Parenteral Synonyms

Children who cannot or will not eat, or who are unable to absorb nutrients taken by mouth, may be fed intravenously (parenteral nutrition) or through a tube inserted into the gastrointestinal tract (enteral nutrition).

In extremely severe cases the child may require parenteral nutrition, which is a liquid food given intravenously.

Parenteral nutrition is also known as hyperalimentation.

Tube feedings into the gastrointestinal tract (enteral nutrition) are discontinued, and tube feedings into the veins (parenteral nutrition) are used instead until the condition has resolved.

In very small or sick premature infants, the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis may be diminished by beginning parenteral nutrition and delaying enteral feedings for several days to weeks.