Practical aspects of peripheral parenteral nutrition.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the advantages and disadvantages of using peripheral parenteral nutrition, including the techniques, indications and results.


RESULTS
The new catheters, together with a better knowledge of intermediate metabolism, permit the use of peripheral parenteral nutrition in many clinical situations during short periods of time.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral parenteral nutrition is an alternative to total parenteral nutrition, and is a complement to enteral nutrition and the oral route. Progress in catheter design and materials, infusion techniques and an improved knowledge of the optimal nutriments has made peripheral parenteral nutrition a safe, efficient and useful method to treat patients over certain periods of time.
Culebras
Jesus M
JM
Hospital de Leon, PO Box 1351, 24080 Leon, Spain. jmculebras@telefonica.es
Martin-Peña
Gonzalo
G
Garcia-de-Lorenzo
Abelardo
A
Zarazaga
Antonio
A
Rodriguez-Montes
Jose Antonio
JA
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome