To determine the frequency of liver disease in patients getting permanent intravenous feeding, and to explore factors associated with this complication. The study included 90 patients enrolled in two home intravenous feeding programs in France between 1985 and 1996. None of the patients had liver problems before starting intravenous feeding. If the results suggested liver problems, the patients had a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of liver tissue through a needle inserted into the abdomen.
Experts then examine the tissue under a microscope.
The researchers also collected information on the nutritional content of each patient's intravenous feeding. Six patients died of liver disease. Chronic cholestasis and the amount of fat in the feedings were associated with the development of more severe liver complications. The researchers included 15 patients who had pre-existing risks for liver disease, which makes it harder to know how much of the liver damage was caused by the intravenous feeding itself. Liver complications are common in patients who require permanent intravenous feeding.