Impact of Individualized Diet Intervention on Body Composition and Respiratory Variables in Children With Respiratory Insufficiency: A Pilot Intervention Study

Nutrition support in children with medical complexity and chronic critical illness: A narrative review

Children with medical complexity (CMC) and children with chronic critical illness (CCI) represent growing populations with high healthcare use and dependence on specialized care, both in the hospital and community setting. Nutrition assessment and delivery represent critical components of addressing the short-term and long-term health needs for these populations across the care continuum. This article provides a framework and reviews existing literature for the assessment of nutrition status and subsequent delivery of nutrition prescriptions in CMC and children with CCI. The specific aims are to (1) describe the epidemiology of health services experience for CMC and children with CCI, with a focus on their nutrition outcomes; (2) detail how to assess their nutrition status and energy requirements; (3) review methods of delivery of the nutrient prescription; (4) introduce perioperative considerations; (5) highlight examples of special populations of CMC and children with CCI; and (6) propose future research initiatives to improve nutrition and overall outcomes for these populations.

Exploring the Influence of Concurrent Nutritional Therapy on Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Receiving Nusinersen Treatment

Background This study examines spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease associated with malnutrition. Our goals are to assess how effectively screening tools can detect malnutrition and evaluate the impact of nutritional interventions on neurological outcomes, particularly motor functions. Methods Thirty-seven genetically diagnosed SMA patients (types 1, 2, and 3) under nusinersen therapy were included in the study. The nutritional status of these patients was assessed by using anthropometric measurements, including height for age (HFA), weight for height (WFH), and body mass index (BMI) before and after the study. Additionally, the risk of malnutrition was determined using screening tools, namely the Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP). Nutritional counseling followed the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines and considered the patients' dietary history, including content and administration method. Motor functions were assessed by validated tests: the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) and the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE). Result The study showed an improvement in HFA, by a change from -0.95 to -0.65 (p = 0.015). Conversely, BMI scores decreased from 0.08 to -0.54 (p = 0.015), while WFH and MUAC showed no significant alterations (p = 0.135, p = 0.307). Following nutritional interventions, HFMSE demonstrated a median increase from 29.5 to 30.5 (p = 0.023). Patients identified as being at high risk for malnutrition based on PYMS and STAMP belonged to the moderate-to-severe malnutrition group (BMI Z-score ≤ -2, p = 0.001). Conclusions Use of screening tools in SMA patients is highly beneficial for the early detection of malnutrition. Future research should highlight the importance of combining nutritional management with nusinersen therapy to potentially alter the disease trajectory, especially in motor and neurological functions.

Measuring the Resting Energy Expenditure in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study

Both overfeeding and underfeeding critically ill children are problematic. This prospective pilot study evaluated the resting energy expenditure in infants and children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. An indirect calorimeter was used to measure oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ) from the mechanical ventilator. Blood gases were used to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 from the ECMO circuit. Values from the mechanical ventilator and ECMO circuit were added, and the resting energy expenditure (REE) (Kcal/kg/day) was calculated. Measurements were obtained > 24 hours after ECMO support was initiated (day 2 of ECMO), 1 day before ECMO discontinuation or transfer, and 1 day after decannulation. Data were compared with the predicted energy expenditure. Seven patients aged 3 months to 13 years were included. The REE varied greatly both above and below predicted values, from 26 to 154 KCal/kg/day on day 2 of ECMO support. In patients with septic shock, the REE was > 300% above the predicted value on day 2 of ECMO. Before ECMO discontinuation, two of six (33%) children continued to have a REE > 110% of predicted. Three patients had measurements after decannulation, all with a REE < 90% of predicted. REE measurements can be obtained by indirect calorimetry in children receiving ECMO support. ECMO may not provide metabolic rest for all children as a wide variation in REE was observed. For optimal care, individual testing should be considered to match calories provided with the metabolic demand.

Update on pediatric gastroparesis: A review of the published literature and recommendations for future research

BACKGROUND

Due to scarcity of scientific literature on pediatric gastroparesis, there is a need to summarize current evidence and identify areas requiring further research. The aim of this study was to provide an evidence-based review of the available literature on the prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric gastroparesis.

METHODS

A search of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines with the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts for eligibility.

KEY RESULTS

Our search yielded 1085 original publications, 135 of which met inclusion criteria. Most articles were of retrospective study design. Only 12 randomized controlled trials were identified, all of which were in infants. The prevalence of pediatric gastroparesis is unknown. Gastroparesis may be suspected based on clinical symptoms although these are often non-specific. The 4-hour nuclear scintigraphy scan remains gold standard for diagnosis despite lack of pediatric normative comparison data. Therapeutic approaches include dietary modifications, prokinetic drugs, and postpyloric enteral tube feeds. For refractory cases, intrapyloric botulinum toxin and surgical interventions such as gastric electrical stimulation may be warranted. Most interventions still lack rigorous supportive data.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric gastroparesis are challenging due to paucity of published evidence. Larger and more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to improve outcomes.

Comprehensive nutritional and metabolic assessment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy: Opportunity for an individualized approach

Optimal nutrition support is recommended for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In a prospective study, we performed comprehensive nutritional assessments with the aim to guide best nutritional strategies for patients with SMA types II and III. We recorded a) anthropometry; b) macro- and micronutrient intakes; c) measured resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry; and d) body composition including dual X-ray absorptiometry. We enrolled a cohort of 21 patients aged 3 to 36 years of which 13 were female; 19 had SMA type II and 2 had SMA type III. The body mass index z-score ranged from -3 to 2.4. Forty-five percent of the cohort was either underfed or overfed, based on the difference between actual energy intake and measured resting energy expenditure. Vitamin D, E, K, folate and calcium intakes were low in a majority of the cohort. Forty-five percent of the cohort was either hypometabolic or hypermetabolic. Fat mass index (kg/m²) was significantly higher and lean body mass index (kg/m²) was significantly lower in the study cohort compared to population normalized values. Bone mineral density was low in 13 of 17 patients. In summary, we have described the prevalence of malnutrition, suboptimal feeding and alterations in body composition in children with SMA. A comprehensive nutritional assessment could guide individualized nutrition therapy in this vulnerable population.

Body Composition in Children with Chronic Illness: Accuracy of Bedside Assessment Techniques

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of estimated fat mass and fat-free mass from bedside methods compared with reference methods in children with chronic illnesses.

STUDY DESIGN

Fat mass and fat-free mass values were obtained by skinfold, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and deuterium dilution method in children with spinal muscular atrophy, intestinal failure, and post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Spearman's correlation and agreement analyses were performed between (1) fat mass values estimated by skinfold equations and by DXA and (2) fat-free mass values estimated by BIA equations and by DXA and deuterium dilution methods. Limits of agreement between estimating and reference methods within ±20% were deemed clinically acceptable.

RESULTS

Fat mass and fat-free mass values from 90 measurements in 56 patients, 55% male, and median age of 11.6 years were analyzed. Correlation coefficients between the skinfold-estimated fat mass values and DXA were 0.93-0.94 and between BIA-estimated fat-free mass values and DXA were 0.92-0.97. Limits of agreement between estimated and DXA values of fat mass and fat-free mass were greater than ±20% for all equations. Correlation coefficients between estimated fat-free mass values and deuterium dilution method in 35 encounters were 0.87-0.91, and limits of agreement were greater than ±20%.

CONCLUSION

Estimated body composition values derived from skinfold and BIA may not be reliable in children with chronic illnesses. An accurate noninvasive method to estimate body composition in this cohort is desirable.

Nutritional Status and Nutrient Intake Challenges in Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

BACKGROUND

Nutrition is recognized as a core component of multidisciplinary care for patients with spinal muscular atrophy, but specific nutritional challenges in this population are not well described. We aimed to describe the nutritional status and nutrient intake in children with spinal muscular atrophy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective medical record review of prospectively collected data from children with spinal muscular atrophy followed at a multidisciplinary clinic at a tertiary referral center. We collected data including clinical parameters; anthropometrics, including weight, height, and body mass index (BMI); and 24-hour dietary intake records in all children followed in the clinic. Available data were found in records from the dietitian as part of a standard evaluation process, and additional clinical data were acquired from patient medical records. Subjects were classified based on spinal muscular atrophy type, and nutritional intake data were compared with dietary reference intakes for gender and age. Z-scores were calculated for weight for age (WAZ), height for age, and BMI (BMIZ) using the World Health Organization AnthroPlus software with appropriate World Health Organization reference growth standards. Subjects were classified as malnourished if their WAZ was <-2 or >+2. Anthropometric measurements were obtained at first visit and at a follow-up visit at an average of a 3-year interval between the clinic visits. A decline of more than 0.5 WAZ over this period was defined a priori as significant nutritional deterioration.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 60 subjects, 26 (43%) female, with median age 5.5 years (interquartile range 2 years to 12 years). The cohort consisted of children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (28 %), type 2 (45 %), and type 3 (27 %). At the first clinic visit, nine (15%) patients were malnourished. Thirteen (23%) subjects had a significant decline in WAZ from -0.35 (-1.31 to 0.58) to -1.04 (-2.15 to 0.02) at follow-up after approximately 3 years. A third of these subjects were already malnourished at first visit. A significant decline in BMIZ was noted in 47% of the cohort, and the prevalence of severe malnutrition (BMIZ < -3) increased from 2% to 17% after 3 years. In children receiving specialized enteral nutrition via a feeding tube, overfeeding was recorded in 29% and underfeeding was recorded in 35%. Suboptimal vitamin D intake was recorded in 35% of patients with enteral feeding device.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition was prevalent in children with spinal muscular atrophy, and nearly half the cohort demonstrated nutritional deterioration over time. Energy, protein, and vitamin D intakes were inadequate in a majority of the cohort. Underfeeding was highly prevalent, but overfeeding was also present in a third of the enterally fed cohort. Future studies describing optimal nutrient requirements and body composition variables in this group are required.