An interactive microcomputer program for calculation of combined parenteral and enteral nutrition for neonates.

A responsive, iterating program is described (available on diskette from first author), which enables the physician to formulate a balanced, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for low-birth-weight and sick newborns. The program allows for the possibility of TPN or simultaneous intravenous, intraarterial, and oral feeding. It calculates the overall balance of fluids, nutrients, calories, electrolytes, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. It features the integration of algorithms and limit tests of nutritional balance, to produce a feeding program that can be modified by clinical considerations of the physician, specific for each patient. The entire procedure can be accomplished, and a record of the entries and orders to the pharmacy and to the ward staff printed, within about 4-5 min. The program, which is written in BASIC, can be accommodated within and operated with a 16K byte microcomputer, equipped with a monitor, a printer, and a diskette or other program storage device.