Standard parenteral nutrition solutions have been developed nationwide in France but little is known about their frequency of use and indications.
Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of the use of standardized parenteral nutrition solutions in neonatal units in France, to determine which solutions are currently available and used, and to determine whether the available parenteral nutrition solutions are satisfactory to the prescriber by evaluating the type and number of additions most frequently prescribed.
Method: National survey performed in France, using a questionnaire sent to 296 French neonatal departments.
Results: Eighty-five percent of level III units and 50% of the level II units responded to the questionnaire. Standardized parenteral nutrition solutions were used in 66% of the responding units and accounted for 45% of the prescriptions of parenteral nutrition in newborns. They were significantly more frequently prescribed by level II than level III units (68% vs. 24%, p<0.0001). Thirteen of the 40 standard solutions declared as solutions for parenteral nutrition did not contain amino acids. The addition of macro- and/or micronutrients was very frequent and often made even if not indicated in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
Conclusion: There is great heterogeneity in parenteral nutrition practices among French neonatal units. A large number of the standard solutions used are not appropriate for the nutrition of full-term and/or preterm infants. Their use in everyday practice does not cover the nutritional needs of the newborn or induces at-risk practices such as supplementation with macro- and/or micronutrients.