Actual situation and problems about catheter care in patients with benign intestinal failure under home parenteral nutrition (HPN)

It is important for patients with benign intestinal failure under HPN, such as those with inflammatory bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome, to maintain his/her indwelling catheter patent for a long time. The results of catheter care affects their quality of life. We describe the results of 18 patients who were under HPN. Their average age was 35.2 (range 21-49) years. The underlying diseases were Crohn's disease (n = 13), short bowel syndrome (n = 3), Behcet disease (n = 1), and nutrition support for pre-operative state of lung transplantation (n = 1). A totally implantable subcutaneous infusion port (SIP) was used for 16 patients and Broviac's catheter for two patients. Fundamentally, the self-infusion method was selected and nocturnal cyclic TPN was performed. The period of HPN was a mean of 601 (range 73-1, 159) days. Seven catheters (4 patients) were exchanged due to occlusion or infection, and one due to infection of the subcutaneous pocket. The average life of the catheters was 415 +/- 320 days. Catheter related complications occurred 0.74/1,000 days of catheter in place. We conclude that HPN is managed safely and that it is useful to maintain the QOL of patients with benign intestinal failure. All patients were satisfied with HPN.