Polish experience in nutrition support in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Clinical Gastroenterology

Background:

• Poland has seen rapid development in enteral nutrition programs.
• Underdiagnosis and late diagnosis of malnutrition are significant challenges in pediatric patients.
• Parenteral nutrition (PN) is necessary for children unable to tolerate enteral diets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the achievements and future challenges in pediatric nutrition support in Poland.
• To highlight advancements in parenteral nutrition (PN) programs.
• To address the need for improved patient outcomes and reduced reliance on PN.

Main Methods:

• Review of current pediatric nutrition programs in Poland.
• Analysis of achievements in parenteral nutrition (PN) including complication rates and new emulsion use.
• Identification of challenges such as underdiagnosis, PN-related complications, and patient weaning rates.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in organizing enteral nutrition programs.
• Reduced septic complication rates and introduction of fish oil emulsions for PN-related liver disease prevention.
• Persistent challenges include underdiagnosis, low patient weaning rates from PN, and the need for a national network of nutrition centers.

Conclusions:

• Continued efforts are needed to combat malnutrition through early diagnosis and improved nutrition support.
• Further development of PN programs, including specialized centers and training, is crucial.
• Implementing intestinal rehabilitation programs is essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce dependence on PN.