Frequently Asked Questions

We have developed the following list of frequently asked questions to provide additional information about Pentec Health and the therapies we provide. If you have additional questions about Pentec Health, or about IDPN or IPN, we encourage you to contact us directly.

What is Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN)?
IDPN is the administration of a nutrient solution directly into the bloodstream while a patient is receiving hemodialysis. The solution is made up of amino acids, dextrose, and, when appropriate, lipids to provide both protein and calories in an attempt to meet the patient’s weekly nutritional needs. IDPN therapy is administered at a dialysis clinic.

What is Intraperitoneal Parenteral Nutrition (IPN)?
IPN is the administration of a nutrient solution delivered into the peritoneal cavity. The solution is comprised of amino acids and dextrose which substitutes for a dextrose solution exchange in the patient's prescribed peritoneal dialysis regimen. The goal of IPN is to provide both protein and calories in an attempt to minimize the patient’s loss of protein through dialysis and meet the patient’s weekly nutritional needs. IPN therapy is typically administered at the patient’s home.

Why does Pentec Health focus on Albumin levels?
Clinical evidence indicates that patients with sustained Albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL are at greater risk for mortality and morbidity than those with consistently higher levels. At Pentec Health, we believe IDPN and IPN have the potential to stimulate real improvement in patient’s nutritional status for those whose Albumin levels remain below 3.5 g/dL — provided traditional repletion efforts have failed to restore desirable albumin levels.

Is IDPN or IPN appropriate for all dialysis patients?
No. In fact, Pentec Health screens all referred patients carefully to determine whether IDPN or IPN is appropriate. Pentec Health will only recommend IDPN or IPN in those cases where malnutrition is demonstrated by the patient’s medical records, and after dietary counseling, oral supplements and other measures prove unsuccessful in improving the patient’s nutrition levels.

Who determines whether a patient should receive IDPN or IPN therapy?
Pentec Health makes recommendations as to the appropriate patients to receive therapy to the dialysis care team, but it is only the patient's physician that can order the therapy for the patient.

Will patients be responsible for the cost of IDPN or IPN therapy?
For more than two decades, Pentec Health has worked closely with state, federal and commercial insurers on behalf of patients to seek reimbursement for IDPN and IPN therapies. Now, changes to Medicare Part D make IDPN and IPN therapies available for more patients — and Pentec Health has extensive experience securing reimbursement for patients demonstrating the clinical need for treatment.

Are there side effects associated with IDPN and IPN therapy?
Although minimal, there are some potential side effects associated with IDPN and IPN therapies. Through our tailored therapy approach, Pentec Health has minimized any side effects that may occur during administration. Your nutrition support consultant is available for consultation if the dialysis staff would like to discuss IDPN or IPN procedures.

How long does IDPN and IPN therapy last?
IDPN and IPN are typically continued until the patient shows clear signs of improved nutritional status. Due to the individual nature of each patient’s response, the duration of treatment varies from one patient to the next.

Why did Pentec Health change its name?
To better communicate our mission as a health care company focused on clinical leadership, improving the outcomes of our patients and providing outstanding service to our patients and their caregivers.