Indications and Patterns of Use for Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract

Background: Children with cancer are at risk of treatment related gastrointestinal toxicity and malnutrition. Intestinal dysfunction may preclude or limit use of enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition (PN) may be required. Published indications for PN use in children with cancer are generally nonspecific. We sought to describe patterns of use, indications, and frequency of PN prescription in children with cancer and propose indicators to guide appropriate PN use. Methods: Retrospective chart review of children with cancer receiving inpatient PN in a tertiary referral pediatric hospital over 12 months was performed using electronic medical record search and paper records. Data were summa..