Not Ordinary Infusion! Parenteral Nutrition is a Special Method Used in the ICU

Illustration of parenteral nutrition is (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Not all patients can eat through their mouths. This is where parenteral nutrition is a medical solution that is given directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract completely. This method is not a random procedure.

This procedure is generally carried out in hospitals, especially for patients with critical conditions or severe intestinal disorders. The body still gets a complete intake of protein, carbohydrates, to fat.

What is Parenteral Nutrition?

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic website, in simple terms, parenteral nutrition is a method of providing nutrition directly through the blood vessels, without going through the digestive system at all.

The word "parenteral" itself means "outside the digestive tract." This is a far cry from the usual way of eating.

Unlike enteral nutrition, which is given through a tube to the stomach, parenteral nutrition bypasses the entire digestive process, from the mouth to the large intestine.

Doctors choose this method when the patient's digestive tract is completely non-functional. Nevertheless, this decision is never taken casually. A thorough evaluation by the medical team is needed before this procedure begins.

Types of Parenteral Nutrition

There are two main types of parenteral nutrition that you need to know, including the following:

Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)

It is given as a complement, not a primary substitute. It is usually used for patients who can still eat, but their nutritional needs have not been met. This is a temporary solution that is quite common in inpatient wards.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

To note, this means that all nutritional needs are 100% supplied through an infusion. There is no intake that enters through the mouth or digestive tract. TPN is used when the digestive tract must be completely rested.

This liquid is not just sugar water. The formula is also designed precisely according to the specific needs of each patient, based on laboratory results and body conditions. This is a high level of nutrition science.

In one bag of parenteral nutrition, there are six essential elements ranging from water, carbohydrates (glucose), proteins (amino acids), fats (lipid emulsions), vitamins, and minerals.

The composition of parenteral nutrition can be adjusted every day. Even the smallest dose error can have serious consequences.

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Who Needs Parenteral Nutrition?

This condition is more common than you think. Patients after major surgery on the intestine or stomach, patients with Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal cancer, or prolonged ileus are the groups most often in need of it.

Then there are extreme premature babies who are not yet able to digest food. Likewise, patients in a coma or unconscious state. TPN can be the only way for their bodies to survive.

Risks and Side Effects to Know

Parenteral nutrition is not without risk. The most common health complication is infection in the catheter line. Therefore, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis if not treated quickly.

Other risks include disturbances in blood sugar levels, blood clots around the catheter, and in long-term use can cause liver damage.

In addition, using it for more than five years significantly increases the risk of liver disease. That is why regular laboratory monitoring is very necessary.

How is the Procedure for Parenteral Nutrition?

First, the doctor places a catheter into a central or peripheral vein, depending on the type of nutrition needed. There are three types of catheters that are commonly used, namely tunneled (planted under the skin), fully implanted (with a special port), and PICC (inserted through the vein of the upper arm).

The nutrient fluid is then flowed for 10-12 hours and can be done at night while sleeping. Monitoring includes electrolyte levels, blood sugar, liver function, and weight periodically.

The process of parenteral nutrition does look simple, but it requires high level of accuracy from the entire medical team.

Understanding parenteral nutrition is an important part of health literacy, especially for those of you who have family members with serious medical conditions. For other reliable health information, visit the VOI news and education platform that presents medical content accurately and easily understood.