Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with C > Central Hyperalimentation - Hyperalimentation

Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Sites

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Central Hyperalimentation - Hyperalimentation

Overview & Description

Hyperalimentation is a procedure in which nutrients and vitamins are given to a person in liquid form through a vein. It is only given to someone who cannot get nutrients from food.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Hyperalimentation is used for people with health problems that prevent them from absorbing enough nutrients through their stomachs. It is also used when a person is severely malnourished and cannot take in food by mouth.

Hyperalimentation might be used:

before surgery if the person is malnourished. This can be caused by:

congenital abnormalities causing disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as esophageal atresia

esophageal stricture, which is a narrowing of the esophagus

esophageal cancer or stomach cancer

swallowing difficulties

after surgery if a person is not recovering as quickly as expected or has complications relating to the surgery. This can be caused by:

prolonged ileus, a severe blockage in the intestines

short bowel syndrome, which occurs after someone has large amount of small intestines removed

a fistula, an abnormal passageway between two internal organs, or leading from an internal organ to the surface of the body

peritonitis, a severe infection in the abdominal cavity

if a person has inflammatory bowel disease, including:

severe gastroenteritis

Crohn's disease

ulcerative colitis

extensive diverticulitis

if a person cannot eat or is unable to absorb nutrients from food. This may be caused by:

cancer of the GI tract, such as colon cancer

chemotherapy or radiation therapy

major trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident

massive the amount of body surface area, also called BSA, that is injured\ \the depth of destruction\ \the location of the burn\ ',CAPTION,'Burns');" onmouseout="return nd();">burns

coma

an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa

How is the procedure performed?

A draw blood\ \give fluids\ \monitor central venous blood pressure\ ',CAPTION,'Central Line');" onmouseout="return nd();">central line is a special intravenous or IV line that is inserted through the chest and threaded into one of the large veins that lie close to the heart. A central line, rather than an IV line in an arm, must be used for this procedure because the solution is highly concentrated.

The hyperalimentation solution is tailored to the needs of the person, and contains:

glucose, or sugar

amino acids

electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium

vitamins

fat emulsion

Preparation & Expectations

What happens right after the procedure?

Hyperalimentation uses a pump to closely regulate the amount of solution given. The person may receive it at a constant rate, or only for several hours at night. Close monitoring is needed. The healthcare provider must check the person's weight, blood sugars, and electrolytes levels in the blood. The provider must check the site of the central line often for signs of infection.

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

A nutritional support team will be involved with the use of hyperalimentation. The person's nutritional status is studied and his or her nutritional needs calculated. The solution is changed when the persons needs change. For instance, if a person is taking in food or fluids by mouth, he or she will need fewer calories from the solution. The family will be taught how to administer the hyperalimentation and care for the person if he or she is to receive care at home.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Complications of hyperalimentation may include:

too much glucose in the blood

too little glucose in the blood

infection

nausea and headache

catheter dislodgement

Attribution

Author:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Elizabeth, BA
Edit Date:10/03/00
Reviewer:Melissa Sanders, PharmD
Date Reviewed:07/05/01

Sources

Williams, Sue, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, 7th edition, 1993

Clinical Nutrition: Enteral and Tube Feeding, 2nd edition, 1990

Mosby's Clinical Nursing, 4th edition, 1994

Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 6th edition, 1990

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement