Total parenteral nutrition in infants and children.

The current literature on pediatric parenteral alimentation, including some of its newer modifications, was reviewed. In light of this review, a 1-year experience with 20 patients on the pediatric surgical service of the Mayo Clinic who received total parenteral nutrition for a variety of life-threatening problems is reported. Our data confirm that premature infants, infants with intractable diarrhea, and both infants and adolescents with surgical problems precluding enteral feeding can be given sufficient parenteral kilocalories to regain lost weight and continue to grow, and that this can be done with a minimal rate of complications.