Parenteral Nutrition in paediatrics

The provision of nutrients intravenously or Parenteral Nutrition (PN), has been one of the biggest therapeutic progress over the last 50 years. PN has increased survival rates in children with gastro-intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases not tolerating oral or enteral nutrition. Moreover PN decreases malnutrition and therefore increases survival. PN related complications have been minimized thanks to advances in equipment, training and expertise, however, this treatment still has substantial risks. PN in paediatrics should be delivered by expert multidisciplinary nutrition team to ensure appropriate use, delivery, monitoring and weaning.In this review we will take the reader through the ESPGHAN/ESPEN guidelines, at present the main reference for paediatric PN.