Central Lines icon

Home PN and Central Lines1,2

For patients who require home parenteral nutrition (PN), vascular access with a central venous catheter (CVC) is needed. Complications of long-term CVCs include infection, thrombosis, and malfunction (e.g., breakage/dislodgement). One of the most common reasons for hospitalization in patients on home PN is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).

Although CVC removal and replacement may be required as part of the treatment plan, repeated line removal and replacement procedures can threaten vascular access over time. As such, for those patients on home PN and/or those who have existing vascular access challenges, an attempt at catheter salvage should be considered.

Image of HCP on mobile phone with speech bubble saying contact the patient’s Specialist, HPN Clinic, or Primary Physician prior to removing a CVC and a second image of a patient speaking to a HCP with a speech bubble that says Tell the healthcare team to contact your Specialist, HPN Clinic, or Primary Physician prior to removing a CVC

References:

  1. Bering J, DiBaise JK. Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 21;14(13):2558.
  2. Cuerda C, Pironi L, Arends J, et al. Home Artificial Nutrition & Chronic Intestinal Failure Special Interest Group of ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in chronic intestinal failure. Clin Nutr. 2021 Sep;40(9):5196-5220.