IV Nutrition Therapy

IV nutrition therapy, also called parenteral nutrition (PN), is the intravenous administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Some acute and chronic medical conditions prevent patients from receiving adequate oral nutrition, making intravenous nutritional therapy necessary in many cases. It is used in patients of all age groups for a variety of medical indications. Patients can live well on PN therapy for as long as it is needed. Some may require therapy for a short time, while others will require therapy for a lifetime.

PN bypasses the normal digestive process in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a sterile liquid formula given directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) catheter.

Enteral Versus Parenteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition (EN) is administered through a feeding tube placed into the stomach or intestines, whereas parenteral nutrition (PN) is administered through an IV line. PN therapy provides intravenous nutrition when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used or is not functioning adequately.

Both forms provide nutrition when the oral route is not available. EN is always preferred because it is the most physiological way to deliver nutrients when stomach function is preserved. The goal of EN is to use the gastrointestinal (GI) tract if and whenever possible. EN preserves gastrointestinal function, is less costly than PN, and is generally simpler to administer. However, EN is associated with greater intestinal intolerance such as vomiting, reflux, and aspiration.

When EN is not possible, PN will be needed. PN is more complex and expensive but can be faster and more predictable. It is possible to dose with greater precision, and its effects are potentially immediate. However, PN carries risks such as infections and metabolic abnormalities.

TPN vs. PPN

There are two subtypes of PN: peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Both types of PN provide nutrition to the body, with the key differences between the two being calorie content and treatment duration.

PPN is typically used for short-term nutritional support when the expected duration of treatment is no more than 2 weeks, usually during or after an acute event. Solutions are much more dilute and often meant to supplement nutritional needs rather than replace daily requirements. PPN is delivered through a peripheral vein using a catheter that typically lasts 3–4 days and is replaced as needed.

TPN, on the other hand, is more comprehensive. The formula is calorie-dense and can fully replace a patient’s daily nutritional requirements. It is often prescribed over PPN when the condition being treated is expected to be chronic with no definite timetable of recovery. TPN must be delivered through a central vein (catheter that lasts for weeks to months and is replaced as needed).

These types of therapies have evolved rapidly over the years and are safe and accessible. IV nutrition therapy is compounded as all-in-one admixtures where all necessary ingredients are sterile compounded into a single container by a pharmacy. 

Ingredients in PN

The following are the ingredients found in PN:

• Protein (amino acids)
• Carbohydrates (dextrose)
• Fats (lipid emulsion)
• Electrolytes
• Trace elements
• Vitamins
• Other additives (e.g., insulin, folic acid) as clinically appropriate

PN is patient-specific, meaning the ingredients and their amounts are personalized to meet the patient’s nutritional needs.

Indications for PN

The main clinical indications for PN include:

• Impaired absorption or loss of nutrients: Congenital bowel abnormalities, short bowel syndrome, complications of bariatric surgery, inflammation of the intestine from radiation (in cases of cancer)
• GI fistulas: Abnormal openings in the stomach or intestines that allow contents to leak
• Mechanical bowel obstruction: Partial or complete blockage in the intestines (i.e., strictures, inflammatory disease, cancer, ischemic bowel disease).
• Necessity to restrict oral intake (i.e., preoperative status or severe pancreatitis)
• Motility disorders (i.e., scleroderma or ileus [prolonged])
• Severe malnutrition, significant weight loss, or hypoproteinaemia when enteral therapy is not possible

Complications and Risks of PN

Possible complications associated with TPN include:

• Metabolic abnormalities, including:
  • Electrolyte imbalances — monitored through weekly laboratory testing
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), particularly in patients with diabetes
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may occur if the infusion is stopped abruptly. This risk is minimized by tapering the infusion at the beginning and end of therapy.
• Thrombosis (blood clots)
• Infection — at the catheter site, sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Liver dysfunction — evaluated via weekly lab draw
• Osteoporosis (bone disease) — a concern with long-term use of PN 
• Edema — swelling from fluid overload, evaluated for weight gain and symptoms of edema (shortness of breath, frequent urination)

Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team

Because of the complexity of IV nutrition, an interdisciplinary healthcare team is required to manage TPN therapy. The team would include:

• A prescriber (MD, DO) writes the order after deciding on the appropriate course of treatment and the type of nutrition. Collaborates with the patient’s primary health care team to ensure coordination of care.
• A dietitian (RD) conducts ongoing assessments of the patient’s nutritional status and calculates nutritional requirements.  
• A pharmacist (PharmD/RPh) processes and provides sterile IV nutrition. Under the direction of the prescriber, a pharmacist may also make appropriate adjustments to the TPN formula based on clinical assessments and laboratory results. A pharmacist will also collaborate with the dietitian to optimize the patient’s formula to meet their nutritional needs. 
• An infusion nurse (RN) educates and trains the patient or caregiver on administration, pump use, and managing the TPN at home. An infusion nurse will also perform weekly lab draws and dressing changes.

Eating While Receiving IV Nutrition

Depending on the condition and diagnosis, a patient may be able to consume food and beverages while receiving IV nutrition therapy. If it is a possibility, oral intake is often encouraged to help expedite discontinuation. However, this should only be done under the guidance of the prescriber or dietitian.