Introduction: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a form of nutrition that can be very beneficial, but it does have some indications and complications that should be taken into consideration. With this work we would like to describe the characteristics of our patients with PN, as well as their follow up, and to evaluate the appropriateness of its prescription.
Material and methods: Retrospective study carried out at a hospital with 415 beds. All patients who received PN during the first six months of 1996 were reviewed. Inadequacy criteria are established and a nutritional assessment was carried out by means of clinical and analytical parameters. Catheter infections were recorded according to specific criteria and the clinical and analytical evolution of the patients was followed.
Results: A total of 83 patients were given parenteral nutrition. The most frequent indication was prolonged fasting after a surgical resection of the digestive apparatus. The most common nutritional status when beginning the PN was severe protein malnutrition (23%). There were 33 cases (39.7%) of PN that was not indicated and/or potentially avoidable. A catheter infection was reported in 7 cases (8.4%).