Practical use of a new three-chamber bag for parenteral nutrition in pediatric patients

SummaryBackground & aimsParenteral nutrition (PN) can be life-saving for children who are unable to receive enteral nutrition. The pediatric multichambered bag (Ped3CB), containing lipids, amino acids with electrolytes, and glucose, is the first PN triple-chambered bag designed specifically for children. The aims of the study were to evaluate the ease of handling and use of Ped3CB in children.MethodsThis was a prospective, open-label, multicenter, noncomparative Phase 3 clinical trial. Patients were treated for 5 consecutive days with formulations designed for term infants and toddlers up to 2 years of age (Ped3CB-B) or for children and adolescents 2–18 years of age (Ped3CB-C). The volume of Ped3CB administered was based on the patient’s individual needs.ResultsA majority of pharmacists and nurses found the Ped3CB system easy to use, and favored Ped3CB formulations over bags compounded on the ward, ready-to-use compounded bags, and premixes prepared by the pharmacy and tailored to patient needs. Ped3CB represented 91% of the PN energy intake among the Ped3CB-B group and 68% in the Ped3CB-C group. PN administered using the Ped3CB system was well tolerated in both groups. Only 10% adverse events were considered potentially related to study treatment.ConclusionsPed3CB formulations are easy to use for administering PN to pediatric patients.Clinical trial registry EudraCT tracking number: 2007-001378-97