USE OF THE PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER FOR PARENTERAL-NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

Background: Parenteral nutrition is required during pregnancy to treat hyperemesis gravidarum and other conditions in which enteral intake is inadequate. We describe the peripherally inserted central catheter. The catheter is inserted into the antecubital vein using local analgesia, thus eliminating some of the risks associated with obtaining central venous access. Case: Three pregnant patients required parenteral nutrition for refractory hyperemesis gravidarum. The peripherally inserted central catheter was successfully placed, and central venous administration of hyperosmolar solutions was accomplished without complication for periods of 28-137 days. Maternal weight gain and fetal growth were adequate. Conclusion: The peripherally inserted central catheter avoids some of the risks related to obtaining central venous access and permits long-term administration of parenteral nutrition into the central venous circulation.