Résumé
OBJECTIVES: A 1993-1995 three year epidemiological survey of home parenteral nutrition was performed through in France in approved centers for adults. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected each year on a standardized questionnaire focussing on indications and short term outcome. RESULTS: All centers (n = 14) participated in the study and 524 new adult patients were recruited. The overall incidence was unchanged at 3.75 patients/10(6) adults. Indications for AIDS rose (8 to 18%) whereas other indications were stable. Prevalence increased by 19%: 4.40 adults/10(6) patients at 01.01.1996. At six months, the probability to stay on treatment was 19.5% for AIDS and cancer indications but 52% for others, whereas death rates were 59% and 9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For both cancer and AIDS indications, short-term treatment was due to a poor prognosis. For other diagnosis, complicated with a short bowel in 51% of cases, prognosis was excellent but associated with treatment dependency. The latter point focuses on the need for additional treatments in irreversible intestinal failure.