The treatment is usually divided into four stages:

• Parenteral Nutrition
• Enteral Nutrition
• Transition to Food
• Total Adaption

Most children requiring PN have the solution infused over 12-24 hours on a daily basis. If PN is required for longer term support, the infusion time is shortened as tolerated, on a gradual basis.

Complications at this stage are usually related to the imbalance of electrolytes and possibly infection resulting from the use of a central vein access catheter into the blood.

Even though PN often includes lipids, it will not make your child fat. Everyone needs calories, protein, and fat, in addition to other substances, to stay healthy.

Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. They are important for maintaining almost every organ in your body, and help your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly.

Vitamins include: A, D, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, and cyanocobalamin.

Trace elements include zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium.

Patients on enteral therapy have a tube placed into the functioning portion of their digestive system. They may have a gastrostomy tube ("G-Tube") passed through an opening into the stomach, or a jejunostomy tube ("J-Tube") that is passed through an opening into a portion of the small intestine.

"Oral aversion," meaning the patient is reluctant to put food in their mouth, may be of concern at initiation of oral feedings. The condition is not uncommon in children who have had digestive disorders.