Assessment of parenteral nutrition prescription in Canadian acute care settings

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) prescription can be challenging in patients with complex conditions and has potential complications. Objective: To assess PN prescription, monitoring, and PN-related complications in a Canadian acute care setting. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in which patients receiving PN were assessed by an auditor for nutritional status, PN-related prescription, monitoring, and complications. In addition, length of stay and mortality were recorded. Results: 147 patients (mean ± SD 56.1 ± 16.4 y) with complex diseases (Charlson comorbidity index, median [p25–p75] 2 [1–4]) were enrolled. Before starting PN, 18.6%, 63.9%, and 17.5% of patients were classified as subjective global assessment A, B, and C, respectively. Body mass index remained unchanged during the period on PN. On average, 89% and 73% of patients received