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What are severe side effects of total parenteral nutrition?

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  1. Stacy Wiegman
     
    Stacy Wiegman answered:
    There are a few serious side effects with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a method of delivering liquid nutrients intravenously. You could get a potentially fatal reaction called refeeding syndrome, which is caused by getting too much TPN solution at once. Some warning signs include:
    • convulsions/seizures
    • swelling in the hands, feet or legs
    • stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting
    • difficulty breathing
    • fever or chills
    • memory loss
    • slow heart rate
    • muscle weakness or stiffness
    Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms -- or any other uncomfortable symptoms. Liver problems, bacterial infection in the blood, gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas are also serious side effects of TPN that require prompt medical attention.
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    There are a few serious side effects with total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a method of delivering liquid nutrients intravenously. You could get a potentially fatal reaction called refeeding syndrome, which is caused by getting too much TPN solution... More

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