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What Is Cyclic TPN?

Patient preparing for cyclic tpn

Cyclic TPN is also known as intermittent TPN, non-continuous TPN, or nocturnal cyclic TPN. It is a method that allows patients to receive intravenous nutrient solutions for a shorter period of time (typically for 8 to 18 hours) day or night, rather than over the standard time of 24 hours. This technique was first reported in the 1970s and aimed to simplify long-term TPN for patients. 

Normally, TPN is initiated as a 24-hour infusion, which is beneficial for patients admitted to the hospital. However, for patients who are stable and require long-term TPN infusions at home, it becomes challenging for them to carry out other activities. 

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To improve social activity and the quality of life in patients, healthcare providers often transition them to cyclic TPN. This technique allows patients to do other activities during the day instead of being continuously connected to the TPN infusion apparatus all day. 

In this article, we have explained how cyclic TPN differs from continuous TPN and the potential benefits and concerns associated with it. 

Continuous TPN vs. Cyclic TPN

As mentioned earlier, continuous TPN is typically administered as a 24-hour infusion in critically ill patients or those who require short-term TPN. Conversely, cyclic TPN is administered as a single 8 – 18-hour infusion (duration may range from 8 – 23 hours depending on medical needs) to patients who require long-term TPN at home. 

The following are the key features that differentiate cyclic TPN from continuous TPN:

  1. Unlike continuous TPN, which is given over 24 hours, cyclic TPN requires daily infusion starts and stops, giving the body time to adapt to changes in blood nutrients. 
  2. Cyclic TPN requires a higher rate of nutrients to be infused over a shorter period of time so the infusion delivers a similar nutrient load as what would be given in continuous TPN.
  3. Cyclic TPN allows a patient to disconnect from the infusion apparatus during the day, while in continuous TPN, the patient remains connected to the TPN apparatus throughout the day and night. 

Potential Benefits of Cyclic TPN

Healthcare worker helping patient prepare for cyclic TPN

There are several benefits for patients who require long-term TPN infusions at home. 

It Provides Comfort and Independence

One of the main benefits is the comfort and independence of patients. Cyclic TPN allows patients to receive TPN infusion only part of the day or night, for 8 to 18 hours daily. Most of the time, patients take TPN at night when resting or sleeping. This helps them to actively participate in daytime tasks such as traveling to and from school, shopping, and engaging in social activities instead of being bound to TPN tubing and pump apparatus all day or all night.

Simply put, cyclic TPN helps restore some sense of normalcy to the daily routine. 

It Reduces the Adverse Effects of Long-Term TPN

Unlike continuous TPN, cyclic TPN minimizes the adverse effects or complications associated with long-term TPN to a degree. Liver dysfunction or deterioration is one of the most common adverse effects of long-term TPN. 

In 20% to 80% of cases, long-term TPN causes changes in liver functions, such as an increase in the activity of the liver enzymes during the first week of TPN. In addition to this, the elevated level of gamma-glutamyl aminotransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB) causes steatosis (accumulation of fats in the liver). 

Steatosis later progresses to fibrosis and liver cirrhosis if not treated successfully. 

However, numerous studies reported that cyclic TPN reduces the chances of liver dysfunction by restoring abnormal AST, GGT, and BT levels to normal levels. Cyclic TPN gives the liver a break, decreasing stress and the potential for complications.  

It Prevents Deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids

Some patients are at higher risk of essential fatty acid deficiency due to the need for fat-free or low-fat admixture. Continuous TPN causes continuous secretion of insulin, which limits the mobilization of essential fatty acids stored in the adipose tissues. Conversely, cyclic TPN limits insulin secretion, which causes the release of essential fatty acids from adipose tissues into the bloodstream. Thus, it helps reverse or treat essential fatty acid deficiency. 

However, the research on the use of cyclic TPN in treating or preventing essential fatty acid deficiency is currently limited and more research needs to be conducted to establish this theory. 

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Potential Concerns of Cyclic TPN

One of the main concerns associated with cyclic TPN is a fluctuation in blood glucose levels. For example, abrupt initiation of IV dextrose solution may lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and discontinuation of IV dextrose solution may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This may not be a good option for patients with critical illnesses like diabetes.  

Another concern associated with cyclic TPN is that it can cause high carbon dioxide production in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. Cyclic TPN increases energy expenditure more than continuous TPN, leading to high oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination. 

Lastly, like continuous TPN, cyclic TPN can also cause infections at the catheter insertion site if proper sterile technique and regular catheter care are not followed.

Summary

Cyclic TPN is a good option for stable patients who require long-term TPN infusions. This method gives patients freedom and independence and improves their quality of life and social activity compared to continuous TPN. However, before opting for a cyclic TPN, some potential concerns must be considered. 
 

REFERENCES:

  1. Nghiem-Rao, T. H., Cassidy, L. D., Polzin, E. M., Calkins, C. M., Arca, M. J., & Goday, P. S. (2013). Risks and Benefits of Prophylactic Cyclic Parenteral Nutrition in Surgical Neonates. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 28(6), 745-752. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533613502813
  2. Cober, M. P., & Stout, S. M. (2011). Cyclic parenteral nutrition infusion: considerations for the clinician. Practical Gastroenterology, 11.
  3. Lerebours, E., Colin, R., Hecketsweiler, B., & Matray, F. (1987). Plasma amino acids in total parenteral nutrition comparison of continuous and cyclic parenteral nutrition. Clinical Nutrition, 6(3), 143-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/0261-5614(87)90048-3
  4. Longhurst, C., Naumovski, L., Garcia-Careaga, M., & Kerner, J. (2003). A Practical Guideline for Calculating Parenteral Nutrition Cycles. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 18(6), 517-520. https://doi.org/10.1177/0115426503018006517
  5. Collier, S., Crouch, J., Hendricks, K., & Caballero, B. (1994). Use of Cyclic Parenteral Nutrition in Infants Less Than 6 Months of Age. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 9(2), 65-68. https://doi.org/10.1177/011542659400900265
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care. This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY Dr. Samantha Kaeberlein, PharmD

Dr. Samantha Kaeberlein, PharmD was born and raised in Canton, OH. She received her pharmacy degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in 2020. The most rewarding part of her job is providing medical guidance so patients can make informed, well-rounded decisions regarding their healthcare. Her areas of expertise are geriatrics and long-term care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and hunting for the best cup of coffee in America.

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