Parenteral Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition - also known as 'intravenous feeding' - is a method of getting nutrition directly into the blood circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Parenteral Nutrition is delivered via a catheter inserted into a peripheral or central vein. Parenteral Nutrition is needed when a patient is unable to obtain sufficient nutrition through normal food, ONS or tube feeding. For instance indications for Parenteral Nutrition include gastrointestinal failure which can occur after surgery or in critically ill patients, short bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, a fistula in the gastrointestinal tract, cancer patients with severe mucositis or premature infants.
Home Parenteral Nutrition
Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is defined as parenteral nutrition administered outside the hospital, either at home or at nursing home.