NutrePletion Resources is a specialty pharmacy providing nutritional support therapies to end-stage renal disease patients. With extensive experience in providing IDPN, our clinicians work closely with patients and renal care professionals in administering this complex therapy.
It is important for patients to understand the therapy they are receiving—that's why we are here to support you and to help answer any questions you may have about this therapy.
What is IDPN? [top]
Intradialytic parenteral nutrition( IDPN) is a noninvasive nutritional support therapy for people on hemodialysis who have a difficult time maintaining adequate nutrition. IDPN therapy is an IV solution containing three main ingredients—sugar, protein, and fat—which help to replace the nutrients lost during dialysis treatments.
What is the purpose of IDPN? [top]
While the effects on each patient are different, some patients may experience an improvement in dry body weight and energy levels. They are also able to build lean muscle mass, are better able to fight off infection, and show improvement in their strength and appetite.
How is IDPN administered? [top]
IDPN is given through an existing dialysis access catheter or site, so no additional needle stick is necessary. Patients will not taste or smell the solution, and it is administered at the same time as your dialysis treatment.
Is IDPN safe? [top]
The IDPN solution is administered under the clinical supervision of your dialysis center nurse and can be done safely.
Who pays for IDPN therapy? [top]
If patients meet specific qualification requirements, IDPN may be covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and certain private insurance plans.
Can I travel when I am on IDPN therapy? [top]
IDPN can be shipped to any facility where dialysis treatments are being received.
The IDPN solution (with fat) looks like milk. Does it contain a large amount of potassium, calcium, or phosphorus? [top]
IDPN contains no potassium or phosphorus. Although IPDN does have a milky-white appearance, there is no trace of milk in the solution. The milky white appearance is produced by the lipid or fat component of the solution.
I have a few food allergies. Can I still receive IDPN therapy? [top]
If you are allergic to eggs, the fat will be left OUT of your IDPN solution. Prior to beginning therapy, your nurse or your renal dietitian will review any allergies you may have.
What if I am hospitalized? Can I still receive my IDPN therapy? [top]
If you are hospitalized, your IDPN infusions will be placed on hold until you are discharged.
Are there any side effects to the IDPN? [top]
Some of the most common side effects of IDPN include nausea, headache, fever, increased muscle cramping, dizziness, low blood sugar, and a sense of feeling full. However, these are usually minimal and can be controlled with gradual increases in your solution administration rate and/or medications.
How long will I remain on IDPN? [top]
The length of time you will remain on IDPN therapy varies from person to person and depends on individual patient goals and the severity of the patient's malnutrition. Your doctor and dialysis center staff will determine when these goals have been achieved.
Will I receive too much fluid from IDPN? [top]
There is very low risk of fluid overload. Fluid will be removed during dialysis, while calories and protein from the IDPN will be absorbed.
Will I have to restrict my fluid intake more than I already do? [top]
IDPN does not affect daily fluid restriction.
How many times a week will I receive IDPN therapy? [top]
You will receive IDPN therapy at every dialysis treatment and for the duration of your treatment until you no longer require the additional nutritional support.
Do I need to worry about the amount of sugar in the IDPN solution? [top]
The amount of sugar within the IDPN solution may cause high blood sugar. For this reason, blood sugars are checked before, during, and after each treatment. For those who may experience high blood sugar, regular insulin can be given during IDPN therapy.
Would IDPN ever cause me to have low blood sugar? [top]
Some people may experience low blood sugar after treatment. If this occurs, eating a snack as soon as treatment is over will protect against low blood sugar.
Will IDPN make my dialysis treatments longer? [top]
No, IDPN is given during your dialysis treatments. Your IDPN may even infuse over a shorter time period so that your usual medications may also be administered.
I don’t need to gain weight, but my protein is low – can IDPN help me? [top]
IDPN can be helpful if you need protein but do not need extra calories. IDPN can be given without the fat calories. Your specific nutritional needs will be reviewed and determined by your doctor, your renal dietitian, and the NutrePletion Team.
Precautions
Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor, nurse, and renal dietitian. If you have additional questions regarding IDPN, please contact NutrePletion Resources to speak with one of our renal dietitians at 1 800 626-4427.
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