The impact of intravenous fish oil emulsions on pediatric intestinal failure-associated liver disease

Prognostic factors for pediatric patients with severe intestinal motility disorders: a single institution's experience

PURPOSE

To identify the prognostic factors for pediatric severe intestinal motility disorder (IMD).

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients with severe IMD, who required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for ≥ 60 days at our institution between April, 1984 and March, 2023, examining their characteristics to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The types of IMD in the 14 patients enrolled in this study were as follows: isolated hypoganglionosis (IHG, n = 6), extensive aganglionosis (EAG: n = 6), and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP, n = 2). There was no significant difference in mortality among the three types of severe IMD. Weaning-off TPN and the use of the colon were not significant prognostic factors, but cholestasis was a significant prognostic factor (p = 0.005). There was a high mortality rate (50%), with the major causes of death being intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) following hepatic failure, and catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI). One IHG patient underwent small bowel transplantation but died of acute rejection.

CONCLUSION

Severe IMD is still associated with a high mortality rate and cholestasis predicts the prognosis. Thus, preventing or improving IFALD and CRBSI caused by long-term TPN is important for reducing the mortality rate.

Intravenous lipid emulsions and liver function in adult chronic intestinal failure patients: Results after 5 y of home parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVES

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition (PN); however, pure soybean oil emulsion is considered a risk factor for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Limited data are available on the effect of different ILEs on the liver during long-term PN, and to our knowledge, no study has evaluated outcomes beyond 12 mo. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the influence of mixed ILEs on liver function during long-term PN.

METHODS

A randomized, open-label clinical trial was performed at the Intestinal Failure Center in Skawina, Poland. Sixty-seven patients (35 F, 32 M; mean age, 53.2 years) receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) due to stable chronic intestinal failure (CIF) were randomized to receive one of the following three ILEs: medium/long-chain triacylglycerides (MCT/LCT), olive oil/soybean oil (OO/SO), or a combination of SO/MCT/OO/fish oil (FO) (SMOFlipid). Patients were followed for 5 y. Liver function was assessed clinically and with biochemical parameters (total bilirubin, serum glutamyl oxalate transaminase, serum glutamyl pyruvate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase) at baseline and after 24 and 60 mo.

RESULTS

The most common etiology for CIF was vascular, followed by Crohn's disease, surgical complications, and radiation enteritis. HPN was effective in improving nutritional status and was associated with low rates of catheter infections and clinical complications. No significant differences were observed between groups in median concentrations serum glutamyl oxalate transaminase, serum glutamyl pyruvate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, or alkaline phosphatase at 24 or 60 mo. A significant reduction in median bilirubin concentration was observed in the SMOFlipid group at 60 mo compared with baseline (6.8 umol/L; interquartile range, 5.2-8.5 versus 7.7 umol/L; interquartile range, 4.9-12.4; P = 0.0138).

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed ILEs are safe and effective for use in patients on long-term HPN. A multicomponent ILE with FO can provide additional benefits in terms of liver function during long-term HPN.

Something old, something new: liver injury associated with total parenteral nutrition therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a challenging and constantly changing field. The pathologist plays a key role in interpreting liver biopsies by classifying the pattern of injury, grading the severity of injury, and evaluating for other possible causes. Reports of iatrogenic liver injury are reviewed here with a focus on total parenteral nutrition (ie, intestinal failure-associated liver disease [IFALD]) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The hallmark features of IFALD are cholestasis and steatosis. Cholestasis is more common in infants, whereas steatosis and steatohepatitis are more commonly seen in older children and adults. Infants tend to have a faster progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Perivenular fibrosis and ductopenia may also be seen in IFALD. Although fish oil-based lipid emulsions can reverse cholestasis, recent studies have shown persistent or progressive fibrosis. ICI-induced liver injury usually presents as an acute hepatitis with features similar to those seen in idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis and drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis. However, it lacks a prominent plasma cell infiltrate and serological markers of autoimmune hepatitis. Other features such as fibrin ring granulomas and cholangitis have also been reported in association with ICIs. Treatment for ICI-induced liver injury includes corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants.

Renal Function in Children on Long Term Home Parenteral Nutrition

Objectives: To assess renal function in pediatric intestinal failure (IF) patients on long term home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Methods: Children who received HPN for a minimum of 3 years between 2007 and 2017 were identified from the IF clinic of a large tertiary referral center. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Schwartz formula at discharge on HPN, after 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years. Results: Twenty five patients (40% male) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The indications for HPN were due to an underlying motility disorder in 56% (14/25), enteropathy in 24% (6/25), and short bowel syndrome in 20% (5/25). At the start of HPN 80% (20/25) had a normal eGFR. Four children (17%) had an abnormal eGFR. In the group of patients with normal eGFR at the start of HPN 30% (6/20) had at least one episode of decreased eGFR in the following 3 years, however there was no significant decline in eGFR at the end of the 3 year study period. Overall there was no statistically significant deterioration of eGFR in the study population (p = 0.7898). Conclusion: In our cohort of children on long term HPN no significant decline of eGFR could be demonstrated within 3 years of starting PN.

The use of vascular homografts in pediatric small bowel transplantation: Single-center experience over a decade

Intestinal transplantation in children has evolved with more isolated small intestine transplants being performed compared to combined liver-intestine transplants. Consequently, surgical techniques have changed, frequently requiring the use of vascular homografts of small caliber to revascularize the isolated small intestine, the impact of which on outcomes is unknown. Among 106 pediatric intestine and multivisceral transplants performed at our center since 2003, 33 recipients of an isolated small intestine graft were included in this study. Outcome parameters were thrombotic complications, graft, and patient survival. A total of 29 of 33 (87.9%) patients required arterial and/or venous homografts from the same donor, mainly iliac or carotid artery and iliac or innominate vein, respectively (donor's median age 1.1 years [2 months to 23 years], median weight 10 kg [14.7-48.5]). Post-transplant, there were three acute arterial homograft thromboses and one venous thrombosis resulting in two peri-operative graft salvages and two graft losses. Three of four thromboses occurred in patients with primary hypercoagulable state, including the two graft losses. Overall, at a median of 4.1 years (1-10.2) from transplant, 29 of 33 (88%) patients are alive with 26 of 33 (79%) functioning grafts. The procurement of intact, size-matched donor vessels and the management of effective post-transplant anticoagulation are critical.

The protective effect of fish oil lipid emulsions on intestinal failure-associated liver disease in a rat model of short-bowel syndrome

PURPOSE

Pediatric patients with intestinal failure need long-term parenteral nutrition (PN), but this nutritional support causes liver dysfunction, such as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Several studies have shown that the lipid emulsion produced by soybean oil (SO) is associated with the occurrence of IFALD. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SO and fish oil (FO) lipid emulsion on hepatic steatosis.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats underwent jugular vein catheterization and were divided into three groups: sham operation with normal chow (Sham group), 80% small bowel resection (80% SBR) + TPN with SO lipid emulsion (SO group), and 80% SBR + TPN with FO lipid emulsion (FO group). All rats were euthanized and the serum biochemistry and hepatic histology analyzed.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the serum liver or biliary enzymes were noted between the SO and FO groups. The pathological findings and NAFLD score in the FO group did not show steatosis and were significantly lower than in the SO group. An analysis of the fatty acids profile in the both the SO and FO groups did not indicate essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD).

CONCLUSION

FO lipid emulsion may have a protective role against steatosis of IFALD without EFAD.

Intestinal Hypoganglionosis Leading to Intestinal Failure and the Compassionate Use of Omegaven™

Intestinal hypoganglionosis is a rare innervation disorder that provides numerous nutritional, medical and surgical challenges. In this case report, we present a case of a newborn with intestinal hypoganglionosis leading to intestinal failure and intestinal failure-associated liver disease who responded to Omegaven™, a fat emulsion comprised of omega-3 fatty acids. Omegaven™ has been shown to be beneficial in the management of cholestatic liver injury. Clinical success with Omegaven™ was seen in this patient with a clear decrease in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and complete resolution of cholestasis with a direct bilirubin of zero within two weeks of initiation of Omegaven™. No current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypoganglionosis are available. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach and the use of novel therapies such as fat emulsions composed of omega-3 fatty acids for improved patient outcomes. Appropriate compassionate use protocols should be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration prior to initiation of Omegaven™.

Pediatric parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease and cholestasis: Novel advances in pathomechanisms-based prevention and treatment

Parenteral nutrition constitutes a life-saving therapeutic tool in patients unable to ingest/absorb oral or enteral delivered nutrients. Liver function tests abnormalities are a common therapy-related complication, thus configuring the so-called Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (PNALD) or cholestasis (PNAC). Although the damage is frequently mild, and resolves after discontinuation of parenteral nutrition, in some cases it progresses into cirrhotic changes, especially in neonates and infants. We present a literature review focusing on the pathogenetic mechanisms-driven prevention and therapies for the cases where parenteral nutrition cannot be discontinued. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been proposed in patients with cholestatic hepatopathy, but its efficacy needs to be better established. Little evidence is available on efficacy of anti-oxidants, antibiotics, probiotics and anti TNFα. Lipid emulsions based on fish oil with a high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-3 appear effective both in decreasing intrahepatic inflammation and in improving biliary flow. Most recent promising variations such as soybean/MCT/olive/fish oil emulsion [third generation lipid emulsion (SMOFlipid)] are under investigation. In conclusion, we remark the emergence of a number of novel pathomechanisms underlying the severe liver impairment damage (PNALD and PNAC) in patients treated with parenteral nutrition. Only few traditional and innovative therapeutic strategies have hitherto been shown promising.

Impact of Providing a Combination Lipid Emulsion Compared With a Standard Soybean Oil Lipid Emulsion in Children Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Soybean oil lipid emulsion may compromise immune function and promote hepatic damage due to its composition of long-chain fatty acids, phytosterols, high proportion of ω-6 fatty acids, and low α-tocopherol levels. Combination lipid emulsions have been developed using medium-chain triglyceride oil, fish oil, and/or olive oil, which provide adequate essential fatty acids, a smaller concentration of ω-6 fatty acids, and lower levels of phytosterols. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if combination lipid emulsions have a more favorable impact on bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, and incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions in children receiving parenteral nutrition.

METHODS

This study comprises a systematic review of published studies. Data were sufficient and homogeneous to conduct a meta-analysis for total bilirubin and infection.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that combination lipid emulsion decreased total bilirubin by a mean difference of 2.09 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, -4.42 to 0.24) compared with soybean oil lipid emulsion, although the result was not statistically significant (P = .08). Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in incidence of infection between the combination lipid emulsion and the soybean oil lipid emulsion groups (P = .846). None of the 4 studies that included triglyceride as an outcome detected a significant difference in triglyceride levels between the combination lipid emulsion and soybean oil lipid emulsion groups.

CONCLUSION

There is inadequate evidence that combination lipid emulsions offer any benefit regarding bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, or incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions.

Complications associated with parenteral nutrition in the neonate

Although parenteral nutrition (PN) is life-sustaining, it is associated with many complications including parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLASBIs), which carry a high morbidity and mortality and impose a burden on the health care system. Evidence has emerged that the dose and composition of intravenous lipid products may alter the incidence of PNALD. However, other patient and PN-related factors, such as prematurity, birth weight, and gastrointestinal anatomy and function, are important. To improve neonatal care, future research on optimizing the content of PN and decreasing the incidence IFALD and CLASBIs is required.

Breast milk is better than formula milk in preventing parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in infants receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Breast milk has been shown to be associated with greater success with regard to weaning children with intestinal failure off parenteral nutrition (PN). There are only a few studies investigating the role of breast milk in decreasing PN-associated liver disease (PNALD). The aim of our study was to determine whether breast milk is better than formula milk in preventing PNALD in infants receiving PN for >4 weeks.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of newborns requiring prolonged parenteral nutrition. We divided the sample into 3 different groups (exclusive breast-feeding, exclusive formula-feeding, and mixed feeding. We compared baseline characteristics, feeding profiles and liver function tests, and liver enzymes among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

Among infants receiving PN for >4 weeks, we found that infants who were fed only breast milk were significantly less likely to develop PNALD (34.6%) compared with those who were fed only formula milk (72.7%; P = 0.008). The mean maximum conjugated bilirubin (P = 0.03) and the mean maximum aspartate aminotransferase were significantly lower in the breast-fed group (P = 0.04) compared with the formula-fed group. Among the mixed-feeding group, infants who received a higher percentage of breast milk showed a significant negative correlation with the mean maximum conjugated bilirubin. (Pearson correlation -0.517, P = 0.027). The mean number of days receiving PN and the average daily lipid intake in the 2 groups was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

As a modality for early enteral nutrition, breast milk is protective against the development of PNALD in infants receiving PN for >4 weeks.