Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN)

​

Why do dialysis patients need extra nutrition?

​

It is estimated that 50% to 70% of dialysis patients suffer from PEM (Protein Energy Malnutrition).¹ These patients may experience some losses of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals. The body needs nutrients like protein to build lean body mass and to maintain body functions. While undergoing dialysis, some patients report difficulty eating and digesting food. Others report loss of appetite and decreased energy homeostasis. This can further compromise good nutrition to sustain normal weight and strength.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

What can be done to correct nutritional imbalances?

​

Nutritional imbalances are identified through laboratory analysis of the patient’s blood and/or weight loss. The nutritional status of a dialysis patient can be improved with recommended nutritional counseling or oral nutritional supplements. When these options are unsuccessful, IDPN can be an option. Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) can improve protein and energy homeostasis in chronic hemodialysis patients.² The decision to start IDPN therapy is determined by the patient’s nutritionist and physician. Patients may experience an increase in appetite, renewed energy and strength, improved wound healing and even weight gain.

​

What is IDPN?

​

Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) is a supplemental form of parenteral nutrition prescribed to provide malnourished hemodialysis patients with the protein calories and other nutrients that their body needs for strength and energy. It is administered through the venous drip chamber while the patient is undergoing hemodialysis. The solution is administered with an infusion pump at a constant rate. IDPN solutions are compounded in accordance with the physician’s prescription order by licensed pharmacists specializing in IV admixture.

​

Why does Plaza Home Care Pharmacy focus on albumin levels?

​

Clinical evidence indicates that patients with sustained albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL are at greater risk for mortality and morbidity than those with consistently higher levels.³ IDPN has the potential to stimulate real improvement in patient’s nutritional status for those whose albumin levels remain below 3.5 g/dL – provided traditional repletion efforts have failed to restore desirable albumin levels.

​

¹ National Kidney Foundation. Am J Kidney Dis. 2000; 35 (suppl): S1- S104.

² J Clin Invest. 2002 Aug 15; 110(4): 483–492.

³ Mizia, Betsy et al. Journal of Renal Nutrition, Mar 2010; Volume 20, Issue 2, 138

​