Home parenteral nutrition in children

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a vital intervention for children with chronic intestinal failure who cannot meet their nutritional needs through oral intake or enteral feeding. This specialized form of nutrition therapy delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream via a central venous catheter, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. HPN not only sustains growth and development but also enhances quality of life by allowing children to remain at home with their families, rather than in hospitals. However, it presents challenges such as infection risk, liver complications, and metabolic abnormalities. Ongoing nutrition research focuses on optimizing HPN formulations, improving catheter care techniques, and developing strategies to mitigate long-term complications, aiming to enhance the safety and effectiveness of this life-sustaining therapy for pediatric patients.