Factors predicting a successful outcome after pharmacologic bowel compensation

The authors determined those factors that predict a successful outcome in patients who receive pharmacologic agents to promote bowel absorption after massive intestinal resection.

Patients with the short bowel syndrome are maintained on long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or more frequently considered for intestinal transplantation as part of their treatment program. The authors have administered a combination of trophic agents and a specialized diet to further enhance intestinal compensation and optimize nutrient absorption in patients with intestinal failure.

Forty-five TPN-dependent adults with a jejunal-ileal remnant < or = 50 cm and a portion of colon in continuity were treated with growth hormone, glutamine, and a modified diet for 4 weeks and observed for an average of 1.8 years.

The average age of the patients was 43 years, the average jejunal-ileal length was 23 cm, and the average length of time the patient received TPN was 4.3 years. After 4 weeks of therapy, 26 (58%) were free of TPN support. Predictors of a favorable response included greater bowel length, lower body weight, and greater bowel length-body weight ratio. At follow-up, the percentage of patients who were not receiving TPN had fallen to 40%.

Approximately half of a group of patients, thought to have absorptive surface area inadequate to be independent of TPN support, can maintain themselves on enteral feedings after this intestinal rehabilitation program. Because of the risk, costs, and alterations in lifestyle associated with long-term TPN or intestinal transplantation or both, it seems prudent to consider a program of bowel rehabilitation with an individual patient before embarking on another therapeutic plan.