Home-Based Parenteral Nutrition (HBPN)-associated hepatobiliary complications

Home-based parenteral nutrition (HBPN) allows recovering or maintaining the nutritional status of patients with chronic intestinal failure that cannot afford their nutritional requirements through the digestive route. Frequently, liver function impairments develop along the treatment, which in the most severe cases, and especially in premature and low-weight infants, may lead to an irreversible liver failure. The proper composition of the parenteral nutrition bag, avoiding an excess of energy intake, together with the use of new types of lipid emulsions (with lower content in -6 fatty acids and voided of phytosterols) as well as the use, although being minimal, of the enteral route, may contribute to a decrease in the occurrence of HBPN-associated liver disease. It is necessary to perform monthly clinical and biochemical checks to early detect liver function impairments in order to perform the appropriate changes in the treatment and assess the indication of a potential bowel transplant before the liver damage becomes irreversible.