Efficacy of TPN in cirrhotic patients with bleeding esophageal varices

The efficacy of TPN was evaluated in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and bleeding esophageal varices. Two groups of patients were studied: the first group underwent routine treatment and the second group was treated with TPN both pre- and postoperatively. Metabolic humoral parameters (proteins, electrolytes, gas levels) as well as specific nutrional parameters (anthropometric values, immune state, nitrogen balance) of the two groups were compared. The most suitable parenteral nutrition is assessed in cases where the cirrhotic patient shows a severe encephalopathy.