Jonathan Rhoads Symposium Papers Early Developments and Clinical Applications of Total Parenteral Nutrition

ABSTRACT. Background: This article recounts the condi-tions and status of surgical nutrition support in the 1960s and the antecedent basic and clinical investigational work leading to the development of a practical and efficacious method of adequate nourishment entirely by vein in Beagle puppies; describes the subsequent clinical application of the knowledge, techniques, and technology to the first successful long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) support of criti-cally ill pediatric and adult patients; and admonishes nutri-tionists of all backgrounds that some need for parenteral nutrition will likely always exist and that it is incumbent upon everyone to continue endeavors to advance the germi-nal methodology to perfection. Methods: The relevant indica-tions, limitations, hindrances, motivational factors, and stud-ies regarding the development of TPN are reviewed, and th