A 1993-1995 EPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY OF HOME PARENTERAL-NUTRITION IN APPROVED CENTERS FOR ADULTS IN FRANCE

Objectives. -A 1993-1995 three year epidemiological survey of home par enteral nutrition was performed through in France in approved centers for adults. Methods. -Data were retrospectively collected each year on a standardized questionnaire focussing on indications and short term outcome. Results. -All centers (n = 14) participated in the study and 524 hew adult patients were recruited. The overall incidence was uncha nged at 3.75 patients/10(6) adults. Indications for AIDS rose (8 to 18 %) whereas other indications were stable. Prevalence increased by 19% : 4.40 adults/10(6) patients at 01.01.1996. At six months the probabil ity to stay on treatment was 19.5 % for-AIDS and cancer indications bu t 52 % for others, whereas death rates were 59 % and 9 % respectively. Conclusions. -For both cancer and AIDS indications short-term treatme nt was dire to a poor prognosis. For other diagnosis complicated with a short bowel in 51 % of cases, prognosis was excellent bait associate d with treatment depen dency. The latter point focuses on the need for additional treatments in irreversible intestinal failure.