Parenteral nutrition

The indications for parenteral nutrition have been examined over the past y ear. These studies have mostly supported the enteral compared to the intrav enous route. Because a formal diagnosis of intestinal failure has not alway s been the key to initiating intravenous nutrition, however, the clinical a pplications of their conclusions are uncertain. Studies have also focused o n supplementing intravenous nutrition with glutamine; the lack of ideal con trol groups makes interpretation difficult. Finally, based on present evide nce, a pragmatic approach to the provision of intravenous nutrition can be supported.