Intravenous feeding kinetics and its effects on energy and nitrogen metabolism.

Various modes of intravenous nutrient administration may be associated with characteristic alterations in physiologic and metabolic host responses. Notably, cyclic parenteral nutrition produces greater short-term thermic effects than continuous nutrient infusion. This may increase the metabolic burden upon patients who exhibit cardiopulmonary insufficiency. On the other hand, nitrogen accretion seems to be more efficient with cyclic total parenteral nutrition, making it quite attractive as an intravenous form of nutrition support. This article details these aspects of cyclic intravenous feeding and considers its optimal applicability to different patient populations.