Bone mineral content in patients on home parenteral nutrition

Longitudinal Bone Mineralization Assessment in Children Treated With Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition for Severe Intestinal Failure

BACKGROUND

Metabolic bone disease is common in children receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for intestinal failure (IF). Long-term evolution of bone mass in pediatric IF is poorly documented. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of low bone mass (LBM) in children receiving HPN for IF, (2) to evaluate the evolution of total bone mineral content (TBMC) during HPN with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and (3) to identify related factors.

METHODS

All children referred in our HPN center from 2004 to 2014 were eligible. Inclusion criteria were HPN dependence due to noninflammatory IF, at least 2 TBMC assessments, and HPN duration of at least 2 years at last DXA. TBMC was expressed in z score for ideal weight for height (WFH). LBM was defined by a TBMC WFH z score ≤-2 standard deviations (SD).

RESULTS

A total of 175 DXAs for 31 children were performed, mean of 5.6 ± 2.9 assessments per child. The median time between first and last DXA recorded was 6.2 years (0.7-16.6). At the first DXA, 14 children (45%) had a LBM. TBMC increased by +0.1 ± 0.04 SD per year of HPN (P = .012). The risk of LBM decreased with an odds ratio of 0.9 per year of HPN (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.99; P = .018). Lean mass z score and calcium parenteral intakes were related to the TBMC improvement.

CONCLUSION

LBM is common in pediatric IF, but bone status could improve during HPN in these children.

How does long-term parenteral nutrition impact the bone mineral status of children with intestinal failure?

Patients on long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at significantly increased risk for the development of metabolic bone disease (MBD); this condition is characterized by incomplete mineralization of osteoid with consequent disturbances ranging from osteopenia to severe bone disease with fractures. The aim of the study was: (1) to evaluate the prevalence of MBD, (2) to identify the PN- or intestinal failure (IF)-related factors and (3) to assess annual changes of bone mineral status. Since September 2005 all patients affected by IF and treated with PN started a BMD evaluation program using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twenty-four IF patients were included [15 with short bowel syndrome (SBS), 5 with severe protracted diarrhea and 4 with chronic intestinal pseudostruction]. The bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score was significantly lower in patients than in the control group. In our series SBS patients showed a BMD Z-score significantly higher in comparison with the medical causes of IF. No significant correlations were found between bone mineral status and PN duration and nutrient intake. Nine IF patients were submitted to a second DXA evaluation after 1 year from the baseline. All bone mineral variables were significantly increased at the second DXA evaluation. The high prevalence of MBD in IF patients undergoing long-term treatment with PN requires that these patients undergo careful and periodic monitoring of their bone mineral status; patients with congenital gut dysfunctions, such as epithelium defects and motility anomalies, are at major risk of developing this complication, probably due to the association with extra-intestinal causes of bone loss.

Bone mineral density in patients on home parenteral nutrition: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The variations of bone mineral density (BMD) during home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and their relationship with general, life style, primary disease and HPN risk factors were investigated by a follow-up study.

DESIGN

Patients who had BMD assessment in a previous cross-sectional survey underwent a 2nd BMD at femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS). Data about risk factors were collected by a structured questionnaire. BMD Z-score (number of standard deviations from normal values corrected for sex and age) and the annualized percent BMD change were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-five adult patients were enrolled (follow-up: 18.1+/-5.5 months). The mean BMD Z-score significantly increased at the LS (P = 0.040) and remained unchanged at FN. In multiple regression analysis, the variations of the LS Z-score during HPN negatively correlated with the female sex (P = 0.021) and the age at starting HPN (P = 0.022). The analysis of the annualized percent BMD change confirmed the results obtained by the analysis of the Z-score. No factor was associated with BMD variation at FN.

CONCLUSIONS

HPN was not associated with a decrease of BMD in most of the patients; LS BMD Z-score variations were related to general risk factors rather than to HPN factors, showing a negative association with age and female sex.

Effect of cyclical intravenous clodronate therapy on bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) because of intestinal failure are at high risk of developing osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the effect of the bisphosphonate clodronate on bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone turnover in HPN patients.

DESIGN

A 12-mo, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to study the effect of 1500 mg clodronate, given intravenously every 3 mo for 1 y, in 20 HPN patients with a bone mass T score of the hip or lumbar spine of less than -1. The main outcome measure was the difference in the mean percentage change in the BMD of the lumbar spine measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcome measures included changes in the BMD of the hip, forearm, and total body and biochemical markers of bone turnover, ie, serum osteocalcin, urinary pyridinoline, and urinary deoxypyridinoline.

RESULTS

The mean (+/-SEM) BMD of the lumbar spine increased by 0.8 +/- 2.0% in the clodronate group and decreased by 1.6 +/- 2.0% in the placebo group (P = 0.43). At all secondary skeletal sites (ie, hip, total body, and distal forearm), we observed no changes or small increases in the BMD of the clodronate group and decreases in the BMD of the placebo group. In the clodronate group, biochemical markers of bone resorption decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Clodronate significantly inhibits bone resorption as assessed by changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover. Although the mean BMD increased in the clodronate group, cyclic clodronate therapy failed to increase spinal BMD significantly at 12 mo.

Prevalence of bone disease in patients on home parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The epidemiology of bone disease in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is unknown. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence and severity of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in long-term HPN.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, multicentre study including patients who within the last 12 months had their BMD assessed by dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry after at least 6 months of HPN. Data on bone pain and fractures, the primary gastrointestinal diseases, nutritional and rehabilitation status and HPN regimen were reviewed. Both the T-score (no. of SD below mean BMD of young subjects) and the Z-score (no. of SD from normal BMD values corrected for sex and age) were analysed.

RESULTS

A T -score <-1 at any site of assessment was observed in 84% of the 165 patients enrolled (<or= -2.5 in 41%). Bone pain occurred in 35% and bone fracture in 10% of patients. Both T - and Z-scores were significantly lower in symptomatic patients. The frequency of bone disease was higher in post-menopausal women but did not differ among the subgroups of the primary diseases. Stepwise regression analysis showed the lumbar spine Z -score positively associated with the age at starting HPN and the femoral neck Z-score positively associated with the body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone disease was present in most of the patients on HPN, was of severe degree in one-half of them and symptomatic in one-third. The BMD Z-score appeared predictive of the risk of fracture. The prevalence of bone disease did not differ between the various primary diseases. Age at starting HPN and body mass index appeared to be the major factors associated with BMD Z-scores.

Complications of long-term home total parenteral nutrition: their identification, prevention and treatment

The purpose of this review is to describe the most common complications of home total parenteral nutrition, their identification, treatment and prevention. Data sources were manuscripts and abstracts published in the English literature since 1968. Studies were selected for summarization in this review on the basis of clinical relevance to the practicing clinician. Home total parenteral nutrition is a relatively safe, life-saving method for nutrient delivery in patients with compromised gastrointestinal function. However, numerous complications, with associated morbidity and mortality, involving the delivery system and the gastrointestinal, renal, and skeletal systems may develop. Catheter-related complications are often preventable and treatable when they occur, although renal and bone abnormalities have elusive etiologies.

Clinical Management of the Adult Home Nutrition Support Patient

Nutrition Support Consultant features issues pertinent to the clinical aspects of pharmacy nutritional support practice. The column is edited by Roland N. Dickerson, PharmD, BCNSP, CNS, FACN, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Body composition changes measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

To monitor changes in body composition in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and to ascertain whether changes were related to the amount of energy supplied by HPN, we studied prospectively patients with gut failure maintained on HPN.

METHODS

Patients were subjected to repeated measurement of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the second investigation being performed after a mean period of 20 (range, 11-26) months. Thirty-two patients were included, one patient was excluded, and five patients died during the study period. At inclusion, the patients had received HPN for a mean period of 30 (range, 6-216) months. The indication for HPN was inflammatory bowel disease (n = 16), abdominal cancers (n = 5), and scleroderma and others (n = 11). The fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and total body mineral content (TBMC) were measured by DXA.

RESULTS

Mean body mass index decreased from 21.18 to 20.96 kg/m2 (P = 0.36). The mean FFM showed a small, insignificant increase to 37.68 kg (P = 0.71). Mean TBMC was unchanged at 2.28 kg, and mean FM decreased from 19.25 to 18.17 kg (P = 0.055). During the study period the mean daily energy supply by HPN was reduced from kcal 1195 to kcal 959 (P = 0.004). There was a direct positive correlation between the individual changes in HPN energy supply and body weight and FFM (r = 0.437, r = 0.410, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The body composition of HPN patients was stable, with no change in mean FFM, FM, or TBMC. Individual changes in body weight and FFM correlated with change in HPN energy supply.

Body composition in patients on home parenteral nutrition

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures and separates three of the principal compartments of the body, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), comprising muscle, inner organs and body water, and the total bone mineral content (TBMC). The aim of the present study was to determine body composition by DXA scan in 37 patients who had been on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for 6-216 months. The height and weight of patients were significantly lower when compared to a group of healthy subjects. The weight, however, was relatively more reduced than the height. This is reflected by a significantly reduced body mass index in young female and male patients (p < 0.05). Fat-free mass and total body mineral content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in patients on home parenteral nutrition compared to a group of healthy subjects. However, the percentage of fat-free mass was unchanged. No significant change in fat mass was observed. We conclude that patients, with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome, who are on HPN have a smaller body size with a normal relative body composition.

Bone loss and oral state in patients on home parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to analyze changes in the mandible and the forearm bone mineral content and oral state in patients on home parenteral nutrition due to short bowel syndrome in relation to the bone mineral values and oral findings in a normal population.

METHODS

The bone mineral content was measured by dual-photon absorptiometry and the dental and periodontal state were studied in 15 adults patients (12 women, and 3 men, aged 26 to 65 years). All patients were on free oral intake as a supplement to the parenteral nutrition.

RESULTS

Forty-seven percent of the patients (2 males, 2 young and 3 elderly females) showed mandibular osteoporosis (Z-scores < -2.00), and all young females showed Z-scores < 0. Moreover, 34% of the patients showed osteoporosis in the forearm bones (Z-scores < -2.00) and also radiographic signs of osteoporotic fractures of the columna. The dental and the periodontal state in the patients did not differ clearly from that of the normal Danish population of the same age.

CONCLUSIONS

Such patients seem to have a high risk of developing systemic osteoporosis, including the jaws, but apparently do not show a higher risk for deterioration of the dental or periodontal state than age-matching normals from the same population.