Total parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition is a form of therapy in which elemental nutrients (sugars, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals) are given as an intravenous infusion. It is complementary and not competitive to enteral nutrition. While a vast majority of patients can be managed by enteral nutrition, a few patients need parenteral nutrition for survival. Very few patients may need both enteral and parenteral nutrition for short periods. The indications, delivery methods and formulations of parenteral nutrition have been refined in the past 30 years. It is now possible to give parenteral nutrition for prolonged periods at home. Three-in-one parenteral nutrition mixture bags are presently available in India. This article discusses the practical aspects of using parenteral nutrition in everyday practice.

Enteral nutrition by tube feeding in adults.

Patients who cannot eat enough require alternatives to oral feeding. Tube feeding is one such method for patients with a functioning gut. The techniques for the placement of feeding tubes and diets for tube feeding have improved during the past 20 years. Comfortable thin-bore polyurethane tubes are replacing the thicker vinyl tubes. Long term access routes such as gastrostomy and jejunostomy are being done by endoscopic or radiological techniques. Pre-defined formula feeds have reduced the effort and labour involved in the preparation, storage and administration of blenderized tube feeds. However, the use of soft feeding tubes and commercial formulae will increase the cost of nutrition therapy in India. The ultimate cost-effectiveness of tube feeding will depend on whether it is used appropriately during an illness with adequate delivery of feeds, and whether attention is given to small details by a dedicated nutritional support team. A strong commitment to the scientific use of nutritional support is necessary for getting the best results from tube feeding in everyday practice.

Hydrobiological study of Dahikhuta reservoir.

Physico-chemical parameters and the algae of Dahikhuta reservoir, near Malegaon, Dist. Nasik (Maharashtra) have been investigated during July to December 1998. The results have revealed that reservoir water is classified as oligotrophic on the basis of water quality criteria. This paper also reports algal diversity. Total 19 algal taxa are reported from three classes.