Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and home intravenous (IV) hydration are complex, high-risk life-sustaining therapies for children and adults with severe digestive disorders. HPN compounding errors have the potential to cause serious patient harm. Here we present a retrospective case series at an interdisciplinary pediatric HPN program that includes specialized pharmacists reconciling prescriptions against commercial compounding records. Seven HPN or IV hydration patients were affected by significant errors in anion balance, copper, potassium, sodium, and infusion volume. Outpatient pharmacists' or other clinicians' review of compounding records as part of routine quality assurance process is critical for identifying and preventing errors.
Keywords: drug compounding; home nutrition support; medication errors; medication reconciliation; parenteral nutrition; short bowel syndrome.