Postoperative Feeding Guidelines Improve Outcomes in Surgical Infants

Implementation of standardized feeding pathways for infants with gastroschisis to improve patient outcomes: A quality improvement project in a level IV surgical NICU

Gastroschisis is a leading cause of pediatric intestinal failure. Feeding guidelines may lead to improved patient outcomes including decreased time to reach full feeds, a reduction in the duration of parenteral nutrition, and reduced length of stay. However, there is limited evidence on what the ideal feeding guidelines are for this complex gastrointestinal diagnosis. In this quality improvement project, after completing a literature review, we created three pathways based on the complexity of the gastroschisis. We reviewed historical data without a defined feeding pathway/guideline to our newly created pathways in the intervention group. The study included 35 patients with varying degrees of gastroschisis complexity, consisting of 9 current patients (October 2021-December 2022) who were provided with defined feeding pathways and 26 historical patients before the protocol was implemented (January 2015-August 2021). There were no significant differences in the number of days required for full feeds between the two groups. However, the mean duration of parenteral nutrition was 18.9 days (95% CI, -31.8 to -7.0) shorter in the intervention group. Although not statistically significant, the patients in the intervention group had a mean length of stay that was 13.1 days (95% CI, -50.0 to 25.4) shorter than the historical group. The creation of standardized feeding guidelines for the gastroschisis population resulted in a statistically nonsignificant decrease in time to reach full enteral feeds, a statistically significant reduced duration of parenteral nutrition, and a statistically nonsignifiant decreased length of stay.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations for Neonatal Perioperative Care

Importance

Neonates requiring surgery are often cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite a breadth of surgical pathology, neonates share many perioperative priorities that allow for the development of unit-wide evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) recommendations.

Observations

The guideline development committee included pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, neonatal nurses, and neonatologists in addition to ERAS content and methodology experts. The patient population was defined as neonates (first 28 days of life) undergoing a major noncardiac surgical intervention while admitted to a NICU. After the first round of a modified Delphi technique, 42 topics for potential inclusion were developed. There was consensus to develop a search strategy and working group for 21 topic areas. A total of 5763 abstracts were screened, of which 98 full-text articles, ranging from low to high quality, were included. A total of 16 recommendations in 11 topic areas were developed with a separate working group commissioned for analgesia-related recommendations. Topics included team communication, preoperative fasting, temperature regulation, antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical site skin preparation, perioperative ventilation, fluid management, perioperative glucose control, transfusion thresholds, enteral feeds, and parental care encouragement. Although clinically relevant, there were insufficient data to develop recommendations concerning the use of nasogastric tubes, Foley catheters, and central lines.

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite varied pathology, neonatal perioperative care within NICUs allows for unit-based ERAS recommendations independent of the planned surgical procedure. The 16 recommendations within this ERAS guideline are intended to be implemented within NICUs to benefit all surgical neonates.

Acquired Zinc Deficiency in Preterm Infant Post-Surgery for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) on Prolonged Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Zinc (Zn) is a vital trace element that plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis, cellular growth, and differentiation and is involved as a cofactor of metalloenzymes, performing a wide variety of metabolic, immune, and synthesis roles. Zn is required at all stages of an infant's and child's development, and severe Zn deficiency has been reported to lead to slower physical, cognitive, and sexual growth. Preterm neonates are at a higher risk of developing zinc deficiency for a variety of reasons, including low Zn intake from enteral feeds containing breast milk, relative malabsorption due to immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract with limited absorptive capacity, increased urinary loss of zinc, and increased demand during the early developmental stages. Moreover, premature infants are at risk of gastrointestinal diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which can limit absorption capacity and potentially lead to malabsorption. TPN is frequently used in preterm infants to provide them with sufficient nutrients and calories. However, it has its own complications, including cholestasis, especially if used for prolonged periods. In this case report, we are presenting the case of a male preterm infant who was delivered by caesarean section at 26 weeks' gestation. The baby developed an intestinal perforation due to NEC, for which he underwent surgery for resection of the necrotic bowel and the creation of a high ileal stoma and was put on prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which led to the development of zinc deficiency.

Current Practices, Challenges, and Recommendations in Enteral Nutrition After Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal disease with high mortality and morbidity. There is a lack of evidence-based recommendations on nutritional rehabilitation following NEC, and much of the current practice is guided by institutional policies and expert opinions. After a diagnosis of NEC, infants are exposed to an extended period of bowel rest and a prolonged course of antibiotics. Recognizing the patient characteristics that predict nutritional tolerance, early initiation of enteral nutrition, minimizing periods of bowel rest and antibiotic exposure, and standardization of dietary practices are the mainstay of post-NEC nutrition.

Special Populations-Surgical Infants

Congenital gastrointestinal disorders and other surgical diagnoses share many common problems: increased nutritional requirements to prevent catabolism, enhance wound healing, and provide optimal growth; impaired motility and altered intestinal flora leading to feeding intolerance requiring long-term parenteral nutrition; gastroesophageal reflux and poor feeding mechanics requiring tube feedings and support; growth failure; poor barrier function and risk of infection; and other long-term sequelae. Consequently, the surgical "at-risk" infant requires specialized nutritional support to meet their increased requirements to ensure adequate growth and meet the increased demands from critical illness.

Standardizing the Evaluation and Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Level IV NICU

OBJECTIVES

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal inflammatory disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in NICUs. Management of NEC is variable because of the lack of evidence-based recommendations. It is widely accepted that standardization of patient care leads to improved outcomes. This quality improvement project aimed to decrease variation in the evaluation and management of NEC in a Level IV NICU.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team investigated institutional variation in NEC management and developed a standardized guideline and electronic medical record tools to assist in evaluation and management. Retrospective baseline data were collected for 2 years previously and prospectively for 3.5 years after interventions. Outcomes included the ratio of observed-to-expected days of antibiotics and nil per os (NPO) on the basis of the novel guidelines and the percentage of cases treated with piperacillin/tazobactam. Balancing measures were death, surgery, and antifungal use.

RESULTS

Over 5.5 years, there were 124 evaluations for NEC. Special cause variation was noted in the observed-to-expected antibiotic and NPO days ratios, decreasing from 1.94 to 1.18 and 1.69 to 1.14, respectively. Piperacillin/tazobactam utilization increased from 30% to 91%. There were no increases in antifungal use, surgery, or death.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in evaluation and management of NEC decreased after initiation of a guideline and supporting electronic medical record tools, with fewer antibiotic and NPO days without an increase in morbidity or mortality. A quality improvement approach can benefit patients and decrease variability, even in diseases with limited evidence-based standards.

Postoperative feeding in neonatal duodenal obstruction

Background

Findings from manometry studies and contrast imaging reveal functioning gastric physiology in newborns with duodenal atresia and stenosis. Stomach reservoir function should therefore be valuable in aiding the postoperative phase of gastric feeding. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the feasibility of initiating oral or large volume(s) gavage feeds vs small volume bolus feeds following operation for congenital duodenal anomalies.

Methods

Single-center electronic medical records of all babies with duodenal atresia and stenosis admitted to a university surgical center during January 1997–September 2021 were analyzed. A fast-fed group (FF) included newborns fed with oral or gavage feeds advanced at a rate of at least 2.5 ml/kg and then progressed more than once a day vs slow-fed group (SF) fed with gavage feeds at incremental rate less than 2.5 ml/kg/day for each time period of oral tolerance or by drip feeds. Total feed volume was limited to 120–150 ml/kg/day in the respective study cohort populations.

Results

Fifty-one eligible patients were recruited in the study - twenty-six in FF group and twenty-five in SF group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the (i) date of first oral feeds (POD 7.7 ± 3.2 vs 16.1 ± 7.7: p < 0.001), and (ii) first full feeds (POD 12.5 ± 5.3 vs 18.8 ± 9.7: p < 0.01) in FF vs SF study groups.

Conclusion

Initial feeding schedules with oral or incremental gavage-fed rates of at least 2.5 ml/kg in stepwise increments and multi-steps per day is wholly feasible in the postoperative feeding regimens of neonates with congenital duodenal disorders. Significant health benefits are thus achievable in these infants allowing an earlier time to acquiring full enteral feeding and their hospital discharge.

IFALD in children: What's new? A narrative review

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a progressive liver disease complicating intestinal failure (IF). It is a preventable and reversible condition, but at the same time, a potential cause of liver cirrhosis and an indication to combined or non-combined liver and small bowel transplantation. The diagnostic criteria are not yet standardized, so that its prevalence varies widely in the literature. Pathophysiology seems to be multifactorial, related to different aspects of intestinal failure and not only to the long-term parenteral nutrition treatment. The survival rates of children with IF have increased, so that the main problems today are preventing complications and ensuring a good quality of life. IFALD is one of the most important factors that limit long-term survival of patients with IF. For this reason, more and more interest is developing around it and the number of published articles is increasing rapidly. The purpose of this narrative review was to focus on the main aspects of the etiology, pathophysiology, management, prevention, and treatment of IFALD, based on what has been published mainly in the last 10 years. Controversies and current research gaps will be highlighted with the aim to pave the way for new project and high-quality clinical trials.

Current outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: A multicenter analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to quantify mortality rates and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) in neonates with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), and to characterize the effects of birth weight (BW) and associated congenital anomalies upon these.

METHODS

Data regarding patients with EA/TEF were prospectively collected (2013-2019) at 298 North American centers. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcome was LOS.  Risk factors affecting mortality and LOS were assessed.

RESULTS

EA/TEF was diagnosed in 3290 infants with a median BW of 2476 g (IQR 1897,2970). In-hospital mortality was 12.7%. Mortality was inversely correlated with BW. After adjustment, the risk of mortality decreased by approximately 11% with every 100 g increase in BW. A significant congenital anomaly other than EA/TEF was diagnosed in 37.9% of patients. Risk of mortality increased in patients with associated congenital anomalies, most notably in those with a severe cardiac anomaly. Lower BW was associated with an increased mean LOS among survivors. Similar to mortality risk, additional anomalies were associated with prolonged LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an in-hospital mortality of over 10%. Both increased mortality and prolonged LOS are highly associated with lower birth weight and the presence of concomitant congenital anomalies.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease in the neonatal ICU: what we know and where we're going

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Parenteral nutrition is an integral part of the care of infants in the neonatal ICU. However, prolonged use of parenteral nutrition can be associated with adverse outcomes, most notably parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, now known as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). This review highlights pertinent developments in the epidemiology of IFALD as it pertains to neonates and showcases recent advances in the pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes of neonates with IFALD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The role of intravenous lipid emulsions in the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of IFALD remains a target for investigative studies. Recent data continues to support the use of fish-oil based intravenous lipids, but its use is limited due to concerns for essential fatty acid deficiency. Use of soy-based lipids and mixed lipids is not wrought with such concerns as these are often used at greater doses but their use is limited due to higher proinflammatory fatty acid content, increased phytosterols and decreased antioxidants, risk factors for the development of IFALD.

SUMMARY

Hepatic complications may limit the use of parenteral nutrition in the neonatal ICU. However, the pathophysiology of IFALD is continuing to be further elucidated and novel targets are being developed for the treatment of IFALD. As noninvasive disease monitoring strategies continue to be developed, early enteral nutrition ameliorates the risk of IFALD and should be considered when possible.

Key articles and guidelines for the pediatric clinical pharmacist from 2019 and 2020

PURPOSE

To summarize recently published research reports and practice guidelines deemed to be significantly impactful for pediatric pharmacy practice.

SUMMARY

Our author group was composed of 8 board-certified pediatric pharmacists. Eight major themes were identified: critical care, hematology/oncology, medication safety, general pediatrics, infectious diseases, neurology/psychiatry, gastrointestinal/nutrition, and neonatology. The author group was assigned a specific theme(s) based on their practice expertise and were asked to identify articles using MEDLINE and/or searches of relevant journal articles pertaining to each theme that were published from January 2019 through December 2020 that they felt were "significant" for pediatric pharmacy practice. A final list of compiled articles was distributed to the authors, and an article was considered significant if it received a vote from 5 of the 8 authors. Thirty-two articles, including 16 clinical practice guidelines or position statements and 16 review or primary literature articles, were included in this review. For each of these articles, a narrative regarding its implications for pediatric pharmacy practice is provided.

CONCLUSION

Given the heterogeneity of pediatric patients, it is difficult for pediatric pharmacists to stay up to date with the most recent literature, especially in practice areas outside their main expertise. Over the last few years, there has been a significant number of publications impacting the practice of pediatric pharmacists. This review of articles that have significantly affected pediatric pharmacy practice may be helpful in staying up to date on key articles in the literature.

Optimizing Nutritional Strategies to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Growth Failure after Bowel Resection

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the first cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS) in the neonate, is a serious neonatal gastrointestinal disease with an incidence of up to 11% in preterm newborns less than 1500 g of birth weight. The rate of severe NEC requiring surgery remains high, and it is estimated between 20–50%. Newborns who develop SBS need prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN), experience nutrient deficiency, failure to thrive and are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Prevention of NEC is therefore mandatory to avoid SBS and its associated morbidities. In this regard, nutritional practices seem to play a key role in early life. Individualized medical and surgical therapies, as well as intestinal rehabilitation programs, are fundamental in the achievement of enteral autonomy in infants with acquired SBS. In this descriptive review, we describe the most recent evidence on nutritional practices to prevent NEC, the available tools to early detect it, the surgical management to limit bowel resection and the best nutrition to sustain growth and intestinal function.