USE OF THE PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER FOR PARENTERAL-NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

Background: Parenteral nutrition is required during pregnancy to treat hyperemesis gravidarum and other conditions in which enteral intake i s inadequate. We describe the peripherally inserted central catheter. The catheter is inserted into the antecubital vein using local analges ia, thus eliminating some of the risks associated with obtaining centr al venous access. Case: Three pregnant patients required parenteral nu trition for refractory hyperemesis gravidarum. The peripherally insert ed central catheter was successfully placed, and central venous admini stration of hyperosmolar solutions was accomplished without complicati on for periods of 28-137 days. Maternal weight gain and fetal growth w ere adequate. Conclusion: The peripherally inserted central catheter a voids some of the risks related to obtaining central venous access and permits long-term administration of parenteral nutrition into the cen tral venous circulation.