Complications of parenteral nutrition.

There have been no controlled studies that clearly document a beneficial effect of TPN on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Beneficial effects such as reducing the time required to achieve some targeted weight and enhancing positive nitrogen balance are used in support of TPN. The positive opinion about TPN is strongly supported by the experience in surgical patients with GI disorders. It is not surprising that use of TPN is a complex therapy in newborn patients. It is an essential therapy in many patients if nutrition is to be maintained that permits growth and promotes resolution of other chronic problems. Accurate determination of the requirements for TPN is difficult, while complications are not always preventable by simply monitoring blood chemistries. Because of the acute or long-term and potentially lethal complications, there is need for further understanding in parenteral nutrition.