Parenteral nutrition thrombophlebitis

Peripheral PN (PPN) is a relatively safe and simple method of nutritional support. PPN candidates do not have large nutritional requirements, are not fluid restricted, and are expected to begin enteral intake within lOto 14days. Thrombophlebitis is a common complication this risk is greater with solution osmolarities greater than 600 to 900 mOsm/L (Table 60-2). Solutions for PPN have lower final concentrations of amino acid (3% to 5%), dextrose (5% to 10%) and micronutrients as compared to central parenteral nutrition (CPN). 

A major complication of intravenous infusion is thrombophlebitis, which is a principle limitation of peripheral parenteral nutrition. Its precise pathogenesis is unclear, but venospasm has been proposed as the most likely cause. However, in a study with ultrasound techniques to monitor vein caliber, there was no evidence to support this hypothesis, although thrombophlebitis was observed (10). The author suggested that the initiating event may be venous endothelial trauma, caused by the venepuncture itself, abrasion at the catheter tip, or the delivery of the feeding solution. 

Infusion phlebitis presents a problem in parenteral nutrition. Various alternative techniques of administration have been compared in order to identify means of countering this problem (9). Mechanical trauma appears to be a causative factor it can be reduced by hmiting the time of exposure of the vein wall to nutrient infusion and by minimizing the amount of prosthetic material within the vein (10). This is hkely to be even more important in small veins. In one study the addition of heparin (500 U/1) and hydrocortisone (5 micrograms/ml) significantly reduced the risk of thrombophlebitis from 0.43 to 0.11... 

Kane KF, Lowes JR. Peripheral parenteral nutrition and venous thrombophlebitis. Nutrition 1997 13(6) 577-8. 

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