Abstract

Parenteral nutrition aims to conserve or increase lean body mass by reducing or reversing nitrogen loss whenever adequate enteral nutrition is not possible.¹ The absolute indication is failure of alimentation due to gastro-intestinal disease or fistula, but some patients with severe injuries, burns or abdominal sepsis may need parenteral feeding. No benefit has yet been shown from the pre-operative parenteral feeding of cachectic patients.^{2 3} This article discusses the choice of solutions for parenteral nutrition in adults; their hazards have recently been reviewed.⁴