Practical approach to paediatric enteral nutrition: a comment by the ESPGHAN committee on nutrition

A Nursing Survey on Nutritional Care Practices in French-Speaking Pediatric Intensive Care Units: NutriRéa-Ped 2014

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition in critically ill children contributes to morbidity and mortality. The French-speaking pediatric intensive care nutrition group (NutriSIP) aims to promote optimal nutrition through education and research.

METHODS

The NutriSIP-designed NutriRéa-Ped study included a cross-sectional survey. This 62-item survey was sent to the nursing teams of all of the French-speaking pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to evaluate nurses' nutrition knowledge and practices. One nurse per PICU was asked to answer and describe the practices of their team.

RESULTS

Of 44 PICUs, 40 responded in Algeria, Belgium, Canada, France, Lebanon, Luxemburg, and Switzerland. The majority considered nutrition as a priority care but only 12 of the 40 (30%) had a nutrition support team, 26 of the 40 (65%) had written nutrition protocols, and 19 of 39 (49%) nursing teams felt confident with the nutrition goals. Nursing staff generally did not know how to determine nutritional requirements or to interpret malnutrition indices. They were also unaware of reduced preoperative fasting times and fast-track concepts. In 17 of 35 (49%) PICUs, the target start time for enteral feeding was within the first 24 hours; however, frequent interruptions occurred because of neuromuscular blockade, fasting for extubation or surgery, and high gastric residual volumes. Combined pediatric neonatal intensive care units were less likely to perform systematic nutritional assessment and to start enteral nutrition rapidly.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a large variation in nursing practices around nutrition, exacerbated by the lack of nutritional guidelines but also because of the inadequate nursing knowledge around nutritional factors. These findings encourage the NutriSIP to improve nutrition through focused education programs and research.

Outcome of laparoscopic versus open gastrostomy in children

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic gastrostomy (LAPG) has gained popularity in children. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of LAPG versus open gastrostomy (OG) in children with focus on complications, operative times and postoperative length of stay.

METHODS

Retrospective study of children who had gastrostomies inserted at our tertiary Pediatric Surgery Center from 2000 until 2013. The indications for a gastrostomy were an anticipated need for enteral support for at least 6 months. Totally 243 children were included in the study, 83 with LAPG and 160 with OG.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference in postoperative length of stay, 3 days in the LAPG group versus 4 days in the OG group but no difference in a sub-group analysis from 2010 to 2013 when both techniques were used. There was no difference in median operative time or complications rates. Granuloma was the dominating complication in both groups.

CONCLUSION

These two feeding-access techniques are comparable regarding complications, operative times and postoperative length of stay. The choice of surgical method should be individualized based on the patient's characteristics and the experience of the surgeon. The favorable results with LAPG in adults are not necessarily transferable to children since there are physiological and anatomical differences.

Impact of a nurse-led feeding protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit

Background:

To determine effectiveness of a nurse-led, volume-based feeding protocol in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we evaluated patients’ nutrition adequacy pre- and post-protocol implementation.

Methods:

We conducted an observational study of patients admitted for more than three days in the PICU during pre- and post-feeding protocol periods. We recorded energy and protein intake and feed interruptions in patients started on enteral nutrition over the first seven days of admission. We excluded patients with septic shock requiring more than two inotropes, post-cardiac and post-gastrointestinal surgeries. To determine nutrition adequacy, actual energy and protein intakes were compared with calculated requirements, expressed as percentages.

Results:

We had a total of 40 patients (20 in the pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively) with median age of 9.4 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.8, 57) months. Median time to feed initiation was similar between groups (20.0 (IQR 17.0, 37.5) vs. 21.5 (IQR 10.5, 27.0) hours, p = 0.516). There was no difference in median energy (55 (IQR 12, 102) vs. 59 (IQR 25, 85) %, p = 0.645) and protein intake (53 (IQR 16, 124) vs. 73 (IQR 22, 137) %, p = 0.069) over the seven-day period between groups; the proportion of patients meeting their energy (10 vs. 35%, p = 0.127) and protein goal (15 vs. 30%, p = 0.451) by day three also did not differ significantly pre- and post-protocol implementation. The most common reasons for feed interruption were intubation/extubation and radiological procedures.

Conclusion:

Our current feeding protocol did not improve nutrient adequacy. The effectiveness of a more aggressive protocol in units where enteral nutrition is initiated within 24 hours should be investigated.

[Vitamin D deficiency in childhood: an opportunity for prevention]

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the pediatric population has increased in recent years and continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. According to data from the "ENSANUT 2006" (National Health and Nutrition Survey), the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Mexico was 16% in children aged 2-12 years. Vitamin D plays a critical role in the formation and bone homeostasis and consequently on growth. Its deficiency is clearly associated with diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia, and it has been linked to other diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, respiratory infections and immune system disease. Specific risk groups have been described in the medical literature for vitamin D deficiency in which supplementation may offer a benefit. Currently, there is still controversy in defining the serum levels of proficiency and dose supplementation. In Mexico, the daily suggested intake of vitamin D is 5.6μg (224 IU), which is significantly lower than the recommendations in the U.S. and Europe (i.e., between 400 and 1000 IU/day). An increase in vitamin D deficiency has been reported in recent years. There is no consensus regarding the sufficiency levels of vitamin D. Cut-off values vary from 20 to 30ng/ml. Therefore, the objective of this review was to provide an overview of the problem in the pediatric population and to describe the groups at risk, as well as to analyze the current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency was considered rare in Mexico according to the National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán. Lack of evidence did not help to establish the international recommended daily intake. Currently, vitamin D deficiency must be recognized as a health problem, worthy of attention and action. We suggest that prospective studies are carried out in our country where the relationship between serum vitamin D deficiency and poor bone mineralization will be established.

A very feasible alternative in patients with feeding difficulties from gastrostomy: Jejunal tube advanced through the gastrostomy

BACKGROUND

Our aim is to share our experiences regarding patients who cannot be fed effectively through the gastrostomy tube, but were inserted feeding jejunostomy through the gastrostomy orifice using scopic fluoroscopic techniques utilised by the interventional radiology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and May 2013 the patients that were inserted jejunostomy tube through the gastrostomy orifice using fluoroscopic techniques were retrospectively analysed. Data including primary indication for gastrostomy, sex, concomitant disease and the requirement for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were all recorded.

RESULTS

There were five patients with these criteria. They all received either medical or surgical GERD therapy; nevertheless enteral feeding failed to reach an effective level, they all had vomiting and did not gain any weight. Following conversion, all the patients gained minimum 2 kg in 2-5 months; all the patients tolerated enteral feeding and were discharged in the early period. There were neither procedure related complications such as perforation, bleeding nor sedation related complications. Procedure took no more than 30 min as a whole. There was no need for surgical intervention. However in one patient re-intervention was required due to accidental removal of the catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

In case of feeding difficulties following the gastrostomy; instead of an invasive surgical intervention; physicians should consider jejunal feeding that is advanced through the gastrostomy, which does not require any anaesthesia.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease: a position paper of the ESPGHAN Working Group of Intestinal Failure and Intestinal Transplantation

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease is the most prevalent complication affecting children with intestinal failure receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. This paper reviews the definition, diagnostic criteria, pathogenesis, and risk factors. The authors discuss the role of enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and its components, especially lipid emulsions. The authors also discuss the surgical treatment, including intestinal transplantation, its indications, technique, and results, and emphasise the importance of specialised intestinal failure centres.

Increased plasma selenium is associated with better outcomes in children with systemic inflammation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of changes in plasma selenium on the outcome of critically ill children.

METHODS

Plasma selenium was prospectively measured in 99 children with acute systemic inflammation. The exposure variables were selenium level on admission and on day 5 of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the difference in selenium concentrations between day 5 post-admission and the ICU admission (delta selenium). Selenium was given only as part of enteral diets. Age, malnutrition, red cell glutathione peroxidase-1 activity, serum C-reactive protein, Pediatric Index of Mortality 2, and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction scores were analyzed as covariates. The outcome variables were ventilator-free days, ICU-free days, and 28-d mortality.

RESULTS

Plasma selenium concentrations increased from admission (median 23.4 μg/L, interquartile range 12.0-30.8) to day 5 (median 25.1 μg/L, interquartile range 16.0-39.0; P = 0.018). After adjustment for confounding factors, a delta selenium increase of 10 μg/L was associated with reductions in ventilator days (1.3 d; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-2.3; P = 0.017) and ICU days (1.4 d; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3; P < 0.01). Delta selenium >0 was associated with decreased 28-d mortality on a univariate model (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46-0.97; P = 0.036). The mean daily selenium intake (6.82 μg; range 0-48.66 μg) was correlated with the increase in selenium concentrations on day 5.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in plasma selenium is independently associated with shorter times of ventilation and ICU stay in children with systemic inflammation. These findings raise the hypothesis that selenium supplementation could be beneficial in children with critical illnesses.

Home Nasogastric Feeds: Feeding Status and Growth Outcomes in a Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is a safe method for providing nutrition to children with chronic diseases. Advantages of HEN include shorter hospitalizations, lower cost, and decreased risk of malnutrition-associated complications. Follow-up after hospital discharge on HEN is limited. The purpose of this study was to look at children discharged on nasogastric (NG) feeds to assess follow-up feeding status and impact on growth.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients discharged from Mount Sinai Medical Center on NG feeds between January 2010 and March 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients were included. Average age was 1.2 years. The most common diagnoses were congenital heart disease (47%), metabolic disease (17%), neurologic impairment (10%), liver disease (9%), prematurity (8%), and inflammatory bowel disease (6%). At most recent follow-up, 44 (50.6%) were on full oral feeds, 8 (9.2%) were still on NG feeds, 9 (10.3%) had a gastrostomy tube placed, 9 (10.3%) were deceased, and 17 (19.5%) had transferred care or were lost to follow-up. Average time to discontinuation of NG feeds was 4.8 months. Change in body mass index from hospital discharge to follow-up visit 6 to 12 weeks after discharge was statistically significant, from a mean (SD) of 13.78 (2.82) to 14.58 (2.1) (P = .02). Change in weight z score was significant for neurologic impairment (-1.35 to -0.04; P = .03). Height z score change was significant for prematurity (-3.84 to -3.34; P = .02). There was no significant change in height or weight z scores for the other diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

NG feeds can help to improve short-term growth after hospital discharge in children with chronic illnesses.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of an enteral nutrition protocol for children with common gastrointestinal diseases in China: good start but still a long way to go

BACKGROUND

A standard nutrition screening and enteral nutrition (EN) protocol was implemented in January 2012 in a tertiary children's center in China. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a standard EN protocol in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed in the gastroenterology inpatient unit. We included all inpatient children requiring EN from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2013, with common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Children from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2013, served as the standard EN treatment group, and those from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011, were the control EN group. Pertinent patient information was collected. We also analyzed the length of hospital stay, cost of care, and in-hospital infection rates.

RESULTS

The standard EN treatment group received more nasojejunal tube feedings. There was a tendency for the standard EN treatment group to receive more elemental and hydrolyzed protein formulas. Implementation of a standard EN protocol significantly reduced the time to initiate EN (32.38 ± 24.50 hours vs 18.76 ± 13.53 hours; P = .011) and the time to reach a targeted calorie goal (7.42 ± 3.98 days vs 5.06 ± 3.55 days; P = .023); length of hospital stay was shortened by 3.2 days after implementation of the standard EN protocol but did not reach statistical significance. However, the shortened length of hospital stay contributed to a significant reduction in the total cost of hospital care (13,164.12 ± 6722.95 Chinese yuan [CNY] vs 9814.96 ± 4592.91 CNY; P < .032).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a standard EN protocol resulted in early initiation of EN, shortened length of stay, and significantly reduced total cost of care in hospitalized children with common GI diseases.

Nutritional management of children with cerebral palsy

Children with severe cerebral palsy and particularly those with oropharyngeal dysfunction are at risk of poor nutritional status. Determining the need and the mode of nutritional intervention is multifactorial and requires multiple methodologies. First-line treatment typically involves oral nutritional support for those children who are safe to consume an oral diet. Enteral tube feeding may need to be considered in children with undernutrition where poor weight gain continues despite oral nutritional support, or in those with oropharyngeal dysphagia and an unsafe swallow. Estimates for energy and protein requirements provide a starting point only, and ongoing assessment and monitoring is essential to ensure nutritional needs are being met, that complications are adequately managed and to avoid over or under feeding.

Nutrition algorithms and bedside nutrient delivery practices in pediatric intensive care units: an international multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Enteral nutrition (EN) delivery is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients. We aimed to describe EN practices, including details of algorithms and individual bedside practices, in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

METHODS

Available EN algorithm details from 31 international PICUs were obtained. Daily nutrient intake data from 524 mechanically ventilated patients, 1 month to 18 years old, were prospectively documented, including EN delivery, adjunct therapies, and energy prescription. Practices associated with higher percentage adequacy of EN delivery were determined by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nine EN algorithms were available. All algorithms defined advancement and EN intolerance; 7 of 9 defined intolerance by gastric residual volume; 3 of 9 recommended nutrition screening and fasting guidelines. Few elements were in agreement with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines. Of the 341 patients who received EN exclusively 32.9% received ≥66.6% of prescribed energy on day 7. Percentage adequacy of EN delivered was inversely associated with days to EN initiation (-8.92; P < .001) and hours per EN interruption (-1.65; P = .001) and was not associated with the use of algorithms, promotility agents, or postpyloric feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of PICUs employ EN algorithms; recommendations were variable and not in agreement with national guidelines. Optimal EN delivery was achieved in less than one-third of our cohort. EN adjunct therapies were not associated with increased EN delivery. Studies aimed at promoting early EN and decreasing interruptions may optimize energy delivery in the PICU.

Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children: a prospective 10- to 15-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To study long-term (10-15 years) efficacy of antireflux surgery (ARS) in a prospectively followed cohort of pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, using 24-hour pH monitoring and reflux-specific questionnaires.

BACKGROUND

Studies on short-term outcome of ARS in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have shown good to excellent results; however, long-term follow-up studies are scarce, retrospective, and have not used objective measurements.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 1998, a cohort of 57 pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 18 years; 46% with neurological impairment) underwent laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication (Thal). Preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3-4 months and at 1-5 and 10-15 years), reflux-specific questionnaires were filled out, and 24-hour pH monitoring was performed.

RESULTS

At 3 to 4 months, at 1 to 5 years, and at 10 to 15 years after ARS, 81%, 80%, and 73% of patients, respectively, were completely free of reflux symptoms. Disease-free survival analysis, however, demonstrated that only 57% of patients were symptom free at 10 to 15 years after ARS. Total acid exposure time significantly decreased from 13.4% before ARS to 0.7% (P < 0.001) at 3 to 4 months after ARS; however, at 3 to 4 months after ARS, pH monitoring was still pathological in 18% of patients. At 10 to 15 years after ARS, the number of patients with pathological reflux had even significantly increased to 43% (P = 0.008). No significant differences were found comparing neurologically impaired and normally developed patients.

CONCLUSIONS

As gastroesophageal reflux persists or recurs in 43% of children 10 to 15 years after laparoscopic Thal fundoplication, it is crucial to implement routine long-term follow-up after ARS in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Management of short bowel syndrome in infancy

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a reduction in functioning bowel length which is most often a result of surgical resection. Risk factors in the neonatal period include necrotising enterocolitis, small bowel atresia and gastroschisis. With increasing survival of preterm infants there is an increase in incidence. Management is dependent on the use of parenteral nutrition to maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and promote growth and development with the longer term aim being to promote intestinal adaptation to achieve partial or complete enteral autonomy. In this review we discuss the incidence, aetiology, pathophysiology, medical and surgical treatments and outcome.

Who receives home-based perinatal palliative care: experience from Poland

Context. The current literature suggests that perinatal palliative care (PPC) programs should be comprehensive, initiated early, and integrative. So far there have been very few publications on the subject of home-based PC of newborns and neonates. Most publications focus on hospital-based care, mainly in the neonatal intensive care units. Objective. To describe the neonates and infants who received home-based palliative care in Lodz Region between 2005 and 2011. Methods. A retrospective review of medical records. Results. 53 neonates and infants were admitted to a home hospice in Lodz Region between 2005 and 2011. In general, they are a growing group of patients referred to palliative care. Congenital diseases (41%) were the primary diagnoses; out of 53 patients 16 died, 20 were discharged home, and 17 stayed under hospice care until 2011. The most common cause of death (56%) was cardiac insufficiency. Neurological symptoms (72%) and dysphagia (58%) were the most common clinical problems. The majority of children (45%) had a feeding tube inserted and were oxygen dependent (45%); 39 families received psychological care and 31 social supports. Conclusions. For terminally ill neonates and infants, perinatal palliative care is an option which improves the quality of their lives and provides the family with an opportunity to say goodbye.

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux and anti-reflux procedures among Polish children with gastrostomies: a 10-year nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To analyse the approach to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and the qualification criteria for anti-reflux (AR) procedures in Polish children fed via gastrostomy between 2000 and 2010.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

An electronic questionnaire containing questions on the demographic and clinical data of patients with gastrostomies was distributed to six Polish centres of nutritional therapy. The portion pertaining to GER included data on clinical exponents, diagnostic procedures (pH-metry, pH-impedance, scintigraphy and upper gastrointestinal (GI) series) and AR.

RESULTS

In total, 348 children (M199/F149; age at gastrostomy 5.78±5.49 years) were included. Data on the diagnosis of GER and the AR criteria were available for 343 and 336 subjects, respectively. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed in 258/348 patients (74.1%), while surgery was performed in 80/348 patients (23%). The data from 10/348 (2.9%) cases were unavailable. At least one of the tests for GER was conducted in 177/343 (51.6%) of patients: pH-metry in 74/343 (21.6%), pH-impedance in 17/343 (5.0%), scintigraphy in 60/343 (17.5%) and upper GI series in 102/343 (29.7%). GER was reported in 114/343 cases (33.2%), and fundoplication was performed in 87 children (76.3% of patients with GER). The highest congruence between a positive test result and the decision to perform fundoplication was documented in cases of scintigraphy and upper GI series (P=0.00000 and P=0.00191, respectively). A significant increase in the prevalence of simultaneous gastrostomy and AR was observed over the decade analysed (r=0.8, P=0.009). This study revealed a centre-specific attitude towards the diagnosis of GER and the assessment of qualifications for fundoplication in Polish gastrostomy-fed children.

CONCLUSIONS

The unified diagnostic algorithm of GER and the universal qualification criteria for AR procedures need to be defined for gastrostomy-fed children.

An update on pediatric endoscopy

Advances in endoscopy and anesthesia have enabled gastrointestinal endoscopy for children since 1960. Over the past decades, the number of endoscopies has increased rapidly. As specialized teams of pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatric intensive care physicians and pediatric endoscopy nurses are available in many medical centers, safe and effective procedures have been established. Therefore, diagnostic endoscopies in children are routine clinical procedures. The most frequently performed endoscopies are esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). Therapeutic interventions include variceal bleeding ligation, foreign body retrieval and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. New advances in pediatric endoscopy have led to more sensitive diagnostics of common pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease; likewise, new diseases, such as eosinophilic esophagitis, have been brought to light.Upcoming modalities, such as capsule endoscopy, double balloon enteroscopy and narrow band imaging, are being established and may contribute to diagnostics in pediatric gastroenterology in the future.

Comparison of percutaneous endoscopic, laparoscopic and open gastrostomy insertion in children

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes and complications between percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), laparoscopic gastrostomy (LAPG) and open gastrostomy (OG) in children.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 369 patients from July 1998 to December 2010 who had their gastrostomies inserted at a single tertiary paediatric institution. Patients who were lost in follow-up (59) and had insufficient data (23) were excluded from this study. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 369 included in our study, 260 patients underwent LAPG, 86 PEG and 23 open gastrostomy (OG) procedures. The early complication rate for PEGs was 10.5 %, and for LAPGS 2.7 % (p = 0.006). The late complication rate was 41.9 % for PEGs and 43.1 % for LAPGs (p = NS). The overall complication rate for PEG was 54.7 % and it was 44.6 % for LAPG (p = NS). Major complications occurred only in the PEG group: gastro-colonic fistula (1), peritonitis (1), and "buried bumper syndrome" (1). The overall complication rate for OG was 78.3 % (p = 0.01, when this was compared to LAPGs and PEGs together), although there were no early complications in the OG group.

CONCLUSION

PEGs had a significantly higher early complication rate than LAPGs and the only major complications occurred in the PEG group. PEGs also had a higher overall complication rate than LAPGs, although the difference was not statistically significant. Both PEGs and LAPGs were significantly superior to OG in terms of overall complication rates.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube replacement: A simple procedure?

Replacement of gastrostomy tube in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is generally considered as a safe and simple procedure. However, it could be associated with serious complications, such as gastrocutaneous tract disruption and intraperitoneal tube placement, which may lead to chemical peritonitis and even death. When PEG tube needs a replacement (e.g., occlusion or breakage of the tube), clinicians must realize that the gastrocutaneous tract of PEG is more friable than that of surgical gastrostomy because there is no suture fixation between gastric wall and abdominal wall in PEG. In general, the tract of PEG begins to mature in 1-2 wk after placement and it is well formed in 4-6 wk. However, this process could take a longer period of time in some patients. Accordingly, this article describes three major principles of a safe PEG tube replacement: (1) good control of the replacement tube along the well-formed gastrocutaneous tract; (2) minimal insertion force during the replacement, and, most importantly; and (3) reliable methods for the confirmation of intragastric tube insertion. In addition, the management of patients with suspected intraperitoneal tube placement (e.g., patients having abdominal pain or signs of peritonitis immediately after PEG tube replacement or shortly after tube feeding was resumed) is discussed. If prompt investigation confirms the intraperitoneal tube placement, surgical intervention is usually required. This article also highlights the fact that each institute should have an optimal protocol for PEG tube replacement to prevent, or to minimize, such serious complications. Meanwhile, clinicians should be aware of these potential complications, particularly if there are any difficulties during the gastrostomy tube replacement.

Sondenernährung

Eine zusätzliche oder ausschließliche künstliche Ernährung ist indiziert, wenn die normale orale Ernährung nicht den Bedarf an Nährstoffen und Energie deckt. Wenn absehbar ist, dass für mehr als 10 Tage der Bedarf zu weniger als 60–80 % gedeckt wird, sollte bereits in den ersten 5 Tagen, bei Säuglingen in den ersten 3 Tagen eine supportive Ernährung begonnen werden. Eine weitere Indikation besteht, wenn die Kinder über mehr als 3 Monate, Säuglinge über mehr als 1 Monat, eine unzureichende Gewichtszunahme (Body-Mass-Index [BMI], Perzentile Gewicht zu Größe, altersbezogene Gewichtsperzentile im Verlauf, Hautfettfalten) oder im Verlauf sogar eine Wachstumsstörung (Wachstumsgeschwindigkeit, Wachstumsperzentile im Verlauf bzw. bezogen auf Zielgröße) zeigen oder einen Mangel an spezifischen Nährstoffen aufweisen. Bei Kindern mit Schluckstörungen, vor allem behinderten Kindern, sollte bei Fütterzeiten von mehr als 4–6 h pro Tag eine zusätzliche Sondenernährung mit den Eltern diskutiert werden.

Home enteral nutrition in children: a 14-year multicenter survey

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The practice of home enteral nutrition (HEN) represents a relevant aspect of the clinical management of both malnourished children and well-nourished children unable to be fed using an oral diet. The aim of this study was to estimate in an Italian paediatric population over a 14-year period (1996-2009), the clinical relevance and results over time of HEN activity.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

HEN-computerized database and medical/dietetic charts were evaluated for patients aged at start of HEN <18 years and HEN duration >1 month.

RESULTS

During the study period, we recorded 757 HEN programs. HEN began at a median age of 2 years for a median duration of 8.1 months. The complication rate was 14.8%. In the second period of the survey (2003-2009), the main changes concerned the underlying diseases requiring HEN, choice of formula feeding and access route. In 2009, the estimated overall prevalence of HEN was 3.47 and the incidence 2.45 per 100 000 inhabitants from 0 to 18 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological data of this study demonstrate that HEN concerns a growing number of Italian children and families. Some aspects of HEN clinical management should be modified to reach the recommended standards.

Neonatal short bowel syndrome as a model of intestinal failure: physiological background for enteral feeding

Intestinal failure (IF) is a well identified clinical condition, which is characterised by the reduction of functional gut capacity below the minimum needed for adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients for normal growth in children. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of IF in neonates, infants and young children usually as a result of extensive intestinal resection during the neonatal period. Simultaneously maintaining optimal nutritional status and achieving intestinal adaptation is a clinical challenge in short bowel patients. Both growth and development of the child as well as gut adaptation should be considered synergistically as primary outcome parameters. Enteral nutrition (EN) can be introduced orally and/or by tube feeding (TF). Several controversies over nutritional treatment of children with SBS related intestinal failure remain. As reported from different centres around the world, most practices are more "experienced based" rather than "evidence based". This is partly due to the small number of patients with this condition. This review (based on a consensus) discusses the physiological principles and nutritional management, including the type of diet and route of delivery. Perspectives in optimizing intestinal adaptation and reducing the consequences of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are also discussed.

Practical dietary management of protein energy malnutrition in young children with cow's milk protein allergy

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) affects between 1.9 and 4.9% of infants and young children. This food allergy requires the complete elimination of cow's milk and its derivatives, impacting on nutritional status. The risk of having protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in children with CMPA has been well documented. In 2007, the World Health Organisation published guidelines on the dietary management of PEM, which has impacted on the recommendations and composition on specialist feeds for many chronic diseases, but not on CMPA. The main change in management of the child with PEM is the protein energy ratio and energy requirements. The ideal protein energy ratio lies between 8.9 and 11.5%, which would ensure a deposition of about 70% lean and 30% fat mass. In addition, for optimal catch-up growth between 5 and 10 g/kg/day, energy requirements should be between 105 and 126 kcal/kg/day. Although most current hypoallergenic formulas fall well within the recommendation for protein, there is a problem in achieving energy requirements. As a result, modular additions are often made, disturbing the protein energy ratio or feeds are concentrated, which impacts on osmolality. We therefore aimed to review current guidelines on PEM and how these can be applied in the management of the malnourished child with CMPA.

Factors associated with peptide-based formula prescription in a pediatric intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

There is no evidence-based consensus on the use of peptide-based formulas for critically ill children. The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with the choice of peptide-based formulas in the first enteral nutrition prescription for critically ill children and to compare the direct costs of the enteral formulas used in a pediatric intensive care unit.

METHODS

In a prospective study, children admitted to the intensive care unit and receiving tube feeding for ≥48 hours were evaluated. The potential exposure variables for the use of peptide-based formulas as the first nutrition prescription were age, sex, malnutrition, sepsis/septic shock, fasting period >2 days, use of α-adrenergic drugs before initiating first diet, and the revised Pediatric Index of Mortality score. A direct cost comparison of prescribed formulas was performed.

RESULTS

Of 291 patients included, 85 (29.2%) were given peptide-based formulas in the first nutrition prescription. This choice was independently associated with malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60%-5.39%; P < 0.01), fasting period >2 days (OR 3.46; 95% CI 1.93%-6.20%; P < 0.01), and use of α-adrenergic drugs (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.24%-4.31%; P < 0.01). Peptide-based formula costs were up to 10 times higher than standard polymeric formula costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of peptide-based formula as the first enteral nutrition prescription is associated with the greater severity of patients' clinical status-patients receiving α-adrenergic drugs, those who are malnourished, and those with longer fasting periods. These prescriptions engender costs higher than those associated with standard polymeric formula.

Influence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on gastro-oesophageal reflux evaluated by multiple intraluminal impedance in children with neurological impairment

AIM

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement on gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) by using multiple intraluminal impedance (MII/pH) measurements in children with neurological impairments.

METHOD

Fifteen children with neurological impairments (cerebral palsy, n=10; cerebroidolipofuscinosis, n=2; Aicardi syndrome, n=1; and secondary encephalopathy, n=2) were investigated (interquartile range [IQR] 6y 4mo-14y 8mo; median age 10y 2mo; eight male, seven female). Individuals with nutritional disorders that could not be corrected by physiological means or with swallowing disorders that either caused chronic respiratory symptoms or prevented food intake were included in the study. The exclusion criteria included previous major abdominal surgery and a lack of consent for PEG. Participants underwent MII/pH for a 24-hour period and had an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy before PEG placement, which was repeated 6 to 8 months later.

RESULTS

At baseline, GOR was detected in 6 of the 15 participants, and the second MII/pH session revealed GOR in 2 of the 15 children. Differences between quantitative GOR indices obtained before and after PEG were not statistically significant, except for the proportion of the acidic/weakly acidic reflux events - among all participants in the first examination, 159 reflux episodes were acidic and 244 were weakly acidic, while in the follow-up recordings the proportion was inverted (244 acidic, 136 weakly acidic; χ(2) =47.0; p<0.001). Baseline endoscopy did not reveal any macroscopic changes in any of the examined individuals, but the follow-up examination revealed oesophagitis in two participants. The median body weight gain after 6 months as 22.0% (IQR 14.4-29.2%). All participants tolerated PEG feeding well, regardless of MII/pH results.

INTERPRETATION

Identification of GOR based on MII/pH in children with neurological impairments does not exclude a good clinical response to PEG feeding.

Failure to thrive in childhood

BACKGROUND

Failure to thrive impairs children's weight gain and growth, their defenses against infection, and their psychomotor and intellectual development.

METHODS

This paper is a review of pertinent articles that were published from 1995 to October 2010 and contained the terms "failure to thrive", "underweight", "malnutrition", "malabsorption", "maldigestion" and "refeeding syndrome". The articles were retrieved by a search in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

RESULTS

In developed countries, failure to thrive is usually due to an underlying disease. The degree of malnutrition is assessed with anthropometric techniques. For each patient, the underlying disease must be identified and the mechanism of failure to thrive understood, so that proper medical and nutritional treatment can be provided. Nutritional treatment involves either giving more food, or else raising the caloric density of the patient's food. Liquid formulas can be given as a supplement to normal meals or as balanced or unbalanced tube feeds; they can be given orally, through a nasogastric tube, or through a gastrostomy tube. Severely malnourished children with poor oral intake should be treated with parenteral nutrition. To avoid refeeding syndrome in severely malnourished children, food intake should be increased slowly at first, and phosphate, magnesium, and potassium supplements should be given.

CONCLUSION

The proper treatment of failure to thrive in childhood consists of treatment of the underlying illness, combined with nutritional treatment that addresses the mechanism of the accompanying failure to thrive.