Effectiveness of Enteral Versus Oral Nutrition With a Medium-Chain Triglyceride Formula to Prevent Malnutrition and Growth Impairment in Infants With Biliary Atresia

Early life growth and developmental trajectory in children with biliary atresia undergoing primary liver transplantation

Objective

To clarify the early growth and developmental characteristics of children with biliary atresia (BA) undergoing primary liver transplantation (pLT).

Methods

A prospective cohort study, which specifically focused on BA-pLT children, was conducted after the diagnosis of BA by following the children at the time of pLT and 1, 3, 5, 7 months and 1 year after pLT for growth and developmental monitoring. The growth parameters were calculated according to the WHO standard, and the developmental status was assessed using Denver Developmental Screening Tests.

Results

A total of 48 BA children who received pLT at the age of 5.00 ± 0.94 months were analyzed. The weight-for-age Z-value (Z_W) and length-for-age Z-value (Z_L) were higher than the head circumference-for-age Z-value (Z_HC) at pLT (P = 0.002 and 0.02), but they were all lower than the WHO growth standard (Z = 0) (P < 0.001). The Z_W and Z_HC decreased first and then returned to the population level at 1 year after pLT, while the Z_L only returned to the preoperative status and was lower than the Z_W and Z_HC (P < 0.001). Developmental screening showed that 35% (17/48) of the children were defined as suspicious and 15% (7/48) were abnormal at 1-4 months after pLT, the most likely time to be suspected of developmental delay. At 1 year after pLT, gross motor skill delay still existed (12/45, 27%), and language skill delay began to appear (4/45, 9%).

Conclusions

BA-pLT children suffer from growth and developmental problems. Low Z_HC is the main growth problem before pLT, while low Z_L is the problem after pLT. Developmental delays are significant after pLT, especially in motor and language skills. The current study suggested that further studies are warranted to clarify the long-term growth and developmental outcomes of BA-pLT children, to compare them with children undergoing the Kasai procedure and to explore their influencing factors and possible mechanisms.

Malnutrition in Biliary Atresia: Assessment, Management, and Outcomes

Children with biliary atresia (BA), particularly infants, are at high risk for malnutrition attributed to a multitude of factors, including poor oral intake and intolerance of enteral feeding, fat malabsorption, abnormal nutrient metabolism, and increased caloric demand. Malnutrition and sarcopenia negatively impact outcomes in BA, leading to higher pretransplant and posttransplant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies in BA and offers an organized approach to the assessment and management of malnutrition in this vulnerable population.

Efficacy and tolerance of enteral nutrition in children with biliary atresia awaiting liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is common in children with biliary atresia (BA) awaiting liver transplantation (LT). Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of enteral nutrition (EN) in these patients. The objective of this work was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of EN in children with BA awaiting LT.

METHODS

A total of 31 patients with BA followed between 1995 and 2018 were retrospectively included. Anthropometric indicators (weight, length, and head circumference) and adverse effects of EN were noted at the start (T0) and the end (T1) of EN. The z-scores for anthropometric indicators were compared between T0 and T1.

RESULTS

The median age at T0 was 7 months (interquartile range [IQR] 5-9), and the median duration of EN was 9 months (IQR 3-17). The z-scores for anthropometric variables improved from T0 to T1: -1.6 (IQR -2.5 to -1.0) to -0.5 (IQR -1.8 to 0.3) for median weight for age; -1.3 (IQR -2.4 to 0) to -0.4 (IQR -2.0 to 0.7) for length for age; -0.9 (IQR -2.3 to -0.3) to -0.3 (IQR -1.2 to 0.1) for weight for length; and -1.2 (IQR -2.1 to -0.6) to -0.2 (IQR -1.6 to 0.4) for body mass index (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Nearly all (94%) of the patients had a weight-for-length z-score > -2 at the end of EN; 23% had adverse effects and 10% had complications leading to the cessation of EN.

CONCLUSION

EN is effective and well tolerated in infants with BA awaiting LT.

Secondary Malnutrition and Nutritional Intervention in Cholestatic Liver Diseases in Infants

We aimed to conduct an updated review on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and nutritional intervention of CCLD and secondary malnutrition in infants. Protein-energy malnutrition, impaired linear growth, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, and hepatic osteodystrophy can occur in up to 80% of cases. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include insufficient energy intake, lipid- and fat-soluble vitamin malabsorption, increased energy expenditure, altered intermediate metabolism, hormonal dysregulation, and systemic inflammation. The current approach to diagnosis is the identification of the deviation of growth parameters, body composition, and serum concentration of micronutrients, which determines the type and magnitude of malnutrition. Currently, liver transplantation is the best therapeutic alternative for the reversal of nutritional impairment. Early and effective portoenteroanatomosis can extend survival in patients with biliary atresia. Medical and dietary interventions in some storage and metabolic diseases can improve liver damage and thus the nutritional status. A proportion of patients with biliary atresia have fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies despite receiving these vitamins in a water-soluble form. With aggressive enteral nutrition, it may be possible to increase fat stores and preserve muscle mass and growth. The nutritional issues identified in the pre- and post-transplantation stages include muscle mass loss, bone demineralization, growth retardation, and obesity, which seems to correspond to the natural history of CCLD. Due to the implications for the growth and development of infants with CCLD with this complex malnutrition syndrome, innovative projects are required, such as the generation of prediction and risk models, biomarkers of growth and body composition, and effective strategies for nutritional prevention and intervention.

Malnutrition in Pediatric Chronic Cholestatic Disease: An Up-to-Date Overview

Despite recent advances, the causes of and effective therapies for pediatric chronic cholestatic diseases remain elusive, and many patients progress to liver failure and need liver transplantation. Malnutrition is a common complication in these patients and is a well-recognized, tremendous challenge for the clinician. We undertook a narrative review of both recent and relevant older literature, published during the last 20 years, for studies linking nutrition to pediatric chronic cholestasis. The collected data confirm that malnutrition and failure to thrive are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality, and they also affect the outcomes of liver transplantation, including long-term survival. Malnutrition in children with chronic liver disease is multifactorial and with multiple potential nutritional deficiencies. To improve life expectancy and the quality of life, patients require careful assessments and appropriate management of their nutritional statuses by multidisciplinary teams, which can identify and/or prevent specific deficiencies and initiate appropriate interventions. Solutions available for the clinical management of these children in general, as well as those directed to specific etiologies, are summarized. We particularly focus on fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and malnutrition due to fat malabsorption. Supplemental feeding, including medium-chain triglycerides, essential fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, and the extra calories needed to overcome the consequences of anorexia and high energy requirements, is reviewed. Future studies should address the need for further improving commercially available and nutritionally complete infant milk formulae for the dietary management of this fragile category of patients. The aid of a specialist dietitian, educational training regarding nutritional guidelines for stakeholders, and improving family nutritional health literacy appear essential.

Bilateral asymmetry in arm anthropometric measurements according to laterality and nutritional status in children and adolescents from 6 to 12 years old

OBJECTIVE

To compare and correlate anthropometric measurements of the left arm versus the right arm and to establish their relation to laterality, sex, and nutritional status in children and adolescents from 6 to 12 years of age.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included 605 children and adolescents (285 males; 320 females), with a middle socioeconomic status, that attended an urban elementary school. Anthropometric measurements were taken in both arms, along with height and weight, to assess nutritional status. Self-reported hand preference was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 49.3% were females and 93% of the subjects were right-handed (n = 563). The mean comparison of right arm and left arm measurements and areas, according to laterality, showed differences in arm fat measurements, with higher values in the right arm. However, the mean difference in triceps skinfold and upper arm measurements between the right arm and left arm was smaller than the technical error of measurement. Significant differences were observed between arm measurements and areas. Upper arm and total upper arm areas of both arms had the highest regression coefficients, with an adjusted R² of .98, whereas the arm fat index had the lowest (adjusted R² of .88). Adjusting the previous differences between the right arm and left arm by age, sex, BMI, and laterality produced similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Statistical but not clinically significant differences were found between some measurements and areas of both arms, discretely modified in models adjusted for age and BMI, so the measurements can be made on either arm.

Mortality Determinants in Children with Biliary Atresia Awaiting Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors for waitlist mortality in children with biliary atresia listed for liver transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN

There were 2704 children with biliary atresia (<12 years of age) listed for a first liver transplant (2002-2018) in the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Fine-Gray regression models for competing risks analysis (main risk = waitlist mortality/delisting owing to too sick; competing risk = liver transplantation) were implemented to identify risk factors for waitlist mortality.

RESULTS

The median waitlist time was 83 days (IQR, 34-191). The cumulative incidence of waitlist mortality was 5.2%. In multivariable analysis (n = 2253), increasing bilirubin level (P < .001), portal vein thrombosis (P = .03), and ventilator dependence (P < .001) at listing were associated with a higher risk, whereas weight ≥10 kg at listing (P = .009) was associated with a lower risk of waitlist mortality. When ascites at listing was included in multivariable analysis (n = 1376), it was associated with a higher risk for the composite outcome (P = .03). Encephalopathy at listing was not associated with waitlist mortality (n = 1376; P = .15).

CONCLUSIONS

These parameters can be used to more objectively prioritize children with biliary atresia awaiting liver transplantation and identify children with biliary atresia-related end-stage liver disease at high-risk of mortality.

Body Composition of Infants With Biliary Atresia: Anthropometric Measurements and Computed Tomography-based Body Metrics

OBJECTIVES

Biliary atresia (BA) causes neonatal cholestasis that requires hepatoportoenterostomy or liver transplantation (LT) for long-term survival. Nutritional optimization is necessary as sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have been associated with adverse clinical outcome. Currently, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) is considered the most accurate indicator. The aim of the study was to determine computed tomography (CT)-based body metrics in infants with BA and to evaluate its correlation with MUAC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all BA infants below 2 years of age who underwent CT as part of LT screening at our hospital between 2006 and 2019. Measured variables were indexed with length and included: MUAC, total psoas muscle surface area (tPMSA), cross-sectional skeletal muscle area (CSMA), and total abdominal fat area. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Pearson coefficients were calculated. CSMA-to-abdominal fat area ratio was divided in quartiles, the lowest quartile group was considered sarcopenic obese.

RESULTS

Eighty infants with a median age of 4.6 months at LT screening were included. Intraclass correlation coefficients were: tPMSA = 0.94, CSMA = 0.92, and total abdominal fat area = 0.99. Correlation between MUAC z-score and indices of tPMSA, CSMA, and total abdominal fat area were r = 0.02, r = 0.06, and r = 0.43, respectively. The cut-off for sarcopenic obesity was CSMA-to-abdominal fat area ratio below 0.93.

CONCLUSIONS

In BA infants, it is possible to determine CT-based body metrics during LT screening with very strong interobserver agreement. Poor correlation between CT-based body metrics and MUAC suggests that CT-based body metrics provide additional information on body composition in BA infants, such as relative muscle mass.

Feeding practices in 6-24-month-old children with chronic cholestatic liver diseases: a mixed-method study

Background

Children with chronic cholestatic liver diseases have a high risk of malnutrition. However, nutritional management in China has received little attention, and there has been limited evidence regarding improving these practices. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding status of chronic cholestatic children aged 6–24 months and to explore their parents’ experiences with feeding practices.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted among parents of 74 children with chronic cholestatic liver diseases. The Infant and Young Child Feeding Index (ICFI) was used to collect quantitative data of feeding practices. In-depth interviews with parents were performed to generate qualitative data. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of inappropriate feeding practices. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Only 16.2% of the children had appropriate feeding practices. In terms of dairy products, the rate of breastfeeding, medium-chain triglyceride formula feeding, and regular formula feeding were 25.7, 39.2 and 44.6% respectively. The complementary feeding rate was 68.8%, and the age of adding complementary foods was 6.9 ± 1.7 months. Consumption of foods from animal sources was suboptimal, 66.7% of the children aged 6–8 months and 45.5% of the children aged 9–11 months had carbohydrates as a single source of complementary foods and had no intake of meat, eggs or bean products, while in the age group 12–24 months, 52.0% of the children had eggs less than 2 days/week, 60.0% had meat less than 2 days/week, and 60.0% had no intake of bean products. Low literacy of the primary care provider was significantly related to inappropriate feeding practices (adjusted OR 5.52; 95% CI 1.29, 23.66). The result of the interviews indicated that parents generally lacked the scientific knowledge of feeding and thought that the intake of animal source foods and oils would be a burden to the liver and cause damage to the liver functions.

Conclusion

Parents generally lacked science-based feeding knowledge and the feeding practices in 6–24-month-old children diagnosed with chronic cholestatic liver diseases fell short of the recommendations in current nutritional guidelines. Appropriate interventions targeting social and cultural family circumstances should therefore be included in supporting parents in feeding practices to improve children’s clinical outcomes.

The use of extensively hydrolysed and amino acid feeds beyond cow's milk allergy: a national survey

BACKGROUND

Extensively hydrolysed formulas (EHFs) and amino acid formulas (AAFs) with proven hypoallergenicity are used for children suffering from cow's milk allergy, when breast milk is not available. However, these feeds are often used in other medical conditions where tolerance and absorption of whole protein is affected, frequently without assessment of efficacy. This practice survey assessed the use of these feeds in paediatric conditions other than cow's milk allergy; aiming to describe the population, growth parameters and micronutrient status.

METHODS

Four National Health Service tertiary paediatric centres participated in this practice survey. Inclusion: children between 0 and 18 years, consuming >25% of their estimated energy requirements of an EHF/AAF for any condition other than allergic disease. Anonymised data were collected: (i) descriptive information; (ii) indications; (iii) type and route of feeding; (iv) growth status and nutritional deficiencies; and (v) medication and vitamin and mineral supplementation.

RESULTS

One hundred-and-ninety-one children were included with a median age of 19 months (interquartile range 4-63]. Seventeen percent (33/191) were on AAFs and 83% (158/191) were on EHFs. The feeds were commonly used in cancer for 26% and in critical illness for 31%. The majority (73%) of children had enteral feeds via a nasogastric tube. Nutritional biomarkers were performed in 29% of children and 83% were on a vitamin or mineral supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

This practice survey found that EHFs and AAFs were used in a variety of medical conditions. Indications for feed choice varied, and evidence-based research supporting the use was scarce. Awaiting further research, children on these types of feeds should have regular nutritional monitoring.

Relationship of anthropometric indexes and indicators of body composition by arm anthropometry on hospitalized pediatric patients

Introduction

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of arm anthropometric indicators with direct indicators of nutritional status in hospitalized pediatric patients. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study with 760 patients hospitalized in the Pediatric Division of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara during 2014 was used. The anthropometric indices were weight/length, weight/height, weight/age, length/age, height/age, head circumference/age and body mass index (BMI)/age. The arm indicators were mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), total arm area (TAA), arm muscle area (AMA), arm fat area (AFA) and fat percentage (FP). The ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Pearson's correlation tests and also odds ratios were used to identify the probability of nutritional status impairment. Results: the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition was higher in infants (31% and 30%, respectively). With arm areas (TAA, AMA, AFA), the risk of deficit (≤ -2DE) was higher in infants and early preschoolers (p < 0.001). The correlation between the anthropometric indexes and the arm areas was direct and significant (p < 0.001). The BMI variability was explained in 68% by the AMA, AFA, and FP (p < 0.001); the variability of the height/age index was also explained in 34% by the AMA and AFA (p < 0.001). Conclusion: it is possible to diagnose both a chronic and acute deficit using the indirect indicators of the arm, while the body mass index only reflects an acute deficit. Therefore, arm areas would be more useful indicators in the assessment of nutritional status and the diagnosis of chronic-acute malnutrition in hospitalized pediatric patients.

Error traps and culture of safety in biliary atresia

Biliary atresia is a progressive inflammatory sclerosing disease of the bile ducts in the neonatal liver. Without surgical intervention these patients are destined to succumb to the disease. The development of the hepatoportoenterostomy in 1959 and liver transplantation in 1963 ushered a new era of success treating these patients. While many surgical modifications and adjuncts to treatment have been attempted over the last 50 years, the mainstay of treatment to give the child the best chance at prolonged survival with the native liver is a properly performed operation, in a timely fashion, with minimal post-operative complications. This review presents the authors current practice guideline to achieve these goals.

Malnutrition in Children With Chronic Disease

Malnutrition occurs when nutrient intake does not meet the needs for normal body functions and as a consequence leads to alterations of growth and development in children. Chronic illness puts children at risk for developing malnutrition. Because of children's rapid periods of growth and development, early diagnosis, prevention, and management of malnutrition are paramount. The reasons for malnutrition in children with chronic disease are multifactorial and are related to the underlying disease and non-illness-associated factors. This review addresses the causes, evaluation, and management of malnutrition in pediatric congenital heart disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and cystic fibrosis.

Resolving Malnutrition With Parenteral Nutrition Before Liver Transplant in Biliary Atresia

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition is a common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) associated with poor liver transplant outcomes. Nasogastric feeds are used for nutritional supplementation, but some patients remain malnourished. Parenteral nutrition (PN) can be effective, but has potential complications. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of PN on anthropometric measures in children with ESLD awaiting liver transplant. Secondary objectives were evaluation of PN-associated complications, liver function tests, pediatric end-stage liver disease scores, waitlist time, and post-transplant length of stay (total and time in the intensive care unit).

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective chart review analyzing pediatric patients with ESLD receiving PN who were transplanted during a 6-year period. Data were trended and described over time, as were the relationships between anthropometric data and time receiving PN.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients with ESLD were transplanted between January 2010 and December 2015. Eighteen (41%) received PN before transplant; all had biliary atresia with median age at transplant of 10 months (range, 5-18 months). Mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness showed resolution of malnutrition in 7 patients (39%) with normalization of 1 measure in another 4 patients (22%). Of the remaining, 6 had improved z scores and 1 had worsening malnutrition. No deaths occurred in patients receiving PN. Central line infection rates were 3.8/1000 catheter days with 8 total infections in 6 patients over a total of 2117 catheter days.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with ESLD and malnutrition who have failed enteral feeding may benefit from PN to improve and/or resolve malnutrition before liver transplant.

Body Composition Predicts Growth in Infants and Toddlers With Chronic Liver Disease

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 infants and toddlers with chronic liver disease to validate arm anthropometry as an accurate measure of body composition (BC) compared to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and to predict growth from BC. The z score means of the anthropometric indicators were <-2 standard deviation, except for body fat index and subscapular skinfold, which were between -2 and +2 standard deviation. Fat mass was predicted by arm adiposity indicators and fat-free mass by arm muscle area. Bone mineral content explained 87% of variation in length. Two multiple regression models predicted length: 1 with fat mass plus fat-free mass; and the second with fat mass and bone mineral content. These observations suggest that arm anthropometry is a useful tool to estimate BC and the nutritional status in infants and toddlers with chronic liver disease. Length and head circumference can be predicted by fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mineral content.

Living donor liver transplantation for post-Kasai biliary atresia: Analysis of pretransplant predictors of outcomes in infants

After decades of dramatic surgical innovations in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), LDLT for biliary atresia (BA) still poses various challenges. This study reviewed our experience with LDLT for children with post-Kasai BA and evaluated outcomes and prognostic factors. From 2005 to 2016, 168 post-Kasai BA LDLT patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups by age. Patient characteristics and perioperative data were compared. Predictors of morbidity and mortality following LDLT were analyzed in 93 infants. Outcome was relatively worse in infants than older children, with overall survival at 1 and 5 years of 94.5% and 93.2%, respectively, and graft survival at 1 and 5 years of 91.1% each. Incidence of vascular complications was not significantly higher in infants. High Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score (odds ratio [OR], 3.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-10.67; P = 0.02) and portal vein (PV) hypoplasia (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.10-9.52; P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for morbidity. Low weight-for-age z score (hazard ratio, 5.76; 95% CI, 1.05-31.47; P = 0.03) was identified as a significant risk factor for mortality after LDLT, but not age or absolute body weight (BW). Infants with BW deficit had a significantly smaller PV diameter (P = 0.005), greater blood loss (P = 0.001), and higher incidence of postoperative bacteremia (P = 0.01). In conclusion, high PELD score and PV hypoplasia were independent risk factors for morbidity, and BW deficit was associated with poor survival in infants with post-Kasai BA after LDLT. However, LDLT in these infants at the earliest possible time after referral is a feasible option with excellent patient survival in an experienced center. Liver Transplantation 23 1199-1209 2017 AASLD.

A rich medium-chain triacylglycerol diet benefits adiposity but has adverse effects on the markers of hepatic lipogenesis and beta-oxidation

We investigated the increasing amounts of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) in the diet on hepatic lipid metabolism.

Biliary atresia: Indications and timing of liver transplantation and optimization of pretransplant care

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive, fibro-obliterative disorder of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts in infancy. The majority of affected children will eventually develop end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation (LT). Indications for LT in BA include failed Kasai portoenterostomy, significant and recalcitrant malnutrition, recurrent cholangitis, and the progressive manifestations of portal hypertension. Extrahepatic complications of this disease, such as hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension, are also indications for LT. Optimal pretransplant management of these potentially life-threatening complications and maximizing nutrition and growth require the expertise of a multidisciplinary team with experience caring for BA. The timing of transplant for BA requires careful consideration of the potential risk of transplant versus the survival benefit at any given stage of disease. Children with BA often experience long wait times for transplant unless exception points are granted to reflect severity of disease. Family preparedness for this arduous process is therefore critical. Liver Transplantation 23:96-109 2017 AASLD.