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Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis related to parental care
Peggy A Wu1, John A Kerner, William E Berquist
1Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Insights
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in a child with short bowel syndrome resolved with improved care. This case highlights the role of infection prevention in managing PNAC and potentially avoiding liver transplants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) is a serious complication in pediatric patients, sometimes necessitating liver transplantation.
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) increases the risk of PNAC due to prolonged reliance on parenteral nutrition.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient with SBS developed end-stage liver failure attributed to PNAC.
- The child experienced recurrent infections and sepsis under the care of abusive parents.
Findings:
- A significant improvement in liver function was observed after the child was transferred to an attentive foster mother.
- Liver enzymes (AST) and bilirubin levels dramatically decreased, resolving the need for a liver transplant.
- Bacterial infection and sepsis were identified as key risk factors associated with PNAC and liver transplant requirements.
Implications:
- This case suggests that meticulous infection control, facilitated by a dedicated caregiver, may be crucial in preventing severe PNAC.
- Optimizing caregiving practices could potentially reduce the incidence of PNAC and the need for liver transplantation in vulnerable pediatric populations.
- The findings underscore the link between environmental factors, infection, and liver health in children receiving parenteral nutrition.
Abstract:
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) is a complication not uncommon in the pediatric population. In severe cases, patients require a liver transplant. To our knowledge, we report the only case of PNAC with end-stage liver failure in a child with short bowel syndrome that resolved with a change in caretaker. Until his care was transferred from his abusive parents, he was frequently admitted for infection and sepsis. His liver function vastly improved from aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 3139 units/L, conjugated bilirubin 25.9 mg/dL to AST 47 units/L, direct bilirubin 0.3 mg/dL under the care of his attentive foster mother, and a liver transplant was no longer necessary. Bacterial infection and sepsis are risk factors correlated with patients with PNAC requiring liver transplant. Prevention of infection by a good caregiver may be a means to reduce the incidence of PNAC.
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