| Continuous vs. Cyclic |  |  |
With cyclic TPN, the patient is fed at night
so he or she can be free from the TPN pump during the day
Typically, the TPN solution is infused at a constant rate controlled by a pump. However, if the patient is to be nourished via TPN for an extended period of time, cyclic TPN is often used.
With cyclic TPN the patient is fed for 12-18 hours during the night and fasts during the day. This gives the long-term TPN patient freedom from the machinery to lead a less restricted life during the day.
Cyclic TPN helps prevent hepatotoxicity that can develop with long-term TPN and the fasting period allows essential fatty acids to be released from fat stores.