People who do not have a functional GI tract can receive nutrition through TPN. This lack of function can be due to certain conditions that impair your digestive system’s ability to process food. It can also be the result of a gastrointestinal disease that requires you to give your digestive system a rest.
What is TPN Infusion Therapy?
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a form of providing vital nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals) straight into the bloodstream through a catheter placed into a vein. It’s also known as intravenous feeding or IV nutrition feeding.
TPN therapy allows patients without a functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract to receive the necessary nourishment to survive. It provides all the nutrients when your body is unable to absorb through a regular diet and helps prevent malnutrition.
Indications: Who Should Receive TPN?
Some health conditions that can benefit from TPN infusion include:
- Cancer cachexia
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease
- Intestinal ischemia
- Abdominal surgery
- Intestinal obstructions
- Short bowel syndrome
- Abnormal bowel function
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal fistulas
- Severe pancreatitis
- Congenital GI malformation (infants)
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (pregnancy)
How Does TPN Infusion Work?
After your nutritional needs are determined, a specialist will prepare the TPN formula. A trained nurse and technologist will use local anesthesia to numb the area of skin where the central intravenous line will enter your body. After the area is numb and sterilized, they will insert the intravenous line into your vein and have the line carefully tunneled to the largest vein of your body.
The other end of the intravenous line will attach to an IV bag for TPN administration. It can take anywhere from 10 to 24 hours for you to receive your nutrition through TPN infusion. You can choose to take the treatment at night when you are comfortably sleeping.
Possible Side Effects of TPN
The most common side effects of TPN include:
- Bloodstream infection from IV catheter
- Transient liver reactions to the TPN formula
- GI atrophy due to the digestive tract not being used
- Blood clot formation where the catheter enters the vein
- Glucose imbalances such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
- Gallbladder issues due to bile accumulation with abnormal release
- Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in long-term TPN recipients
- Bone demineralization conditions such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia
Receive TPN At-Home With AmeriPharma® Specialty Care
You can receive complete nutrition at home with TPN services from AmeriPharma® Specialty Care. We are an ACHC-accredited and LegitScript certified specialty infusion pharmacy, providing convenient treatments to those with complex medical conditions in over 40+ U.S. states and territories.
We will deliver TPN home infusion materials to your door in discreet packaging. Our dedicated specialists are available 24/7 to answer all your questions about TPN and help you troubleshoot any problems. We also help you with insurance approvals and copay assistance so you can save money on your treatment. Contact us now to experience the best specialty care at home.
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