Research
Mixed
Providing similar energy intake via parenteral nutrition (PN) as compared to enteral nutrition (EN) in the first week of critical illness results in similar clinical outcomes.
If a critically ill patient cannot tolerate enteral nutrition (EN), parenteral nutrition (PN) is an acceptable alternative. Ensure similar energy intake and monitor for glycemic control and catheter-related infections. Cost and convenience may guide the choice.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes. Because similar energy intake provided as PN is not superior to EN and no differences in harm were identified, we recommend that either PN or EN is acceptable.
Why this rating
High quality evidence, strong recommendation.
Source
Guidelines for the provision of nutrition support therapy in the adult critically ill patient: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Charlene Compher et al. · Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 2021
DOI 10.1002/jpen.2267
Meta-analysis · 36 studiesCited 641×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Initiating supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) within the first week of ICU admission provides no clinically important benefit compared to enteral nutrition (EN) alone.Good
- In adult critically ill patients, providing higher energy intake (up to 30 kcal/kg/day) compared to lower intake (down to 300 kcal/day) does not significantly improve clinical outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, or infection rates.Moderate
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