Use of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition: An End-Stage Renal Disease Network Perspective
■ Objective: To assess the frequency of use of intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) in hemodialysis (HD) facilities in Network No. 14 (TX) and to ascertain systems of IDPN practice in current use. ■ Data sources: 143 outpatient HD facilities in Texas, ESRD Network No. 14. ■ Data extraction: Professionally validated questionnaires were sent to all HD facilities in Texas in August 1992 to assess use of IDPN, patient selection criteria, infusion regimens, and monitoring and termination criteria. ■ Results: The frequency of use of IDPN varies widely, with a small percentage of facilities reporting 20% to 25% of the patient populations receiving this therapy. Twenty-seven percent of facilities are using essential amino acids in infusions. ■ Conclusions: Monitoring and termination criteria are often inconsistent and poorly defined. Long-term studies are needed to investigate optimal selection criteria, effect of various infusion regimens, and indices that best predict patient outcomes.