Jpen Parenter Enter
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Jpen Parenter Enter · Mar 1995
ReviewIntravenous albumin and nutrition support: going for the quick fix.
IV albumin has been advocated as adjunctive therapy for hypoalbuminemic patients who are receiving nutrition support. This discussion will critically consider the rationale for this recommendation as well as the evidence available in the medical literature. ⋯ There is reason to believe that IV albumin is not effective in improving the clinical outcome of hypoalbuminemic patients who are receiving nutrition support. Until more compelling data become available, it is not reasonable to adopt a policy of routinely correcting the hypoalbuminemia in this way. In fact, hypoalbuminemia may be a manifestation of a serious disease state rather than a marker of deficient protein stores.
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Jpen Parenter Enter · Mar 1995
Clinical TrialPeripherally inserted central catheters: a report of 2506 catheter days.
The establishment of reliable central venous access is essential in the management of patients with major complications, including pneumothorax and hemopneumothorax. Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer advantages over traditional central venous approaches, PICC lines are associated with a number of insertion and maintenance problems, including clotting and catheter fracture. These complications often result in catheter removal before completion of prescribed therapy. ⋯ The majority of published data about PICC lines is in the area of chemotherapy or antibiotic infusion. Our study supports the use of PICC lines in patients receiving a variety of solutions, primarily parenteral nutrition. With an experienced, team approach to catheter placement and maintenance, PICC lines provide reliable, cost-effective venous access and reduce many of the complications of central venous access in a variety of clinical settings.