What is IDPN?

Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) is a supplemental form of parenteral nutrition prescribed to provide malnourished hemodialysis patients with the protein, calories and other nutrients that their body needs for strength and energy.

What can be done to correct nutritional imbalances?

When nutritional imbalances are identified through laboratory analysis of your blood and/or weight loss, your physician will recommend nutritional counseling and a trial of oral nutritional supplementation. Should these attempts to improve your nutritional status prove unsuccessful, your physician may prescribe IDPN to improve your nutritional status.

How can IDPN three times a week help a renal patient's nutritional status?

IDPN helps patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral diet and traditional means of protein replenishment, such as intensive nutritional counseling and oral supplementation.

What percentage of chronic hemodialysis patients require IDPN therapy?

Our experience indicates that approximately 5% to 10% of chronic hemodialysis patients experience protein malnutrition.

What can I expect from IDPN?

You may experience an increase in appetite, renewed energy and strength, improved wound healing and even weight gain. These may not occur immediately and may require a few months of continuous use to become evident.

Why do dialysis patients need extra nutrition?

Individuals who receive hemodialysis may experience malnutrition. Studies have shown that dialysis itself results in some losses of essential nutrients: protein, vitamins and minerals. The body needs nutrients such as protein to build lean body mass and to maintain body functions. Some dialysis patients have difficulty eating and digesting food. Some patients, for example, report that they have lost their appetite and cannot eat enough to sustain their normal weight and strength, which further compromise good nutrition.

How will I receive my treatments?

Your IDPN solutions are compounded in accordance with your physician's prescription order by licensed pharmacists specializing in IV admixture.

How will your unit's personnel be trained to administer IDPN?

An area clinical service representative will be available to provide education and training for your staff. In addition, our team of pharmacists, nurses and dietitians are available by phone for consultation.

What are the side effects associated with this therapy?

It has been our experience that very few side effects have occurred. Those that do are usually a result of an intolerance to lipids or an infusion rate that is too high for the patient to tolerate and can usually be minimized with further order customization. Should you experience any adverse effects associated with your treatment, please contact a DCRX clinical pharmacist for consultation.

What is the average length of time a patient remains on IDPN therapy?

The length of time is dependent on the original severity of malnutrition, goals for the patient's tolerance and the solution prescribed. We suggest the patient be reevaluated every 90 to 180 days.

How much of the nutrients are dialyzed off during the hemodialysis run?

‚ Amino Acids - Approximately 10%
‚ Glucose - Minimal amounts
‚ Lipids - Minimal amounts