Clinical Criteria for IDPN and IPN

Pentec Health applies a science-driven approach to the use of IDPN and IPN therapy for patients suffering from protein and/or energy malnutrition. We evaluate each patient’s medical and nutritional history prior to recommending IDPN or IPN therapy.

The use of each therapy is recommended only if the patient proves unable to sustain adequate nutritional status through non-parenteral means. Some of the key indicators for a patient requiring therapy include:

• Patient given intensive dietary counseling, emphasizing need for increased protein and/or calorie intake, for a minimum of one month with no evidence of clinical improvement (i.e.: rise in serum Albumin and/or weight).

• Initiation of oral supplementation attempted with no improvement in Albumin levels and/or weight gain after one to two months.

• Evidence of continued protein malnutrition as documented by:
  1) Three-month average Albumin <3.5 g/dL
  2) Progressive decline in serum Albumin over three months to <3.5 g/dL
  3) nPCR <0.8 or documentation of inadequate protein intake
  
  or
  
  Evidence of continued calorie malnutrition as documented by:
  1) Current weight < 90% of IBW
  2) BMI < 18 or weight loss > 5% over three months

• Recommendation to Physician for prescribing IDPN or IPN therapy

We work with the patient’s nephrologist and dietitian to determine that the patient meets these clinical criteria and whether IDPN or IPN may be appropriate. If the patient meets our clinical criteria, we then work to fine tune an appropriate course of nutrition therapy and make a formula recommendation specifically suited to the patient’s nutritional needs.

If you have a patient that meets these criteria, simply print out and fax the Patient Referral Form. We will contact you to discuss the process of obtaining the therapy for your patient.