Clinical UM Guideline

This document addresses parenteral nutrition (PN) given in the home setting. This document does not address intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN).

Note: Please see the following document for additional information:

• CG-MED-99 Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition

Note: For a high-level overview of this document, please see “Summary for Members and Families” below.

Medically Necessary:

Initial use of home parenteral nutrition is considered medically necessary when all of the following criteria (A, B, and C) are met:

1. The individual is malnourished or at risk for malnutrition as evidenced by:
   1. Adults:
      1. Loss of 10% or more of their ideal body weight within a 3 month period; or
      2. Loss of 20% of their usual body weight within a 3 month period; or
      3. Serum total protein level less than 6 g/dL; or
      4. Serum albumin level less than 3.4 g/dL; or
      5. None of the conditions listed above (a-d) are present but one or more are considered inevitable given the individual’s expected course of illness.
   2. Children:
      1. Under the 10^th percentile of expected weight for length/height, or weight for sex (-1.28 z score); or
      2. Under the 5^th percentile of expected body mass index.
         and
2. The individual has a condition that prevents adequate nutritional supplementation using the enteral route (for example, impaired gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, or motility);
   and
3. Home parenteral nutrition can be safely administered including documentation of the following:
   1. Metabolic stability with normal serum sodium, potassium, phosphate, and magnesium levels and serum glucose less than 160 mg/dL; and
   2. Completion of training for the individual or their designated caregiver in the safe preparation and administration of parenteral nutrition; and
   3. A nutrition care plan including the nutritional prescription.

Continuing use of home parenteral nutrition will be reviewed every 6 months and is considered medically necessary when all of the following criteria are met:

1. A physician certifies that the criteria for initial treatment (A, B, and C above) continue to be met; and
2. A physician certifies that there has been benefit from the treatment; and
3. An updated nutrition care plan is provided.

Not Medically Necessary:

Initial use of home parenteral nutrition is considered not medically necessary when the above criteria have not been met.

Continuing use of home parenteral nutrition is considered not medically necessary when the above criteria have not been met.

This document describes clinical studies and expert recommendations, and explains whether parenteral nutrition (PN) given in the home is clinically appropriate. The following summary does not replace the medical necessity criteria or other information in this document. The summary may not contain all of the relevant criteria or information. This summary is not medical advice. Please check with your healthcare provider for any advice about your health.

Key Information

PN is a treatment that gives nutrients, like proteins, fats, and sugars directly into the bloodstream through a vein, bypassing the digestive system. It is used when a person cannot eat by mouth or feeding tube or absorb enough nutrition through the stomach or intestines. It is used for people with serious gut problems, such as intestinal failure (IF). When PN is given in the home it is referred to as home parenteral nutrition (HPN). HPN can help improve weight, strength, and overall health, but it is complex and has risks like infections, blood clots, and high blood sugar. Safe use requires careful planning, regular monitoring, and training for the person or caregiver. PN and HPN may be given short term or long term, often through a tube placed into a large vein. At home, it is usually given overnight with a pump that slowly delivers PN over the span of a few hours.

What the Studies Show

Studies and expert groups, including the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), support the use of HPN for people with long-term IF or severe risk of malnutrition. Research shows HPN can improve body weight, nutrition levels, and daily function. Some people are able to return to normal activities. However, risks are common and can be serious. These include infections in the bloodstream, sepsis, blood clots, and problems with fluid or sugar levels. Because of these risks, people need close follow-up and a detailed care plan.

When is Home Parenteral Nutrition Clinically Appropriate?

Home parenteral nutrition may be appropriate in these situations:

• The person is malnourished or at high risk of malnutrition, such as:
  • Adults with major weight loss or low protein levels; or
  • Children with very low weight or body mass index; and
• The person has a condition that prevents enough nutrition through the digestive system, such as poor absorption or movement of food; and
• HPN can be given safely, including:
  • Stable lab values like normal electrolytes and blood sugar; and
• The person or caregiver has been trained to prepare and give the nutrition; and
• A detailed nutrition care plan is in place

For ongoing use, all of the following must continue:

• A doctor confirms the above needs are still present; and
• The treatment is helping; and
• The nutrition care plan is updated

When is this not Clinically Appropriate?

HPN is not clinically appropriate when the conditions listed above are not met. This is because studies show HPN is most helpful for people who cannot absorb nutrients and are at serious risk of malnutrition. If these conditions are not present, the risks of treatment, such as infection or blood clots, may outweigh the benefits. Using this treatment without clear need has not been proven to improve health.

(Return to Description)

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this guideline are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

When services may be Medically Necessary when criteria are met:

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure codes listed above when criteria are not met or for situations designated in the Clinical Indications section as not medically necessary.

Summary

Parenteral nutrition (PN), including home parenteral nutrition (HPN), provides intravenous (IV) nutrients for people with intestinal failure (IF) or other conditions that prevent adequate absorption through the gastrointestinal tract when oral or enteral feeding is not possible. Clinical guidance from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) supports its use for chronic intestinal failure (CIF) and severe malnutrition risk, especially in conditions such as short bowel syndrome, Crohn disease, bowel obstruction, fistulas, and other causes of impaired nutrient absorption.

HPN can improve nutritional status, support weight stabilization or gain, and help maintain health and quality of life, but it is complex and carries significant risks such as catheter infections, sepsis, thrombosis, electrolyte imbalance, and hyperglycemia. Safe use requires careful catheter selection and placement, a structured nutrition care plan, regular monitoring by an experienced interdisciplinary team, and thorough training for members and caregivers.

Discussion

PN delivers macronutrients intravenously to bypass the gastrointestinal tract. It is used for individuals who have medical conditions that impair gastrointestinal absorption when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible or is not appropriate. It can be given long-term or for intermittent periods of time to reinforce the nutritional status of those with, or at risk for, severe malnutrition. This can be done via catheter placed in the central or peripheral veins. The central venous route is used for long-term indications. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) can be used for short-term or intermittent indications. PN can be given either in the hospital setting, outpatient setting, or home setting. HPN is delivered by an infusion pump, usually overnight.

In 2026, ASPEN defined malnutrition as:

Adult: Acute, subacute, or chronic state of inadequate nutrition with or without inflammatory activity leading to underweight status or an adverse change in body weight, body composition, and/or function.
Pediatric: An imbalance between nutrient requirement and intake, resulting in cumulative deficits of energy, protein, or micronutrients that may negatively affect growth, development, and other relevant outcomes.

ASPEN (2026) also defines parenteral nutrition as “The intravenous administration of a nutrition formulation containing macronutrients that, at a minimum, must contain amino acids and dextrose (or glucose).”

A 2017 consensus statement When is Parenteral Nutrition Appropriate? by ASPEN (Worthington, 2017) lists common indications for HPN. These include short bowel syndrome, Crohn disease, intestinal motility disorders, chronic bowel obstruction due to benign adhesions or strictures, radiation enteritis, malabsorptive disorders, intestinal and pancreatic fistula, gastrointestinal malignancy, malignant bowel obstruction (carcinomatosis), complications of bariatric surgery, gastroschisis, and long-segment Hirschsprung disease. HPN may also be appropriate for other, less common, conditions leading to CIF. ASPEN recommends that the decision to provide HPN should be based on the presence of CIF rather than on the condition causing the CIF. Additionally, the consensus recommendations consider an adult to be nutritionally at-risk if there is an involuntary weight loss of 10% of usual body weight within 6 months, an involuntary loss of 10 pounds within 6 months, body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m², an increase in metabolic requirements, altered diets or diets schedule, or inadequate nutrition intake. They consider children to be at-risk nutritionally if there is weight for length, weight for height, or sex less than 10% percentile (-1.28 z score), BMI for age or sex less than 5^th percentile (-1.64 z score), an increase in metabolic requirements, an impaired ability to digest or tolerate oral feeding, documentation of inadequate provision of or tolerance to nutrients, or inadequate weight gain or significant decrease in usual growth percentile.

Proper nutrition is essential for body maintenance and growth. Inability to achieve proper nutrition can lead to weight loss and electrolyte imbalances. Ideal body weight is the optimal weight associated with maximum life expectancy for a given height. Usual body weight is the value used to compare a person’s current weight with their own baseline weight. Lack of proper nutrition affects metabolism, growth, development, and health. Metabolic changes include reduced production of protein and catabolism of existing body proteins. This includes enzymes and hormones that regulate body function. Albumin assists in the transport of bilirubin, hormones, metals, vitamins and drugs. Albumin also plays an important role in the metabolism of fat. Protein malnutrition can also lead to lymphocytopenia and impaired immune functioning.

In 2015, ESPEN published their recommendations on the Definition and Classification of Intestinal Failure in Adults (Pironi, 2015). They define IF as, “the reduction of gut function below the minimum necessary for the absorption of macronutrients and/or water and electrolytes, such that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth.” IF is classified into three types; Type I is acute, short-term, and is usually self-limiting. Type II IF is a prolonged acute condition in which IV supplementation can be required over weeks or months. Type III IF is a chronic condition which requires IV supplementation over months or years. It may or may not be reversible. Pathophysiological conditions that can cause IF include, but are not limited to, short bowel, intestinal fistula, intestinal dysmotility, mechanical obstruction, and extensive small bowel mucosal disease.

The 2023 Home Parenteral Nutrition by ESPEN (Pironi, 2023a) also describes individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements by an oral or enteral route as having IF. IF can be characterized as acute or chronic . IF can also be characterized as transient and reversible or permanent and irreversible. ESPEN recommends PN for individuals with IF who can be managed safely outside the hospital.

In 2023 ESPEN updated their Guideline on Chronic Intestinal Failure in Adults (Pironi, 2023b) and recommend HPN for those with transient-reversible or permanent-irreversible CIF.

Several studies and professional society statements demonstrate that HPN can be provided safely. A 2017 retrospective review by Turkot and colleagues reported on 46 individuals with severe inflammatory bowel disease who received HPN as an alternative to abdominal surgery. There were 38 individuals with Crohn disease and 8 with ulcerative colitis. Three individuals had no prior history of bowel resection, 18 had a history of partial resection of the small intestine, 6 had a history of resection of the large intestine, and 19 had a history of resection of both the small and large intestine. As a result of surgery, 27 individuals developed short bowel syndrome. HPN treatment ranged from 2 to 212 months with a mean of 66.3 months. While receiving HPN, 1 participant had complications which required 12 hospital admissions. No hospitalizations were required in 18 participants. While receiving HPN, BMI decreased in 2 participants, remained stable in 1 participant, and increased in 38 participants. During HPN, albumin level increased by an average of 2.4 g/L and mean lymphocyte count dropped by 474 lymphocytes/mm³. Mean leukocyte count was 747.6/mm³ with the authors concluding there was no correlation between the leukocyte count and duration of HPN. Using the Subjective Global Assessment of nutritional assessment questionnaire, the authors found that 7.4% of participants were able to work in a limited capacity, 87.5% of participants were able to move on their own, and 7.4% of participants were non-ambulatory while receiving HPN. A total of 39 participants had follow-up data available regarding assessment of condition. Self-described condition was described as good by 34 participants, 2 participants reported fatigue, and 2 participants reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with 1 participant reporting hunger. While this study has limitations including the small sample size and retrospective design, the authors conclude that use of HPN in this cohort improved general condition, increased body mass index and observed improvement in net health outcomes with a return to home and social life.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) practice bulletin for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (ACOG, 2018) notes that, despite potential complications from parenteral nutrition, it has been prescribed for pregnant individuals with hyperemesis gravidarum who cannot tolerate enteral feedings.

A 2019 observational study by Burden and colleagues reported on quality of life in participants receiving HPN. The study objective was to establish mean values for the Parenteral Nutrition Impact Questionnaire (PNIQ) and determine the effect of disease state, frequency of infusions and characteristics that influence quality of life for those receiving HPN. There were 906 questionnaires sent out with 451 returned and included in the analysis. Score range on the PNIQ ranged from good quality of life (score of 0) to poor quality of life (score of 20). The mean PNIQ score for the participants in this study was 11.04. The most frequent self-reported diagnoses were short bowel syndrome (35.9%) and Crohn disease (20.3%). The participants who reported surgical complications as their underlying disease had the highest mean PNIQ scores (14.15) indicating worse quality of life. Conversely, those who reported severe gastrointestinal dysmotility as their underlying disease had the lowest reported mean PNIQ scores (9.04) indicating a better quality of life. Frequency of HPN affected quality of life. PNIQ mean score was 9.20 for those receiving HPN 1-3 times per week compared to a mean score of 11.78 for those receiving parenteral nutrition 6-7 nights per week. There was no influence on the PNIQ scores based on gender, time since starting HPN, education and marital status. While this study has limitations including self-reported diagnoses and the assessment of one moment in time for a chronic condition, this study shows that HPN has an impact on quality of life.

In 2019, ASPEN published a guideline regarding the Selection and Care of Central Venous Access Devices for Adult Home Parenteral Nutrition Administration (Kovacevich, 2019). This document provides guidance on the choice of infusion device, functionality of the device, and choice of catheter types. The guideline notes that its recommendations are based on a limited number of studies and on expert opinions. They note the most common complications for HPN therapy include mechanical complications of central venous access devices and blood stream infections related to central lines. There are recommendations for which flush solution should be used to maintain lumen patency. The authors note the goals of HPN care are to teach individuals and/or caregivers to become independent in their care, keep individuals in their home and maintain quality of life by preventing complications and hospitalizations.

PN may prolong life and improve quality of life but carries substantial risks. Potential complications include catheter-associated infection, hyperglycemia, blood electrolyte abnormalities, sepsis, and thromboembolic events. PN must be supervised by experienced clinicians and administered by properly trained caregivers. Individuals receiving HPN and their caregivers must be educated on ways to decrease potential complications. These include proper hand hygiene, proper storage and handling of supplies, operation of infusion pump, dressing changes if applicable, use of sterile technique, flushing the catheter and aseptic care of the hub.

Central venous catheter size and proper placement are important to aid in receiving parenteral nutrition appropriately and decrease risk of complications. The 2017 ASPEN consensus recommendations (Worthington, 2017) include choosing the smallest device with the least number of lumens necessary. Multi-lumen catheters receive more frequent manipulation than single-lumen catheters. This can lead to higher risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections and deep vein thrombosis. ASPEN recommends that the tip of the central venous catheter should be positioned in the lower third of the superior vena cava and that this position should be confirmed radiographically before initiating parenteral nutrition.

Whether the PN is short- or long-term, safe treatment requires development of a nutrition care plan that may need to be modified over time to meet changing needs. The 2017 ASPEN consensus recommendations suggest an interdisciplinary team with expertise in managing PN monitor each individual’s care. The ASPEN guideline provides recommendations for periodic evaluation of gastrointestinal function and nutrition status. A 2017 ESPEN Guideline on Definitions and Terminology of Clinical Nutrition (Cederholm, 2017) defines the nutritional care plan as a way for nutrition therapy to be based on the results of the assessment. The care plan defines the rationale, it explains the nutrition therapy, and it provides suggestions on how to monitor the efficacy of the plan and reassessment.

The nutritional care plan includes information on:

• Energy, nutrient and fluid requirements
• Measurable nutrition goals (immediate and long-term)
• Instructions for implementing the specified form of nutrition therapy
• The most appropriate route of administration and method of nutrition access
• Anticipated duration of therapy
• Monitoring and assessment parameters
• Discharge planning and training at home (if appropriate)

PN is a complex formula which consists of nutrient-based components. Modification of the nutrition prescription requires an understanding of fluid balance and the metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients. For those on long-term HPN, the 2023 ESPEN Home Parenteral Nutrition guideline (Pironi, 2023a) recommends monitoring of body weight, body composition, hydration status, energy and fluid balance and laboratory values which may include hemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein, electrolytes, glucose, blood gases, kidney function, and liver function.

Management of HPN is complex. This complexity is often increased by the need to manage the underlying condition causing the CIF. Management may include clinicians from multiple disciplines with knowledge of dietary requirements and gastrointestinal disorders. Constant care must be taken to prevent complications whenever possible and to effectively treat them as soon as possible if they occur.

Chronic intestinal failure: Intestinal failure persisting over months or years.

Enteral nutrition: Provision of nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract. This may be done by oral ingestion or by instillation through a feeding tube.

Intestinal failure: The inability of an individual’s gastrointestinal system to absorb sufficient nutrients, water, and electrolytes to maintain health.

Nutrition care plan: A detailed plan of interventions or actions to achieve nutrition goals.

Parenteral nutrition: Provision of nutrients intravenously.

Short bowel syndrome: A condition in which there is a physical or functional loss of a part of the small and/or large intestine which leads to a reduced ability to absorb nutrients with a total small bowel length of less than 200 cm.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

1. Colomb V, Dabbas-Tyan M, Taupin P, et al. Long-term outcome of children receiving home parenteral nutrition: a 20-year single-center experience in 302 patients. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007; 44(3):347-353.
2. Nagelkerke SCJ, van Oers HA, Haverman L, et al. Longitudinal development of health-related quality of life and fatigue in children on home parenteral nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022; 74(1):116-122.
3. Russo-Stieglitz KE, Levine AB, Wagner BA, Armenti VT. Pregnancy outcome in patients requiring parenteral nutrition. J Matern Fetal Med. 1999; 8(4):164-167.
4. Turkot M, Sobocki J. Results of home parenteral nutrition in patients with severe inflammatory bowel disease - an alternative for surgery of malnourished patients. Pol Przegl Chir. 2017; 89(5):23-28.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin 189. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2018; 131(1):e15-e30.
2. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Definition of terms, style, and conventions guidance. Last updated March 6, 2026. Available at: https://nutritioncare.org/definition-of-terms-style-and-conventions-used-in-aspen-board-of-directors-approved-documents/. Accessed on March 23, 2026.
3. Bischoff SC, Bager P, Escher J, et al. ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Nutr. 2023; 42(3):352-379.
4. Bischoff SC, Barazzoni R, Busetto L, et al. European guideline on obesity care in patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases - joint ESPEN/UEG guideline. Clin Nutr. 2022; 41(10):2364-2405.
5. Cederholm T, Barazzoni R, Austin P, et al. ESPEN guidelines on definitions and terminology of clinical nutrition. Clin Nutr. 2017; 36(1):49-64.
6. Good P, Richard R, Syrmis W, et al. Medically assisted nutrition for adult palliative care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(4):CD006274.
7. Green PHR, Paski S, Ko CW, Rubio-Tapia A. AGA clinical practice update on management of refractory celiac disease: expert review. Gastroenterology. 2022; 163(5):1461-1469.
8. Iyer K, DiBaise JK, Rubio-Tapia A. AGA clinical practice update on management of short bowel syndrome: expert review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022; 20(10):2185-2194.e2.
9. Kovacevich DS, Corrigan M, Ross VM, et al. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines for the selection and care of central venous access devices for adult home parenteral nutrition administration. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2019; 43(1):15-31.
10. Mueller C, Compher C, Ellen DM; American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) board of directors. A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines: nutrition screening, assessment, and intervention in adults. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011; 35(1):16-24.
11. Pironi L, Arends J, Baxter J, et al. Home artificial nutrition & chronic intestinal failure; acute intestinal failure special interest groups of ESPEN. ESPEN endorsed recommendations. Definition and classification of intestinal failure in adults. Clin Nutr. 2015; 34(2):171-180.
12. Pironi L, Boeykens K, Bozzetti F, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: home parenteral nutrition. Clin Nutr. 2023a; 42(3):411-430.
13. Pironi L, Cuerda C, Jeppesen PB, et al. ESPEN guideline on chronic intestinal failure in adults - update 2023. Clin Nutr. 2023b; 42(10):1940-2021.
14. Pironi L, Cuerda C, Jeppesen PB, et al. Operational recommendations for the implementation of home parenteral nutrition program of care according to the guidelines of the European society for clinical nutrition and metabolism. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024; 63:668-675.
15. Staun M, Pironi L, Bozzetti F, et al. ESPEN guidelines on parenteral nutrition: home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in adult patients. Clin Nutr. 2009; 28(4):467-479.
16. Worthington P, Balint J, Bechtold M, et al. When is parenteral nutrition appropriate? JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2017; 41(3):324-377.

1. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Short bowel syndrome. Last updated: February 06, 2025. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome/. Accessed on March 23, 2026.

Home parenteral nutrition

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