Shortages of parenteral nutrition components: Relevance to critical care

Shortages of components for parenteral nutrition (PN) are a major concern for patients in the critical care unit, who may be more likely to be PN dependent dueto intolerance of enteral feedings. Inadequate administrations of several nutrients currently in short supply are linked to poor critical care outcomes.During parenteral nutrition component shortages, it is crucial to carefully monitor patients receiving PN to identify potential nutrient deficiencies and to identify possible intervention strategies. The American Society for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (ASPEN) has provided guidelines for the conservation of PN products to assist clinicians in decision making and patient management during shortages. Institutions should incorporate protocols to ensure thatPN products are being distributed to the highest-risk populations, and enteral nutrition and supplementation should be considered whenever possible.