Tag: Gastrointestinal dysfunction

Approximately 40% to 60% of hospitalized patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, necessitating nutritional support. The fundamental reason parenteral nutrition (PN) might be indicated for a patient rather than enteral nutrition (EN) is a non-functional or inaccessible gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

While enteral nutrition is generally preferred due to its lower cost and complication rate, an estimated 50% of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) experience hyperglycemia. This life-saving intravenous therapy is necessary when a patient's gastrointestinal (GI) tract is non-functional, unable to absorb nutrients, or requires complete rest, making enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube unsafe or ineffective.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) delivers vital nutrients intravenously, bypassing the digestive system entirely. To qualify for TPN, a patient must meet specific medical criteria that indicate their gastrointestinal (GI) tract is unable to function properly or absorb adequate nutrition. The decision is made by a healthcare team and is based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's nutritional status and underlying condition.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is indicated when a patient's gastrointestinal tract is not functioning. This intravenous method provides all necessary nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely when it is impaired or unable to absorb nutrients.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), enteral nutrition is the preferred method for feeding patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs orally but have a functional gastrointestinal tract. This article focuses on what are three indications for use of enteral nutrition, exploring why this treatment is so crucial for certain patient groups.