Parenteral nutrition-related complications in older patients with acute intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Reported outcomes for parenteral nutrition (PN)-related complications in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure who are receiving PN in the acute hospital setting are limited. Our study aims to compare PN-related complications between older and younger adult patients. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of inpatients who were administered PN from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, was performed. Patients were categorized into older (≥65 years old) and younger (<65 years old) adult groups. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five patients were included. There were 103 patients in the older adult group (mean age: 73.9 [SD: 6.9] years) and 132 patients in the younger adult group (mean age: 52.4 [SD: 12.5] years). There was a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score and lower Karnofsky score in the older adult group. The older adult group received significantly lower total energy (20.8 [SD: 7.8] vs 22.8 [SD: 6.3] kcal/kg/day), dextrose (3.1 [SD: 1.4] vs 3.6 [SD: 1.4] g/kg/day), and protein (1.1 [SD: 0.4] vs 1.2 [SD: 0.3] g/kg/day) than the younger group received. The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the older adult group (35.9 [SD: 21.3] vs 59.8 [SD: 55.3]; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PN-related complications and clinical outcomes (catheter-related bloodstream infections, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or inpatient mortality) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Despite more comorbidities in the older adult, the usage of PN in older adult patients with acute intestinal failure was associated with neither an increased rate of PN-related complications nor worse clinical outcomes when compared with that of younger patients.

The use of standardized commercially available parenteral nutrition as a bridge to customized compounded bag in the acute hospital setting is safe and feasible.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The use of standardized commercially available parenteral nutrition (SCAPN) as a starter bag to bridge to customized compounded PN offers the advantage of starting PN on the same day of consult, avoiding delays in nutrition delivery. We aim to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using SCAPN as a bridge to compounded PN in the acute hospital setting. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients on PN from Aug 2018 to Sep 2019 was performed. SMOFKABIVEN® Peripheral 800 kcal in 1206 ml was used. Electrolyte replacements on the day and the day after PN commencement were compared between SCAPN and compounded PN. Results were reported as means (95% confidence intervals). P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 135 (78.5%) patients received SCAPN while 37 (21.5%) received compounded PN on the first day of PN. Baseline characteristics of both groups were almost similar with higher BMI in the SCAPN. Baseline serum potassium 4.0 (3.9, 4.1) vs 4.0 (3.8, 4.1), p = 0.46; phosphate 1.1 (1.0, 1.1) vs 1.1 (1.0, 1.3), p = 0.40 and magnesium 0.8 (0.8, 0.9) vs 0.9 (0.9, 1.0), p < 0.05 for SCAPN and compounded PN respectively. Follow-up serum potassium was 3.9 (3.8, 3.9) vs 3.9 (3.8, 4.1), p = 0.36; phosphate 0.9 (0.9, 0.9) vs 1.1 (1.0, 1.2), p < 0.05 and magnesium 0.9 (0.9, 0.9) vs 0.9 (0.9, 1.0), p = 0.18. Baseline calories and protein were lower in SCAPN group. Electrolyte replacements were similar in both groups at baseline and follow up. CONCLUSION: Using our in-house protocol, the use of a SCAPN as a bridge to customized compounded PN is safe and feasible.