Metabolic Derangements in Children Requiring Parenteral Nutrition

ABSTRACT. Intravenous alimentation is routinely used in many hospitalized pediatric patients, however, there are few reports of the nature and frequency of metabolic complications. In order to assess the frequency and nature of metabolic com-plications all children receiving parenteral nutrition from Jan-ury 1, 1982 to December 31, 1982 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Data collection began with the institution of parenteral nutrition. Serum electrolytes, minerals, liver func-tion tests, and renal function tests were followed weekly. A total of 201 patients received parenteral nutrition for 5378 days. Nutrition was delivered to 146 patients (4980 patient days) via a central line and 55 patients via a peripheral line (398 patient days). The sepsis rate was 3.7 % in central lines used only for parenteral and 4.8 % in multipurpose central lines. In general, complications were fewer in the patients sup