Evolution of paediatric parenteral nutrition over the last 15 years in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain)

To analyze the use of paediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) in a tertiary level hospital in Spain (1994-2008). The charts from infants and children receiving NP in 2008 were reviewed. Data were compared with those in 1994 and 2002. 120 patients received PN, 78 and 71 corresponding to 1.6%, 1.3% and 1.0% of total admissions in 2008, 2002 and 1994 respectively. When composition of PN was compared in the first day we found significant differences in energy and lipids; but not in volume, carbohydrate, or amino acid composition. Gastrointestinal surgery was the most common indication. Mean length was 11.0 ± 9.8 days (2008) to 15.2 ± 14.8 (1994) (p < 0.05). Complications were present in 24.8 patients (2008), 10.8% (2002) and 16.9 (1994). PN use increased along the study period, although mean length decreased. There were more complications in 2008 than in previous years.