Effect of total parenteral nutrition on liver function.

A high incidence of liver dysfunction has recently been reported in adults receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for prolonged periods. Liver function tests were followed in 36 patients undergoing TPN for more than two weeks (during the period January 1979 - March 1980). The calorie intake of the patients was limited to 125% of the energy expenditure and fat accounted for half of the non-protein calories. Increases in serum alkaline phosphatase and SGPT values were observed in respectively 14% and 11% of the patients. One patient also showed increases in SGOT value and serum bilirubin concentration. These results suggest that the incidence in liver dysfunction during TPN can be reduced by adapting the calorie intake to the patient's needs and by including fat in the TPN formula. The etiology of hepatic alterations induced by TPN is discussed.