Learning About Total Parenteral Nutrition in Children

What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a way to provide nutrition without using the digestive tract. TPN is a liquid that contains protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals. It’s given through an I.V. tube (catheter) that is placed in a vein. This allows the nutrients to go straight into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the nutrients to the tissues and organs that need them.

TPN may be used when a child can't get enough nutrition by eating or through a feeding tube. Your child may need TPN because of:

• A condition that makes it hard to absorb nutrients from food.
• Medical treatment or surgery on your child's digestive tract. TPN gives your child's intestines time to heal.

How is TPN done?

To get TPN, the doctor will first need to put an I.V. tube (catheter) into a major vein. The doctor will use ultrasound or X-ray to check that the inside end of the I.V. is in the right place. The outside end of the I.V. is called the port. That's where the TPN goes in.

TPN comes in a pouch. This is attached to a pump. The pump sends the TPN into the I.V. at a steady, controlled rate. The liquid goes into your child's body very slowly.

What can you expect while your child is having TPN?

• Your child won't feel any pain from the TPN flowing into their body. But the area where the I.V. tube was placed may feel uncomfortable at first. This usually gets better with time.
• Your child isn't likely to feel hungry while having TPN.