Practical aspects of peripheral parenteral nutrition

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the advantages and disadvantages of using peripheral parenteral nutrition, including the techniques, indications and results. Recent findings The new catheters, together with a better knowledge of intermediate metabolism, permit the use of peripheral parenteral nutrition in many clinical situations during short periods of time. Summary Peripheral parenteral nutrition is an alternative to total parenteral nutrition, and is a complement to enteral nutrition and the oral route. Progress in catheter design and materials, infusion techniques and an improved knowledge of the optimal nutriments has made peripheral parenteral nutrition a safe, efficient and useful method to treat patients over certain periods of time.