Extended indications for enteral nutritional support

With the availability of an organized nutrition support team (NST), the use of enteral nutrition (EN) can be extended to patients who would have other wise received parenteral nutrition (PN). Although the formulation and accur acy of nutrient intake seems easier with PN, it is accepted that EN is cost effective and advantageous and should be used whenever possible. We discus s three cases in which the NST was initially consulted to provide PN. After evaluation by the dietitian, gastrointestinal access was obtained by the N ST physician and EN could be initiated. The case studies show that an organ ized NST consisting of knowledgable members can extend the use of EN to pat ients who would have otherwise received PN. The cost saving of such an appr oach and its efficacy in clinical practice are obvious. Nutrition 2000;16: 129-130. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 2000.