parenteral nutrition

provision of nutrition by any means other than by the mouth. For patients with burns, renal failure, etc, or after major surgery, this mode of feeding may be necessary and is accomplished intravenously. Protein, fat and carbohydrate can all be delivered as special solutions containing all the essential compounds. The main hazard of such a system is the risk of INFECTION and reactions to the solutions introduced, e.g. HYPERGLYCAEMIA can result.