Abstract

Background: Although breast milk remains the most adequate nutritional intake, nutritional therapy can represent a valid alternative in premature babies with very low birth weight. In this perspective, it is necessary a tailored therapy in terms of biochemical control, intake of nutrients and weight gain.
The purpose of this study was to compare personalized parenteral nutrition (PN) bag to the bag on the market from the standpoint of composition and cost.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of SS. Annunziata Hospital (Calabria, Italy). We analyzed information about the flow of medical products and devices from the pharmacy to NICU, using the hospital database, between 2017 and 2019.
Results: Results referred to 2017 were: 1988 bags prepared, for an amount of € 79,004.00 including consumed material, nursing staff and pharmacist staff (average cost of a bag = € 39.00). In 2018: 2157 bags prepared, for an amount of € 84,665.80 including consumed material, nursing staff and pharmacist staff (average cost of a bag = € 24.16). In 2019: 1935 bags prepared, for an amount of € 90,710.61 including consumed material, nursing staff and pharmacist staff (average cost of a bag = € 41.20).
Conclusions: This study indicated that tailored PN can satisfy the specific needs of patients more than bags on the market, as well as leads to a reduction of costs.