Long Term Use of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN)

[Holly]

What are the 'reported' adverse effects resulting from long term use of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN)?

Holly

[missjv]

hi holly,
what is hpn?

missjv

[Holly]

Miss J (JV),

HPN is Home Parenteral Nutrition may also be referred to as TPN Total Parenteral Nutrition. It is a liquid compound made up of lipids, sugars, vitamins etc. and delivered IV.

Holly

[missjv]

hi holly,
ok thanks for the info. yes im now missjv cause i had a brain fart and forgot my password and had to change my user info so im no longer miss j, well i am but with a v at the end. this chemo stuff really makes one's brain fuzzy at times.

missjv

[Holly]

Miss JV,

You are welcome.

Holly

[suzieh]

Hi Holly,
From a nursing standpoint and CC patient. I did not personally use TPN, but as a nurse I know that long term it can be tough on the liver. Many people turn jaundice and have liver issues that are sometimes irreversible.

[Holly]

Thank you Suzieh,

What do you considered long term or prolonged use? Would liver damage be apparent relatively soon? How long after discontinuing TPN would the damage be evident?

Holly

[Guest]

Holly,

TPN use can result in intrahepatic cholestasis. It can occur as soon as 2-3 weeks. It would be evident from blood tests of liver function (serum billirubin and alkaline phosphatase). Usually if caught early it is reversable. Long term use can result in more permanent liver damage including cirrhosis. I also have heard that by reducing the calories in the TPN, liver damage is less likely to occur. Good Luck.