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Pediatric Feeding Disorder in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome
Vikram J Christian1, Megan Van Hoorn2, Cassandra L S Walia2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Insights
Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is common in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). While PFD prevalence decreases with age, affected children require ongoing medical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) significantly impacts pediatric nutrition and development.
- Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a recognized complication in children with SBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PFD in pediatric patients with SBS.
- To identify factors associated with the persistence of PFD in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed data from 28 pediatric SBS patients.
- Data were collected at regular intervals from diagnosis up to 4 years of age.
- Nutritional support, demographics, and anthropometric data were recorded.
Main Results:
- PFD prevalence was high, starting at 100% at 1 year and decreasing to 70% by 4 years.
- Resolution of PFD was associated with necrotizing enterocolitis as the etiology and greater remaining small bowel percentage.
- Vomiting and need for postpyloric feeds were more common in patients with PFD.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric feeding disorder is highly prevalent in children with short bowel syndrome.
- Although PFD prevalence declines, affected children necessitate continued medical attention.
- Factors like etiology and residual bowel length influence PFD resolution.
Objective:
We aimed to characterize the prevalence of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) in short bowel syndrome (SBS) and study factors contributing to the persistence of PFD.
Methods:
Single-center retrospective study of patients diagnosed with SBS at age 6 months or younger. Data were collected in 3-month intervals through age 2 years, and every 6 months through age 4 years. Demographic information, anthropometric data, and details regarding nutrition support were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
We reviewed 28 patients. Of the 21 patients who were weaned off parenteral nutrition, 57.1%, 81.0%, 90.5%, and 100.0% achieved this by 12, 24, 36, and 48 months of age, respectively. Of the 13 patients who were weaned off enteral nutrition, 30.8%, 69.2%, 76.9%, and 100.0% achieved this by 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively.
Discussion:
The prevalence of PFD was 100.0%, 76.5%, 68.8%, and 70.0% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age, respectively. All patients who exhibited resolution of PFD had an underlying etiology of necrotizing enterocolitis. Median small bowel percentage remaining was greater in patients who exhibited resolution of PFD compared to those who did not. Except for the group of patients seen at 4 years of age, a larger percentage of patients with vomiting/history of requirement of postpyloric feeds were seen among patients with PFD compared to those without PFD.
Conclusion:
PFD is prevalent in children with SBS. Although prevalence decreases over time, children with PFD will continue to require more medical attention than children that do not.
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