To evaluate the consequences of long-term cyclic total parenteral nutr
ition (TPN) on metabolic pathways which contribute to energy metabolis
m, adaptation to starvation was studied in a group of seven children 2
-7 years old, on long-term cyclic TPN. In addition to clinical monitor
ing, the following biological parameters were measured: blood levels o
f glucose, free fatty acids, ketone bodies and carnitine, and urinary
excretion of dicarboxylic acids. Five of the seven children had good c
linical tolerance up to 30 h of fasting. This indicated that metabolic
changes arising from prolonged cyclic TPN are easily reversed when su
ch children are fasting. The other two children had to be refed after
22 and 24 h, respectively. Both had metabolic signs of impaired hepati
c fatty acid oxidation or ketogenesis. These metabolic changes might r
eflect the liver failure caused by TPN in these children, and stresses
the fact that prolonged starvation has to be carefully monitored in p
atients with liver dysfunction Secondary to TPN.