[Parenteral nutrition in pediatrics and neonatology: A review of prescribing and administering practices in an university hospital].

OBJECTIVE

Parenteral nutrition is a therapeutic strategy used to prevent and treat undernutrition in neonatology and paediatrics. Due to the associated iatrogenic risk, this activity requires specialised medical and pharmaceutical expertise, as well as structured safety protocols. The aim of this study is to characterise the practices surrounding the prescription and administration of parenteral nutrition in the paediatric and neonatal units of a French university hospital.

METHODS

A single-centre descriptive study was conducted in 2023 across seven neonatology and paediatrics wards. It involved an analysis of prescriptions data for both industrial and individualized parenteral nutrition from 2020 and 2021, as well as a declarative survey assessing administration practices. The compliance of these practices was evaluated based on national and European recommendations.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant discrepancies in the prescription and administration of parenteral nutrition between paediatrics and neonatology. Several non-compliances were identified, including three critical issues: preparing products in care units, the absence of in-line filters, and adding supplements that pose a risk of incompatibility and microbiological contamination.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasizes the importance of securing, standardizing and harmonizing parenteral nutrition practices within the institution. Key actions include conducting multidisciplinary reviews to align practices, the drafting of a unified institutional procedure, and implementing a training program for care teams, incorporating simulations and regular assessments.