Simpsons Centre for Reproductive Health

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is the supply of intravenous nutrition when the enteral or oral route is inadequate to meet full nutritional requirements. It is made up of two components:

• A SMOF lipid solution providing fat with vitamins added (See Appendix 1.0)
• An aqueous solution providing amino acids, glucose, electrolytes and trace elements

Appendix 2.0 gives an overview of the nutritional content of these bags. 

This guideline covers the practical management of PN for preterm infants as well as babies born at term up to 28 days after birth.  In conjunction with clinical judgment, it serves to ensure PN is provided safely and meets nutritional requirements as documented by NICE (2020) and also takes into consideration guidance from ESPGHAN et al (2018) for areas not covered by NICE (2020). See Appendix 3.0 for an overview of nutritional requirements for term and preterm infants.

PN is the cornerstone of early nutritional care for vulnerable preterm infants as they have limited stores at birth and need time to establish adequate enteral nutrition to meet their needs.  It should also be considered in any infant who is unlikely to meet their nutritional needs in a timely fashion via the enteral route. 

The following highlights the criteria for starting PN however there may be additional valid reasons as per consultant discretion.