Monitoring long-term parenteral nutrition.

Abstract

This review discusses the monitoring aimed at achieving good long-term outcomes in people dependent on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). There have been recent studies highlighting the importance of treating low bone mineral density in HPN-dependent patients, methods of screening for liver disease, assessment of quality of life (QoL) and the need for early assessment for intestinal transplantation and growth factor therapy. High-quality HPN services require expert multidisciplinary teams with a focus on strict aseptic catheter care protocols alongside regular monitoring and management of clinical, laboratory and patient-related factors. Areas that should be considered in the routine monitoring of HPN include regular laboratory measurements, QoL, assessment for intestinal failure-associated liver disease, treatment of metabolic bone disease and consideration of evolving treatments, alongside management of any underlying condition leading to intestinal failure.