6. Parenteral nutrition

6.1 Approach routes

When parenteral nutrition is chosen, the choice is between a peripheral venous line and a central catheter.

Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) is indicated for parenteral nutrition of short duration (less than 15 days) and if venous capital is satisfactory. Superficial forearm veins are used, punctured with short catheters. The infusion site must be changed systematically every 48 hours to limit the risk of thrombophlebitis. Venous tolerance of nutrient solutions depends above all on their osmolarity. Osmolarities below 800 mosml/L are generally well tolerated.

For long-term parenteral nutrition (PN), we use large-diameter central venous lines in the superior vena cava (axillary vein, subclavian vein, internal jugular...