Parenteral nutrition (PN) - The administration of nutrients of varying strengths directly into the circulation.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can meet the high energy and protein needs of burned patients whose gastrointestinal tract may be unusable because of multiple surgeries, ileus, or organ failure. It is a method of providing complete nutritional support in which the gastrointestinal tract is bypassed by introducing nutrients into a central vein, usually the superior vena cava. Because the central vein is able to tolerate a hyperosmolar solution, nutritional support can be provided in a form that will meet all nutritiona needs. This is in contrast to PPN (peripheral parenteral nutrition) where total nutritional requirements rarely can be met.

TPN can supply enough energy for anabolism - up to 4,000 kcal/day if necessary.

Reference and further information:

1. Mahan, L. K. and Arlin, M.: Methods of Nutritional Support. In: Mahan, L.K. and Arlin, M., eds. Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy. 8th edition. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders; 1992; p.507.