Parenteral Nutrition for Hospitalized Infants: 20th-century Advances in Venous Access

Objective: To review the literature related to venous access for parenteral infant feeding. Data Sources: Sources included medical, nursing, and nutrition literature from 1900 to 1994. Study Selection: One hundred ten studies were reviewed. Studies were selected based on historical significance and contribution to current practice. Data Extraction: Data relating to the development of parenteral nutrients or evolution of parenteral techniques were extracted. Data Synthesis: The central venous catheter was a significant development in meeting the nutritional needs of hospitalized infants. Conclusion: Delivery of parenteral nutrition through percutaneous, peripherally inserted central venous catheters provides the least trauma and greatest benefit. At the beginning of the 20th century, a number of problems were associated with parenteral feeding practices many contributed to infant mortality. Clinicians had a limited understanding of infant physiology and nutritional needs and were faced with equipment and access limitations as well. With each decade, technology advanced, clinical skills improved, and infant survival rates increased.