ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Standard versus individualized parenteral nutrition
Abstract
PN can be provided as a standard, usually commercial, formulation that is designed to meet the nutritional needs of most patients of the same age group with a similar condition. The aim of standardizing parenteral nutrition (PN) is to improve patient safety (minimize procedural incidents) and optimize resource efficiency at the same time as providing clinically appropriate nutrition (meeting individual patient requirements).
Alternatively, an individually tailored PN formulation, adapted to the individual patient's nutritional needs, can be prescribed. Both types of PN preparations have advantages and disadvantages.
Stability of the final product, time pressures on the pharmacy, quality control and cost benefit considerations make the use of standard solutions an attractive option. These standard formulas do not necessarily meet all the requirements of newborns, infants and children, although even in those units that rely on individualized prescribing, there is some scope for their use in stable patients.