Abstract
Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a lifesaving therapy in patients withsevere intestinal failure that can be administered at home. However, patients have to facecomplex technological nutritional support issues at home, which will influence theirpersonal life.Objectives: This review aims to describe the implications of home parenteral nutrition(HPN) on the quality of life, as experienced by patients, as well as to describe thecaregiver’s reactions regarding these notions.Search strategy: A systematic review of the literature published between 1965 and 2005was conducted. Cinahl, Medline, and Psychlit databases were searched. Systematic dataextraction and narrative data synthesis were performed.Selection criteria: Papers were included if they described original research published in apeer reviewed journal, with a focus on adult patients on HPN and/or their familycaregivers.Data collection (and analysis): A standardised record was used for data extraction.Main results: A total of 26 studies were included. The quality of life reported by patientswas moderate to good, but psychological problems, e.g. depression and anxiety, werecommon. Social life was disturbed due to the venous access device, the time schedule forHPN administration, the inability to have normal oral intake, gastrointestinal mobilityproblems, and physical complaints. Frequently mentioned somatic problems includedfatigue, diarrhoea, pain, polyuria during infusion and sleep disruption.Despite social restrictions, depression and fatigue, caregivers reported their overall QoL as similar to the norms for healthy populations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 275-288 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Clinical Nutrition |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |