Clinical Nutrition Open Science · Published 2026-03-31 · DOI 10.1016/j.nutos.2026.100656
Parenteral nutrition (PN) represents one of the most significant advances in modern clinical nutrition, enabling life-sustaining therapy for patients with intestinal failure and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction. The development of PN illustrates a unique example of translational medicine, as early experimental studies in canine models established the physiological feasibility of long-term intravenous nutrition.Over the following decades, major advances in PN formulations, vascular access devices, and infusion technologies improved the safety and clinical effectiveness of this therapy. Modern PN formulations now include balanced amino acid solutions, glucose, lipid emulsions, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements designed to meet metabolic requirements while minimizing complications.Interestingly, the evolution of PN illustrates a bidirectional translational cycle. Discoveries originating from experimental canine models enabled the development of life-saving therapies in humans. Subsequently, advances in human clinical nutrition have returned to benefit veterinary medicine. Today, dogs and cats requiring intensive nutritional support are frequently treated using PN formulations and protocols originally developed for human patients.This article provides a concise overview of the historical development of PN, its translation from experimental canine models to human clinical practice, and its current application in veterinary medicine.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →