National Survey of Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs in the United States

Indications and successes of intestinal transplantation in children in the 21st century: A retrospective cohort study

AIMS

To report the results and successes of intestinal transplantation (ITx) in the most active European centres, to emphasize that, although it is a difficult procedure, it should remain a therapeutic option for children with total, definitive and complicated intestinal failure when intestinal rehabilitation fails.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data about all patients less than 18 receiving an ITx from 2010 to 2022 in 8 centres, and outcomes in July 2022.

RESULTS

ITx was performed in 155 patients, median age 6.9 years, in 45% for short bowel syndromes, 22% congenital enteropathies, 25% motility disorders, and 15% re-transplantations. Indications were multiple in most patients, intestinal failure-associated liver disease in half. The graft was in 70% liver-containing. At last follow up 64% were alive, weaned from parenteral nutrition, for 7.9 years; 27% had died and the graft was removed in 8%, mostly early after ITx.

DISCUSSION

ITx, despite its difficulties, can give a future to children with complicated intestinal failure. It should be considered among the therapeutic options offered to patients with a predicted survival rate lower than that after ITx. Patients should be early discussed within multidisciplinary teams in ITx centres, to avoid severe complications impacting the results of ITx, or even to avoid ITx.

When parenteral nutrition is the answer: The case of pediatric intestinal rehabilitation

In pediatric patients with intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition is lifesaving but also has several associated risks. The goals of intestinal rehabilitation include promoting growth, minimizing complications associated with intestinal failure, and reaching enteral autonomy, if possible. Pediatric intestinal rehabilitation programs are interdisciplinary teams that strive to provide optimal care for children dependent on parenteral nutrition. The provision of parenteral nutrition requires close monitoring of patients' growth, nutrition concerns, clinical status, and laboratory parameters. Recent advances in the field of intestinal rehabilitation include new lipid emulsions, considerations regarding enteral feeding, advances in micronutrient provision, and central venous catheter preservation techniques. Challenges in the field remain, including improving overall quality of life with home parenteral nutrition administration and preventing recently recognized complications such as chronic intestinal inflammation.

Nutrition and Intestinal Rehabilitation of Children With Short Bowel Syndrome: A Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Part 2: Long-Term Follow-Up on Home Parenteral Nutrition

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure (IF) in children. The preferred treatment for IF is parenteral nutrition which may be required until adulthood. The aim of this position paper is to review the available evidence on managing SBS and to provide practical guidance to clinicians dealing with this condition. All members of the Nutrition Committee of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) contributed to this position paper. Some renowned experts in the field joined the team to guide with their expertise. A systematic literature search was performed from 2005 to May 2021 using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In the absence of evidence, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Literature on SBS mainly consists of retrospective single-center experience, thus most of the current papers and recommendations are based on expert opinion. All recommendations were voted on by the expert panel and reached >90% agreement. This second part of the position paper is dedicated to the long-term management of children with SBS-IF. The paper mainly focuses on how to achieve intestinal rehabilitation, treatment of complications, and on possible surgical and medical management to increase intestinal absorption.

Pediatric intestinal rehabilitation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) is a comprehensive treatment strategy that employs various approaches implemented by multidisciplinary teams to treat intestinal failure in children. This program has shown promising results, such as reducing complications and improving prognosis and quality of life (QOL). In this review, we discuss the current status of this program and relevant topics.

RECENT FINDINGS

IRP includes the prevention and treatment of various complications such as intestinal failure associated liver disease, catheter-related bloodstream infection or sepsis, and venous thromboembolism. In addition, treatment strategies such as glucagon-like peptide-2 analogs, surgical interventions, and intestinal transplantation have evolved over time and have contributed to improved outcomes. In addition, the scope and regions for IRP activities have expanded.

SUMMARY

IRP improves the prognosis and QOL of children with intestinal failure. The development of new drugs, surgical methods, and treatment strategies is expected to improve the current and future status of pediatric patients with intestinal failure. Furthermore, international institutions must collaborate, share knowledge, conduct joint research, and establish patient registries to advance IRP progress.

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Position on the Role of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the Care of the Pediatric Patient With Chronic Gastrointestinal Diseases

The optimization of nutrition is essential for the growth and development of all children, including those with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that can variably affect nutrient intake, absorption, or metabolism. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are essential partners in delivering high quality care for pediatric GI disorders, but limited evidence is available to support the role of the RDN in the care of these patients. This position paper outlines the evidence supporting the role of the RDN in the management of chronic pediatric GI issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Gaps in the literature, opportunities for future research, and barriers to RDN access are discussed.

Complementary food introduction practices in infants with intestinal failure

BACKGROUND

Oral intake in infants with intestinal failure (IF) may be limited due to intolerance or feeding difficulties. Guidelines for the introduction of semisolid or solid complementary foods (CFs) to infants with IF do not exist. CF intake and caloric contribution from CF is difficult to assess due to malabsorption and incomplete recording. The aim of this study was to identify institutional approaches to introducing CF to infants with IF.

METHODS

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutriton (ASPEN) Pediatric Intestinal Failure Section Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) working group designed a 10-question online cloud-based survey to assess group member practice related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF.

RESULTS

Twenty-six surveys were completed. Thirteen (50%) RDNs recommend introduction of CF between 4 and 6 months of age. Nineteen (76%) recommend adding pureed foods to gastrostomy tube feedings. Seventeen (65%) follow standard infant feeding practice guidelines with half citing the American Academy of Pediatrics. Approximately half (44%) recommend introducing vegetables first and the majority (80%) recommend delaying the introduction of fruits. The vast majority (92%) recommend specific foods to minimize stool output including green beans, bananas, infant cereals, and meats/protein.

CONCLUSION

Institutional practices related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF vary. Similarities with first food choice and foods to avoid were observed. Evidenced-based practice guidelines for the introduction of CF to infants with IF need to be established to determine best practices for reducing stool output, encouraging weaning from parenteral nutrition, and achieving enteral autonomy.

Current Surgical Concepts and Indications in the Management of the Short Bowel State: A Call for the Use of Multidisciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs

The mainstay of management for short bowel syndrome (SBS) is to promote access to the best quality of care provided by the intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) in specialized centres. When treating SBS patients, the main goal is to minimize disease-associated complications, as well as achieve enteral autonomy. Surgical strategies should be selected cautiously upon the actual state of the bowel with respect to what it is clinically relevant for that specific patient. To this aim, a personalized and multidisciplinary approach for such a complex syndrome is needed.