Recommendations for research

The guideline committee has made the following key recommendations for research.

1 Information and support

What are the information and support needs of parents and carers with babies on parenteral nutrition?

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on information and support for parents and carers of babies who need neonatal parenteral nutrition.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review I: information and support.

2 Ratios of non-nitrogen energy to nitrogen

What is the optimal ratio of non-nitrogen energy to nitrogen in parenteral nutrition for preterm and term babies?

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on constituents of neonatal parenteral nutrition – ratios of non-nitrogen energy to nitrogen, and carbohydrates to lipids.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review D7: ratio of non-nitrogen energy to nitrogen.

3 Timing of starting neonatal parenteral nutrition

What is the optimal timeframe for starting parenteral nutrition in term babies who are critically ill or require surgery?

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on indications for, and timing of, neonatal parenteral nutrition.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review A2: optimal timeframe to start parenteral nutrition.

4 Venous access

What overall osmolality (or concentration of calcium and glucose/dextrose) in parenteral nutrition can determine whether to administer centrally or peripherally?

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale section on administration of neonatal parenteral nutrition.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: venous access.