preferable. However, if hyperglycaemia is difficult to control, partial replacement of glucose by glucose substitutes or fat emulsions may be advantageous. A routine infusion programme for central venous feeding is suggested. Causes and prevention of side-effects are reviewed. In many patients receiving central venous nutrition less hazardous and less expensive methods could be used such as nasogastric tube feeding, elemental diet or peripheral venous nutrition.