Nutritional therapy complications in children with ultra-short bowel syndrome include growth deficiency but not cholestasis

An Overview of Parenteral Nutrition from Birth to Adolescence Based on a Composite Fish Oil Containing Lipid Emulsion and a Pediatric Amino Acid Solution

Intestinal failure (IF) is characterized by a critical reduction in functional gut mass below the minimum needed for optimal growth in children. It requires parenteral nutrition (PN) and home-PN (HPN), which is challenging in terms of meeting nutritional needs according to age, growth velocity, clinical situation, and rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte requirements. Due to these complex requirements, age-adapted multi-chamber bags (MCBs) are important additions to the nutrition armamentarium. The launch of composite fish oil (FO)-containing intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) heralded the development of MCBs containing these ILEs in combination with a crystalline amino acid solution adapted for pediatric use. The safety and efficacy of lipid and amino acid components in this context have been widely documented in numerous published studies. This narrative manuscript includes a review of the articles published in PudMed, Embase, and Google Scholar up to June 2023 for the age groups of term infants to children and adolescents. Preterm infants with their highly specific demands are not included. It aims to offer an overview of the clinical experience regarding the use of a composite FO-based ILE and a developed specific amino acid solution.

Metabolic Bone Disease in Children with Intestinal Failure and Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a possible complication of intestinal failure (IF), with a multi-factorial pathogenesis. The reduction of bone density (BMD) may be radiologically evident before manifestation of clinical signs (bone pain, vertebral compression, and fractures). Diagnosis relies on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Incidence and evolution of MBD are not homogeneously reported in children. The aim of this systematic review was to define the prevalence of MBD in IF children and to describe risk factors for its development. A comprehensive search of electronic bibliographic databases up to December 2021 was conducted. Randomized controlled trials; observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective studies; and case series published between 1970 and 2021 were included. Twenty observational studies (six case-control) were identified and mostly reported definitions of MBD based on DXA parameters. Although the prevalence and definition of MBD was largely heterogeneous, low BMD was found in up to 45% of IF children and correlated with age, growth failure, and specific IF etiologies. Data demonstrate that long-term follow-up with repeated DXA and calcium balance assessment is warranted in IF children even when PN dependence is resolved. Etiology and outcomes of MBD will be better defined by longitudinal prospective studies focused on prognosis and therapeutic perspectives.

Bone mineral density and vitamin D in paediatric intestinal failure patients receiving home parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are dependent on long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to ensure growth and development. The primary aim of the present study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status in paediatric IF patients on HPN and a group of healthy children aged 2-18 years. Secondary aims were to assess growth, body composition, nutrient provision and physical activity.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was performed at Oslo University Hospital and at the Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, from January to September 2017. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy in IF patients and Lunar iDXA in healthy subjects) was performed to assess BMD and body composition. BMD z-score (BMDz) was calculated for total body and lumbar spine L2-L4 based on the integrated reference population in the software. Weight and height were measured for growth assessment. Nutrient provision was assessed by a 4-day food record. Blood samples were analysed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D). Physical activity was reported by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nineteen IF patients and 50 healthy children were included. The mean age of participants was 10.0 years. The aetiology of IF patients was paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (58%), short bowel syndrome (26%), and intestinal enteropathy (16%). Lower median BMDz for total body (-0.4 vs 1.1, P < 0.001) and lumbar spine L2-L4 (-0.9 vs 0.2, P = 0.01) were found in the IF group compared with the healthy children. Vitamin D provision was significantly higher in IF patients (17 μg/d vs 5.3 μg/d, P < 0.001). Both groups were sufficient in 25(OH)D (IF patients 71 nmol/L vs healthy 81 nmol/L). Nevertheless, IF patients had significantly lower 1,25(OH)₂D than healthy children (71 pmol/L vs 138 pmol/L, P < 0.001). The IF group was significantly shorter (height for age z-score -1,5 vs 0,1, P = 0.001) and lighter (weight for age z-score -1,0 vs 0,1, P = 0.009) compared with the healthy subjects. BMIz did not differ; however, body fat percentage was significantly higher in IF patients compared with healthy children (34% vs 25%, P = 0.02). A lower frequency of physical activity was found in the IF group compared with the healthy group (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric IF patients on HPN had lower BMD, impaired growth, and higher body fat percentage in comparison with the healthy children. Despite a higher total supply of vitamin D in the IF group, the levels of 25(OH)D did not differ. Nevertheless, a significantly lower level of 1,25(OH)₂D was found in IF patients. The results raise questions regarding differences between oral and parenteral vitamin D provision and whether intestinal function is important for the metabolism of vitamin D.

TRIAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Clinical Trials AEV2017/1. 2016/391/REK sør-øst B REVISION NUMBER: CLNESP-D-20-00022.

Ultra-short bowel syndrome during infancy: improving outcomes and novel therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ultra-short bowel syndrome is relatively rare and has not yet been extensively reported. In ultra-short bowel syndrome, poor absorption of nutrients and dysmotility, interfere with fluid, energy, electrolyte and micronutrient balance. Patients with this disorder are managed through prolonged parenteral nutrition with the ultimate goal of achieving enteral autonomy. Overall outcomes of these patients are dependent on postsurgical bowel anatomy (residual length, intact colon, ostomy closure timing), incidence of sepsis, and care by a multidisciplinary specialized team.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the years, standardization of management has improved outcomes. This includes central line care, lipid alternatives, enteral therapy, medications (antidiarrheal agents, acid suppression medications, bile acid binding salts, and enteral antibiotics) including Teduglutide. Bowel lengthening procedures have also proven beneficial, and finally bowel transplant does remain an option for a patient in whom rehabilitation has failed.

SUMMARY

Although there are many factors that influence outcomes of ultra-short bowel patients, novel therapies such as Teduglutide have been introduced with the aim of improving intestinal adaptation. Surgical lengthening and transplant are viable options in the setting of failed rehabilitation.

Short bowel syndrome in children and adults: from rehabilitation to transplantation

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a dramatic clinical condition in both children and adults; the residual bowel length is not sufficient to avoid intestinal failure, with subsequent malnutrition and growth retardation, and intravenous support is required to provide the nutrients normally coming from the intestine. Apart from the primary disease, the medical status can be worsened by complications of intestinal failure: if there are irreversible, the prognosis is poor unless a successful intestinal rehabilitation is achieved. Areas covered: The rescue of the remnant small bowel requires a multidisciplinary expertise to achieve digestive autonomy. The use of intestinal trophic factors has shown encouraging results in improving the intestinal adaptation process. Whenever the residual bowel length is inadequate, in a well-selected population weaning parenteral nutrition (PN) off could be attempted by surgery through lengthening procedures. A further subset of patients, with total and irreversible intestinal failure and severe complications on PN, may have an indication to intestinal transplantation. This procedure is still affected by poor long-term results. Expert commentary: Novel approaches developed through a multidisciplinary team work, such as manipulation of microbiota or tissue bioengineering, should be added to current therapies to treat successfully SBS.