Infusing TPN in babies too rapidly poses risk of severe harm and death

A Patient Safety Alert was issued on the 27 September warning of the risk of severe harm and death from infusing total parenteral nutrition (TPN, also known as PN) too rapidly in babies. Three incidents reported through the StEIS (Strategic Executive Information System) and a further report sent directly to the patient safety team by a clinician, rapidly highlighted the potentially under-recognised risk of contributory factors for inadvertent TPN overdose.