Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition After Small Bowel Resection

Malnutrition is frequently observed in the hemodialysis patient population. It may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as affect overall quality of life, which may already be compromised from dialytic physical and psychological demands. In the past, intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) has been available to hemodialysis patients as an adjunct to their dietary intake. In this time of cost containment and the increasing need to scientifically justify the benefit of such therapies to have them paid for by third party reimbursers, IDPN is coming under much scrutiny. This report describes a case of inadequate enteral nutrient absorption in a malnourished hemodialysis patient. This is a case in which IDPN was beneficial and without which other alternatives would have proven more costly physically, emotionally, and economically to the patient.