Impact of infantile short bowel syndrome on long-term health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study

A Systematic Review of Quality of Life in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome and Their Caregivers

Purpose

Understanding the quality of life and the factors that influence it for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and their caregivers is of utmost importance in order to enhance their well-being. Therefore, This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of SBS on patients and their caregivers, as well as its associated factors, by synthesizing the available evidence.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was done using PubMed, Embase databases, CNKI, and ISPOR conference papers. Included articles were manually searched to identify any other relevant studies. Quality was assessed using appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

Results

This review included 16 studies, comprising 15 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. The findings revealed that the QoL of patients with SBS was lower than that of the general population regarding physical functioning and psychological domain. Meanwhile, caregivers experienced challenges in maintaining their QoL. The QoL of SBS patients was found to be influenced by various factors such as treatment, age, sex, stoma, and small intestine length. Among them, the treatment is the most noteworthy factor that can be effectively improved through external interventions.

Conclusion

While numerous studies have provided insights into the compromised QoL experienced by individuals with SBS and their caregivers, there remains a scarcity of large-sample quantitative investigations examining the determinants of QoL. The existing body of literature on caregivers is also notably deficient.

Quality of Life of Children with Short Bowel Syndrome from Patients' and Parents' Points of View

Despite limited research, existing studies using generic quality of life (QOL) tools indicate decreased physical health and compromised emotional functioning in children with IF. This study investigates QOL in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its determinants. The study included 57 pediatric patients with SBS treated at Mannheim's University Hospital between 1998 and 2014. To evaluate QOL, the KINDL questionnaire was used. Three age-specific questionnaire variants were employed, and parental proxy reports were collected. Most patients underwent intestinal lengthening procedures, with varying primary diagnoses. A comparison with healthy children from the patient's perspective revealed no difference but from the parent's perspective showed lower QOL in SBS patients, especially regarding physical and mental well-being. QOL varied with age, with 7-10-year-olds reporting the lowest scores. Several factors, including independence from parenteral nutrition and the presence of a complete colon, positively influenced QOL. The independence of parenteral nutrition and the presence of a complete colon positively influenced QOL. The Bianchi technique for intestinal lengthening has also shown promise but needs further research. The observation sample in this study is too small to generalize about the whole population of SBS patients. However, this study shows that many health and treatment factors affect QOL, and a large multicenter study is necessary. Our findings underline the importance of appropriate psychological support for children with SBS and their families.

Neighborhood Income Is Associated with Health Care Use in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate associations between neighborhood income and burden of hospitalizations for children with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

STUDY DESIGN

We used the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database to evaluate associations between neighborhood income and hospital readmissions, readmissions for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients <18 years with SBS hospitalized between January 1, 2006, and October 1, 2015. We analyzed readmissions with recurrent event analysis and analyzed LOS with linear mixed effects modeling. We used a conceptual model to guide our multivariable analyses, adjusting for race, ethnicity, and insurance status.

RESULTS

We included 4289 children with 16 347 hospitalizations from 43 institutions. Fifty-seven percent of the children were male, 21% were Black, 19% were Hispanic, and 67% had public insurance. In univariable analysis, children from low-income neighborhoods had a 38% increased risk for all-cause hospitalizations (rate ratio [RR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.10-1.72, P = .01), an 83% increased risk for CLABSI hospitalizations (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.37-2.44, P < .001), and increased hospital LOS (β 0.15, 95% CI 0.01-0.29, P = .04). In multivariable analysis, the association between low-income neighborhoods and elevated risk for CLABSI hospitalizations persisted (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.23-2.35, P < .01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SBS from low-income neighborhoods are at increased risk for hospitalizations due to CLABSI. Examination of specific household- and neighborhood-level factors contributing to this disparity may inform equity-based interventions.

Nutrition and Intestinal Rehabilitation of Children With Short Bowel Syndrome: A Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Part 1: From Intestinal Resection to Home Discharge

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure (IF) in children. The mainstay of treatment for IF is parenteral nutrition (PN). 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 experience. 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. The first part of this position paper focuses on the physiological mechanism of intestinal adaptation after surgical resection. It subsequently provides some clinical practice recommendations for the primary management of children with SBS from surgical resection until discharged home on PN.

Predictors of Social-Emotional Development and Adaptive Functioning in School-Age Children with Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVES

Despite a focus on neurocognition in pediatric intestinal failure (IF) to date, we examined social-emotional and adaptive functioning.

METHODS

Children (N = 63) in our IF rehabilitation program underwent neuropsychological assessments including caregiver- and teacher-reported questionnaires. Results were compared to norms using z-tests. Caregiver and teacher reports were compared using t tests. Medical and demographic factors were examined in an exploratory manner using correlation and targeted regression analyses, adjusting for gestational age and full-scale IQ.

RESULTS

Caregiver and teacher reports indicated poorer executive, internalizing, behavioral, and adaptive functioning compared to norms. Teachers reported more executive dysfunctions than caregivers. Necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis predicted internalizing emotional problems. Immigrant status predicted poorer social and practical adaptive functioning. Living with biological parents predicted fewer externalizing emotional and behavioral problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The group displayed social-emotional and adaptive functioning concerns. Identifying medical and demographic risks can allow for screening and intervention.

Child self-reported quality of life in pediatric intestinal failure

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have focused on parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with intestinal failure (IF). However, there is a paucity of data on HRQOL from the perspective of the child with IF.

METHODS

A prospective study of child self-reported HRQOL was performed in a regional intestinal rehabilitation program from 2015 to 2019. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales were administered annually to children with IF ages five years and older along with their parents. Survey data was stratified by age and compared with parent-proxy scores and reference populations of healthy and chronically ill children. Linear mixed-effect models were constructed to identify associations with child self-reported HRQOL.

RESULTS

A total of 140 surveys were administered to 69 children and their parents. Median child age at survey was 8 (IQR 6-10) years. Child self-reported HRQOL scores increased with each increasing age range. Children reported higher HRQOL scores compared to parent-proxy data in all age groups. Children with IF had lower HRQOL scores compared to healthy children in all survey dimensions (p < 0.001) and to children with chronic illness in the school and social functioning dimensions (p < 0.05). In adjusted analysis, longer remnant bowel length was independently associated with decreased HRQOL scores in children (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with IF reported better HRQOL compared to parent-proxy data. While these HRQOL scores improved with age, they remain significantly lower than healthy and chronically ill peers. The association between bowel length and child-reported HRQOL deserves further investigation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

A beautiful struggle: Parent-perceived impact of short bowel syndrome on child and family wellbeing

BACKGROUND

Despite considerable improvements in outcomes for children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), many clinicians remain pessimistic about long-term quality of life (QoL) for this population.

METHODS

The validated FaMM tool was used to measure parent-perceived impact of the child's condition on child and family life. Partnered disease-specific survey questions relevant to child's overall wellbeing and family function were additionally completed and reported. The cross-sectional surveys were distributed to a convenience sample of parents of children with SBS. Child and family wellbeing were described and compared across child age group and involvement of an intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP). Multivariate regression analyses investigated associations between outcomes and IRP management. Open-ended responses were analyzed to investigate perceived impact of the child's SBS on the parent.

RESULTS

Seventeen parents completed both surveys; 71% perceived child QoL as higher today than what they had originally been told to expect. Child daily life and family difficulty scores suggest parents perceived both to be fairly "normal". While acknowledging effort invested in condition management, parents perceived high competence in managing their child's condition; 56% perceived personal growth resulting from their child's SBS journey. IRP management was associated with better child daily life (4.11, p = 0.015), family difficulty (-4.85, p = 0.048), and family management ability (4.28, p = 0.014) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Many parents perceive child and family life with SBS to be fairly "normal", manage their child's care with great competence, and report personal growth because of their child's SBS journey. Additional research inclusive of diverse patient and parent backgrounds is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

prognosis study; Level IV.

Need for transition medicine in pediatric surgery – health related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with congenital malformations

Survival rates of patients with visceral congenital malformations have increased considerably. However, long-term morbidity in these patients is high. In the last decades, these circumstances have led to a shift in goals of caretakers and researchers with a new focus on patients’ perspectives and long-term morbidity. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is the most commonly used patient-reported outcome measure to assess the impact of chronic symptoms on patients’ everyday lives. Most pediatric surgical conditions can cause a significantly decreased HrQoL in affected patients compared to the healthy population. In order to guarantee life-long care and to minimize the impact on HrQoL a regular interdisciplinary follow-up is obligatory. The period of transition from child-centered to adult-oriented medicine represents a critical phase in the long-term care of these complex patients. This scoping review aims to summarize relevant pediatric surgical conditions focusing on long-term-morbidity and HrQoL assessment in order to demonstrate the necessity for a well-structured and standardized transition for pediatric surgical patients.

Longitudinal Development of Health-related Quality of Life and Fatigue in Children on Home Parenteral Nutrition

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to describe the longitudinal development of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fatigue in children with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) on home parenteral nutrition (PN) and compare these children to the general population.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study conducted over 7 years in patients suffering from CIF receiving home PN from 2 tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands. Every 6 months, parents (if child <8 years old) or patients (if child ≥8 years old) completed 2 questionnaires: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) Generic and Fatigue on the KLIK (kwaliteit van leven in kaart [Dutch Acronym for Quality of Life in Clinical Practice]) Patient Reported Outcome Measures portal, which were compared with the general population. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were constructed to investigate the course of HRQOL over time.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were included (40% girls). At time of last KLIK contact, patients received HPN for a median of 5.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.9-9.7). In total, 272 questionnaires were completed. PedsQL generic total score for ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 12 years was significantly lower than the general population (P < 0.01 for both age groups) with effect sizes of 0.73 and 0.71, respectively. PedsQL fatigue total score for ages 5 to 7 years was also significantly lower (P = 0.01; effect size 0.70). LMMs for PedsQL Generic and Fatigue total score 2 to 7 and 8 to 18 years showed no significant coefficient for duration of home PN.

CONCLUSIONS

Children suffering from CIF receiving home PN ages 5 to 12 years report lower HRQOL scores than the general population. HRQOL and fatigue do not change during long-term treatment with home PN in these children.

Generic and Disease-specific Health-related Quality of Life in Pediatric Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess overall and disease-specific health-related quality of life (hrQOL) in patients with pediatric intestinal failure (PIF) and caregivers and elucidate differences from healthy and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) illness cohorts.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients with PIF and their caregivers managed at a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program using the PedsQL Generic Core and the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module to assess generic and disease-specific hrQOL, respectively. These data were compared to established healthy and chronic GI disease controls.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients (mean age 6.2 ± 3.9 years) and their caregivers were studied. Patients reported lower generic hrQOL than healthy children (73.0 vs 83.84, P < 0.001), but no difference from patients with chronic GI disease (73.0 vs 77.79). In contrast, PIF caregivers perceived similar generic hrQOL compared to a healthy cohort (78.9 vs 82.70), but higher when compared to the GI disease cohort (78.9 vs 72.74, P < 0.01). Patients with PIF and caregivers reported lower psychosocial health scores than healthy controls. Patients and caregivers reported similar disease-specific hrQOL to a cohort with chronic GI disease but significantly lower disease-specific hrQOL than a healthy cohort (P < 0.001 both groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PIF and their caregivers have disparate perceptions of generic hrQOL when compared to healthy and chronic GI disease controls. Both patients and caregivers, however, had significantly lower scores in psychosocial health than healthy controls. In addition, disease-specific hrQOL was substantially lower than healthy controls for PIF patients and caregivers. Further investigation to expand on these findings and identify modifiable variables to improve the psychosocial health score and disease-specific factors would be of high value.

Physical Activity and Fatigue in Children With Intestinal Failure on Parenteral Nutrition

OBJECTIVES

With improved survival of children with intestinal failure (IF), it is important to examine the impact on long-term physical function, physical activity (PA), and fatigue and identify clinical factors that may be predictive of impairment.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study in children with IF on parenteral nutrition (PN) compared with healthy age- and sex-matched controls (HCs). Assessments included: Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Physical Function subscale, PedsQL Multi-Dimensional Fatigue Scale, and PA Perceived Benefits and Barriers scale. PA was measured using an accelerometer. Medical data was collected by chart abstraction.

RESULTS

Participants included 21 children with IF (14 girls), median age 8.33 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.96-11.04) years and 33 HCs (20 boys), 8.25 (6.67-10.79) years. In those with IF, 13 (62%) were born prematurely with a median of 15 (7.5-24.5) in-patient hospitalizations. There was a significant difference (P = 0.033) in mean steps/day in children with IF (9709 +/- 3975) compared with HCs (13104 +/- 5416), and a correlation between moderate-to-vigorous PA and gestational age (r = 0.642, P = 0.010). Child and parent proxy scores indicate poorer physical function and greater fatigue in the IF group, along with a correlation between greater fatigue (r = -0.538, P = 0.012), poorer physical function (r = -0.0650, P = 0.0001) in children with more hospitalizations. Barriers to PA include "I am tired" and "I am worried about my line."

CONCLUSIONS

Children with IF present with lower levels of PA and physical function and greater fatigue compared with their peers. Ongoing development of medical and rehabilitation intervention strategies is vital to optimize outcomes.

Prospective evaluation of the family's health-related quality of life in pediatric intestinal failure

BACKGROUND

Due to altered nutrition regimens and complex medical needs, pediatric intestinal failure (IF) may have a powerful impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Studies have shown that children with IF experience lower HRQOL. Data on the HRQOL of families of children with IF are lacking.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis of the HRQOL of families of children with IF in a regional intestinal rehabilitation program from 2011 to 2018. The Pediatric Quality of Life Family Impact Module (FIM) was administered annually to parents. FIM scores were regressed on risk factors using linear mixed-effect models that accounted for repeated surveys within families.

RESULTS

A total of 117 families completed 272 surveys. FIM scores increased with patient age across nearly all survey dimensions. Total FIM scores were lower when compared to families of healthy children (median differences = -5, P = .01) and similar to families of chronically ill children. While IF families reported major deficits in the Communication (-11, P < .001) and Worry (-17, P < .001) dimensions, they also reported higher Family Relationship scores (+7, P < .01). On multivariable regression, presence of a major comorbidity and four or more hospital admissions in the prior year were associated with lower family HRQOL (P < .05). Parenteral nutrition dependence was independently associated with lower scores in the Communication (-7, P = .03) and Daily Activities (-10, P = .02) dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Families of children with IF experience a decreased HRQOL that may improve with patient age. Intestinal rehabilitation programs should address the HRQOL of families in addition to patients.

Nutritional and pharmacological strategy in children with short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome in neonates is a severe and life-threatening disease after a major loss of small bowel with or without large bowel. Intestinal adaptation, by which the organism tries to restore digestive and absorptive capacities, is entirely dependent on stimulation of the active enterocytes by enteral nutrition. This review summarizes recent knowledge about the pathophysiologic consequences after the loss of different intestinal parts and outlines the options for enteral nutrition and pharmacological therapies to support the adaptation process.

Health-related quality of life in neonates and infants: a conceptual framework

PURPOSE

With reduced mortality of neonatal conditions, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important clinical outcome. However, since the meaning of HRQOL in dependent, non-autonomous infants and neonates remains largely undefined, HRQOL measurement and economic evaluation are limited due to the lack of age-specific methodology. The objective was to construct a conceptual framework of neonatal and infant HRQOL (NIHRQOL) which identifies factors relevant to the neonate and infant, their relationship with each other and the caregiving environment.

METHODS

Using qualitative methods, a concept was developed based on in-depth analysis of verbatim records of two focus groups (6 caregivers, 6 healthcare providers) and five interviews with caregivers of chronically ill neonates/infants (n = 2), and healthcare professionals of a pediatric tertiary healthcare center (n = 3). Two analysts independently performed thematic analysis using an inductive and contextual approach.

RESULTS

The majority of participants regarded NIHRQOL as an individual entity, which was closely related and strongly influenced by caregivers and family. It may be gauged by the perceived degree of effort required to achieve expected normalcy in everyday life for the neonate/infant and its family. The importance of individual HRQOL factors is developmental stage-dependent.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal and infant HRQOL is a multidimensional, multilayered and interconnected concept, where the child's needs contribute most directly, and the caregiver's and society's ability to meet those needs characterize the interdependence between the child and its caregiving environment. Developmental stage-specific HRQOL instruments for premature and mature neonates, and infants are warranted to allow for valid HRQOL measurement.

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate disease-specific and age-related factors contributing to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). in children with intestinal failure.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of HRQOL was performed in a regional intestinal rehabilitation program. Parent-proxy Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory surveys were administered annually to families of 91 children with intestinal failure over a 6-year period. Survey data was stratified by age and compared with pediatric HRQOL data in healthy and chronically ill populations. Linear mixed-effect models using multivariable regression were constructed to identify associations with HRQOL.

RESULTS

A total of 180 surveys were completed by 91 children and their families. HRQOL scores were lowest for children ages 5-7 years (P < .001) and 8-12 years (P < .01), and these changes were primarily related to school dimension scores. In multivariable regression, age of 5 years and older and developmental delay were independently associated with lower HRQOL scores. The trend toward lower HRQOL scores parallels reference data from healthy and chronically ill children, although patients with intestinal failure scored lower than both populations at school age.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with intestinal failure experience lower parent-proxy HRQOL scores in the 5-7 and 8-12 year age groups primarily related to school dimension scores. Multicenter data to validate these findings and identify interventions to improve QOL for children with intestinal failure are needed.

Monitoring of long-term parenteral nutrition in children with intestinal failure

Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) is a rare and complex condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is defined as the reduction of gut mass or function below the minimal needed for absorption of nutrients and fluid to sustain life and growth. Since the advent of specialized multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation centers, IF management has considerably evolved in the last years, but serious complications of long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) can occur. Main complications include intestinal failure-associated liver disease, growth failure, body composition imbalance, central venous access complications, micronutrient deficiencies and toxicities, metabolic bone disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and renal disease. With improvement in survival rates of patients over the last 20 years, emphasis should be on limiting IF-related comorbidities and improving quality of life. Close monitoring is pivotal to ensuring quality of care of these patients. The care of children with chronic IF should involve a comprehensive monitoring plan with flexibility for individualization according to specific patient needs. Monitoring of children on long-term PN varies significantly across units and is mainly based on experience, although few guidelines exist. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge and practices related to monitoring of children with IF. The authors also share their 20-year experience at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne Australia on this topic.

Health-related quality of life and neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with intestinal failure

Treatment results of pediatric intestinal failure have improved markedly during the last decades. With improved survival the attention is turning to other essential outcomes including quality of life and neurodevelopment. So far, relatively few studies with limited number of patients and variable methodology have addressed these issues. Based on these studies using generic health related quality of life tools, children with intestinal failure demonstrate decreased physical health, while PN-dependence is also associated with compromised emotional functioning. Impairments of social functioning are frequently observed among older children and parents. Few recent studies on neurodevelopment imply significant impairments in motor and mental skills among children with intestinal failure despite small sample sizes and limited follow-up times. Development of a disease-specific survey designed for the pediatric intestinal failure population could better reveal the health issues with greatest impact on quality of life. Robust studies with appropriate methodology on neurodevelopment in pediatric intestinal failure with extended follow-up times are urgently needed. Quality of life and neurodevelopment requires greater attention from medical professionals managing children with intestinal failure.

Long-term outcomes of pediatric intestinal failure

Management of pediatric intestinal failure has evolved in recent decades, with improved survival since the advent of specialized multidisciplinary intestinal failure centers. Though sepsis and intestinal failure associated liver disease still contribute to mortality, we now have growing data on the long-term outcomes for this population. While intestinal adaptation and parenteral nutrition weaning is most rapid during the first year on parenteral support, achievement of enteral autonomy is possible even after many years as energy and protein requirements decline dramatically with age. Intestinal transplant is an option for patients experiencing complications of long-term parenteral nutrition who are expected to have permanent intestinal failure, but outcomes are hindered by immunosuppression-related complications. Much of the available data comes from single center retrospective reports, with variable inclusion criteria, intestinal failure definitions, and follow-up durations; this limits the ability to analyze outcomes and identify best practices. As most children now survive long-term, the focus of management has shifted to the avoidance and management of comorbidities, support of normal growth and development, and optimization of quality of life for these medically and surgically complex patients.

Long-term health-related quality of life of patients with pediatric onset intestinal failure

BACKGROUND

Despite improved survival rates of patients with pediatric intestinal failure (IF), data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of IF patients are still scarce. We hypothesized that I) continued parenteral nutrition, underlying intestinal motility disorder, abdominal pain and problematic bowel function would be associated with poorer HRQoL and higher parental stress levels, and II) the time intervals since the latest bowel operation, the latest episode of sepsis, and the latest inpatient care episode would be associated with better HRQoL and lower parental stress.

METHODS

Patients with pediatric onset IF and their parents answered questionnaires on HRQoL, parental stress, and bowel-related symptoms. Clinical data were gathered by chart review. Controls matched for age and sex were randomly chosen by the Population Register Centre of Finland.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (73%) IF patients participated at a median age of 9years. Overall HRQoL was similar to healthy peers, and frequent abdominal pain was the only factor associated with poorer HRQoL. Abdominal pain and stool frequency >3 times per day were associated with higher levels of parental stress, whereas longer time intervals since the latest bowel operation or hospitalization were associated with lower parental stress levels.

CONCLUSION

Long-term HRQoL of pediatric IF patients is comparable to that of healthy peers. Time often eases parental stress, but frequent abdominal pain presents a challenge to the well-being of some patients and requires medical attention.