Introduction: Parenteral nutrition has become an effective alternative for caloric-protein supply in hospitalized patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the use, complications and clinical outcomes of patients using parenteral nutrition. Methods: Analytical, quantitative, longitudinal, retrospective study with patients admitted to a public hospital. The variables analyzed were: sex, age, presence of malnutrition, nutritional risk, achievement of nutritional goals, reason for indication, type of access, time of use, present complications and deaths. Results: The sample consisted of 62 patients aged 55.1±17.95 years old. Total parenteral nutrition was found more frequently (61%; n=38) and used within 30 days (74%; n=28). As indicated, the postoperative period was prevalent in 45.2% (n=28) of the cases. Nutritional risk (58.1%, n=36) and malnutrition (40.3%; n=25) were prevalent. Hyperglycemia (50%; n=31) and water retention (48.4%; n=30) were the most frequent complications. The presence of water retention increased the chances of death by 3.75 times (OR=3.75; 95%IC 1.25-11.24; p=0.018). Conclusion: The indication of parenteral nutrition was prevalent in postoperative situations, in patients with nutritional risk and malnutrition. Hyperglycemia was the most observed complication and the presence of water retention associated with a higher risk of mortality when using this therapy.