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Published on: December 1, 2012

Prevalence of life-threatening complications in pediatric patients affected by intestinal failure

A Diamanti1, M S Basso, M Castro

  • 1Home Artificial Nutrition Center, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy. diamanti@opbg.net

Transplantation Proceedings
|June 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with intestinal failure (IF) on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) face serious complications. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) significantly increases the risk of these life-threatening issues compared to other IF causes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Intestinal Failure Management
  • Parenteral Nutrition

Background:

  • Intestinal failure (IF) significantly impacts pediatric health and growth.
  • Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) improves quality of life for children with IF.
  • Children on long-term HPN are susceptible to severe complications like IFALD, CRI, and thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the prevalence of life-threatening complications in pediatric IF patients.
  • To compare complication rates based on the indication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 60 pediatric IF patients on HPN from 1989 to 2006.
  • Data collected on HPN duration, indications (SBS, SPD, NID), and complication incidence.
  • Analysis of IF-associated liver disease (IFALD), catheter-related infections (CRI), and thrombosis.

Main Results:

  • Short bowel syndrome (SBS) was the most common indication for HPN (36/60 patients).
  • Patients with SBS showed a significantly higher prevalence of life-threatening complications.
  • IFALD occurred in 27% of patients; CRI and thrombosis rates were 1.4/1000 and 0.2/1000 CVC days, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is associated with a greater risk of severe complications in children on HPN.
  • Careful monitoring and early intervention are crucial for SBS patients on long-term PN.
  • Early referral for small bowel transplantation should be considered for SBS patients with complications.

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