fbpx
X
Notice: You have clicked on a link which leaves Fresenius Kabi’s website and you will be redirected to a third-party website. Fresenius Kabi makes no representations nor has any supervision or control over the quality, content, reliability, or security of the third-party website, nor shall Fresenius Kabi be liable for its use.
Continue Cancel

 

Nourishing patients of all ages

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a way to provide nourishment to patients who are unable to absorb nutrients through their digestive system. Protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals and electrolytes, vitamins, and other trace elements are delivered intravenously so the nutrients go directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gut.

smiling man sitting on the terrace

Who uses PN?

Patients who require PN can be either critically ill or chronically ill – these include adults as well as children, particularly newborns.

In critically ill patients, conditions or diseases affecting the bowel’s ability to process food taken by mouth may require PN. People in intensive care may also be candidates for PN if their digestive system is not working optimally as a result of decreased intestinal function.

In chronically ill patients, conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, short bowel syndrome, ischemic bowel disease, or abnormal bowel function may interrupt normal bowel function for a long time or forever, requiring PN.1

Where is PN provided?

PN can be provided in the hospital, in long-term care facilities, or at home. Sometimes people continue on PN after discharge from the hospital. Depending on the patient’s needs, different PN products are indicated. Because PN products are highly concentrated, they are typically delivered through central veins in the neck or chest. Delivery through peripheral veins in the forearm is used for shorter durations of PN.

Most lipid-based PN products provide essential fatty acids, one of the major nutritional components. Lipid sources used in PN include soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), olive oil, and fish oil.1

Resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals

Oley Foundation

Striving to enrich the lives of
those living with home
intravenous nutrition and tube
feeding through education,
advocacy, and networking.

Visit

ASPEN (American Society for
Parenteral and Enteral
Nutrition)

Leading the science and practice
of clinical nutrition.

Visit

NHIA (National Home Infusion Association)

Providing solutions for the home
and specialty infusion therapy
communities.

Visit

NASPGHAN (North American
Society for Pediatric
Gastroenterology, Hepatology
and Nutrition)

Advancing the understanding of
diseases of the gastrointestinal
tract and liver in children.

Visit

Home Parenteral Nutrition
Awareness Week

Typically held in October, this
annual campaign seeks to
increase awareness of those living
on PN.

Visit

American Society of Health-
System Pharmacists (ASHP)

Improving patient outcomes
through safe and effective
medication use.

Visit

Society of Critical Care
Medicine (SCCM)

Largest nonprofit medical
organization dedicated to
promoting excellence and
consistency in the practice of
critical care.

Visit

Necrotizing Enterocolitis
(NEC) Society

Dedicated to building a world
without NEC through research,
advocacy, and education.

Visit

Dietitians in Nutrition Support
(DNS)

Equipping members with the tools
and resources needed to optimize
clinical outcomes for individuals
receiving nutrition support
therapy.

Visit

Explore PN products

Get the lowdown on our line of lipid injectable emulsions that provide essential fatty acids for PN patients.

Learn more

The omega-3 difference

Angling for more information about fish oil and omega-3s in PN?

Learn more

If you still can't find what you're looking for regarding our PN products or Fresenius Kabi Nutrition, let us know and we can help.

Contact us

Reference: 1. ASPEN. What is parenteral nutrition. ASPEN website. http://www.nutritioncare.org/About_Clinical_Nutrition/What_is_Parenteral_Nutrition. Accessed November 15, 2023.