Mighty Well
  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • PICC Line Protectors
    • Fluid Motion Backpack
    • Self Care Case
    • FSA/HSA Eligible
    • Mighty Merch
    • Wholesale
    • Sale
  • Learn
    • Explore by Treatment Type
      • PICCs
      • Implanted Ports
      • Feeding Tubes
      • TPN
    • Explore by Condition
      • General Chronic Illness
      • Cancer
    • AVA Partnership
      • Ultimate Guide to PICCs
      • Clinician Resources
  • Join Us
    • Be a Friend in the Fight™
    • Brand Ambassador Program
  • Who We Are
    • Contact Us
    • FAQ
    • Our Mission
    • Team
    • Partnerships
    • Media
    • Reviews and Testimonials
    • Where to Find Us

Mighty Well

  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • PICC Line Protectors
    • Fluid Motion Backpack
    • Self Care Case
    • FSA/HSA Eligible
    • Mighty Merch
    • Wholesale
    • Sale
  • Learn
    • Explore by Treatment Type
      • PICCs
      • Implanted Ports
      • Feeding Tubes
      • TPN
    • Explore by Condition
      • General Chronic Illness
      • Cancer
    • AVA Partnership
      • Ultimate Guide to PICCs
      • Clinician Resources
  • Join Us
    • Be a Friend in the Fight™
    • Brand Ambassador Program
  • Who We Are
    • Contact Us
    • FAQ
    • Our Mission
    • Team
    • Partnerships
    • Media
    • Reviews and Testimonials
    • Where to Find Us
Category:

Parenteral Nutrition

    TPN vs. PPN: Key Differences
    Parenteral NutritionTreatment and Care

    TPN vs. PPN: What is the difference? Navigating Parenteral Nutrition  

    by Mighty Well February 23, 2023February 23, 2023
    written by Mighty Well

    Parenteral nutrition is a form of nutrition support that delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This type of nutrition supports patients who cannot obtain adequate nutrition through the digestive tract. Parenteral nutrition can provide all of the nutrients a person needs or can be used to supplement the nutrients that a person can obtain from other sources, such as solid or blended food. 

    Two critical factors to consider about parenteral nutrition include understanding what nutrients it provides and how parenteral nutrition is delivered, which we will review below: 

    There are two main types of parenteral nutrition (PN): 

    • total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
    • peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN)

    Both TPN and PPN provide vital nutrients, but there are some crucial differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between TPN vs. PPN so that you can make the best decision for your health.

    1. Administration of TPN vs. PPN

    The first difference between TPN vs. PPN is in how they are administered. 

    • TPN is given through a central venous catheter (CVC), which is placed in a large vein near your heart. Common types of CVCs include Tunneled Central Venous Catheters, including Hickman™ , Broviac™, Leonard™ lines, and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). You can learn more about CVCs here. 
    • PPN is given through a peripheral venous catheter (PVC), which is placed in a smaller vein in your arm, either through a Peripheral Intravenous catheter (PIVC) or a Midline.

    2. Nutrient solutions received on TPN vs. PPN

    The second difference between these two types of parenteral nutrition is in the nutrient solutions that are used: 

    • TPN solutions are typically more concentrated than PPN solutions, meaning  that they can provide more calories and protein in a smaller volume. Additionally, because TPN solutions are more concentrated, they can irritate veins and cause inflammation. For these reasons, TPN solutions must be given through a CVC.
    • PPN solutions, on the other hand, are less concentrated and can be given through either a PVC or an infusion port. While PPN solutions may not provide as many calories and protein as TPN solutions, they are less likely to cause vein irritation or inflammation. Additionally, because PPN solutions can be given through a chest port, they may be a more convenient option for some patients.

    Some of the candidates for TPN include the following:

    • Patients with paralyzed or nonfunctional GI tract or conditions that require bowel rest, such as small bowel obstruction, ulcerative colitis, or pancreatitis
    • Patients who have had nothing by mouth (NPO) for seven days or longer
    • Critically ill patients
    • Babies with an immature gastrointestinal system or congenital malformations
    • Patients with chronic or extreme malnutrition, or chronic diarrhea or vomiting with a need for surgery or chemotherapy
    • Patients in hyperbolic states, such as burns, sepsis, or trauma

    Organizing TPN & PPN solutions and supplies

    The TPN solution comes in a 2-3 liter bag, and most patients infuse one bag daily.  The bag is often connected to an Electronic Infusion Device (EID) system, also known as an infusion pump,  to “deliver the fluids at the correct rate and volume.” These infusion pumps also “include a variety of safety features including alerts for air and occlusions, a medication administration library, the ability to calculate infused volumes and back up battery power” (Anderson, Renée, et al. 2018). 

    The whole set fits nicely into the Fluid Motion Backpack, which can be worn by the patient or hung nearby throughout the infusion. This backpack can act as a replacement for an IV pole for increased convenience and ease of use for patients who are on an infusion schedule. The Fluid Motion Backpack is designed to help patients be as mobile as they would like to fit their lifestyle – while accommodating medical and personal essentials. 

    As covered, TPN and PPN are both types of parenteral nutrition that provide vital nutrients to patients. The main difference between these two types of parenteral nutrition is their administration and the nutrient solutions used. There is another type of alternative nutrition called “enteral nutrition.” You can check out this post to learn more about the difference between parenteral and enteral nutrition. As always, speak with your healthcare team to determine which type of parenteral nutrition is right for you. 

    Sources: 

    Anderson, Renée, et al. “8.6 Infusing IV Fluids by Gravity or an Electronic Infusion Device.” Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care, Thompson Rivers University, 31 Aug. 2018, https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/clinicalproceduresforsaferpatientcaretrubscn/chapter/8-6-infusing-iv-fluids-by-gravity-or-an-electronic-infusion-device-pump/. 

    Doyle, Glynda Rees, and Jodie Anita McCutcheon. “8.8 Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).” Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care, BCcampus, 23 Nov. 2015, https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/8-8/. 

    Living with illness and disability can be isolating. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Sign up below to be in the know on our latest product and content releases, exclusive offers, and community events.

    0 FacebookPinterestEmail

About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

At Mighty Well, we understand what it means to live with a disability, chronic condition, and illness. Like our community of Friends in the Fight, we are patients and caregivers -and it is the daily challenges we face together that drive us to create products that solve problems and make life easier, safer, more confident, and dignified. We provide outstanding customer support, peer-to-peer feedback, and on-demand digital learning to ensure our customers can access the best-in-class products, support, and community we wish we’d had.

Be a Friend in the Fight!

Recent Posts

  • 10 Tips for Organizing Feeding Tube Supplies At Home
  • Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month: 5 Facts You Should Know
  • A Helpful Guide to Enteral Feeding Pumps for Tube Feeding
  • TPN vs. PPN: What is the difference? Navigating Parenteral Nutrition  
  • The Ultimate Guide to FSA/HSA Spending Accounts

Archives

Keep in Touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Popular Posts

  • 1

    7 Things Not To Do With a PICC Line

    October 12, 2017
  • 2

    PICC Line Complications: Preventing Common Issues

    June 22, 2018
  • 3

    PICC vs. Port: Making The Best Choice For You

    July 20, 2017

POST CATEGORIES

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Diabetes
  • Disability
  • EDS & Co
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • Friends in the Fight™
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parenteral Nutrition
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Recent Posts

  • 10 Tips for Organizing Feeding Tube Supplies At Home

    March 15, 2023
  • Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month: 5 Facts You Should Know

    March 9, 2023
  • A Helpful Guide to Enteral Feeding Pumps for Tube Feeding

    March 1, 2023

Disclaimer

The information in this platform is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information in this platform as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information in this platform.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2022 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top