Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Home parenteral and enteral nutrition (HPEN) has evolved to become a very successful, lifesaving treatment in the management of patients with intestinal and oral failure, respectively. Nevertheless, the provision of HPEN remains intrusive, expensive, and continues to be associated with significant morbidity. The management of HPEN by a nutrition support team that optimally includes an experienced clinician, nurse specialist, dietitian, and pharmacist reduces HPEN-related morbidity and may reduce costs associated with its use. Because clinical expertise in the management of patients receiving HPEN is not widely available, the referral of these patients to experienced centers for periodic assessment should be encouraged.