United Kingdom artificial nutrition database: The changing landscape of adult home parenteral support.

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom nutrition database monitors the changing landscape of adult home parenteral nutrition support (HPS) to inform clinicians and policy makers of the need for this life-saving treatment.

METHODS

The UK database is administered by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Data for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) has been collected since 2005 and home intravenous fluids (HIVFs) since 2011. During this study the reporting of data to the database by healthcare workers has been voluntary. Data were analyzed using linear regression.

RESULTS

A threefold increase of new registrations for patients receiving HPS was noted on this 10-year period, with a notable increase in the number of patients with advanced malignancy supported with HPS. Crohn's disease and short bowel syndrome were the leading causes for both HPN and HIVF use in the UK. A statistically significant increase in older (P < 0.001) and less independent patients using HPS was noted.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HPS is steadily increasing in size with the broadening of its acceptable performance status. The launch of the Intestinal Failure Registry and mandatory registration will increase accuracy in data reporting.