Current clinical aspects of parenteral nutrition in geriatric patients

Advancements in medicine, better diagnostics and zeal for a high quality of life have enabled many geriatric patients seeking medical attention for any type of illness. The elderly population is increasing globally and so does the number of such patients in hospital and critical care units. However, increased incidence of debilitating diseases in elderly makes them more prone to develop malnutrition and thus supplementation of nutrition plays an important role in care of these patients. The parenteral nutrition is usually given if enteral nutrition is inadequate or cannot be given. The causes of malnutrition in elderly can be manifold and may be due to weight loss, loss of fat free mass and due to muscle wasting. The special considerations when formulating parenteral nutrition in elderly population is increased content of lipids, early supplementation of trace elements, minerals and vitamins. The outcomes of parenteral nutrition in elderly population have been found to be similar to that in young patients, however overall prognosis in these patients remain guarded due to more severity and guarded prognosis of the diseases found in these patients. The complications due to parenteral nutrition in elderly patients are similar to that of the young patients and are mainly mechanical (catheter related), infectious and metabolic. It has been recommended that the parenteral nutrition should be started early, if indicated, in geriatric patients and should follow the same guidelines as in younger patients with some modifications.