Management of intestinal failure can be challenging. Claire Sadlier reports on an audit that reveals why individual treatment goals are important

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a therapy that is complex and can lead to serious complications such as infection of the central venous catheter. A follow-up audit beginning in 2007 showed that, in a cohort of 36, 16 children were transferred from the neonatal unit and 20 had conditions that might be similar to adult indications for PN.

The audit has underlined the fact that the use of PN should be carefully assessed, monitored and discontinued as soon as possible. Intestinal failure is the most common indication for PN and its management requires specific training.