Association between family history, early growth and the risk of beta cell autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between family history of type 1 diabetes, birthweight, growth during the first 2 years and development of multiple beta cell autoantibodies in children with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes and HLA-conferred disease susceptibility. METHODS: In a secondary analysis of the Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR), clinical characteristics and development of beta cell autoantibodies were compared in relation to family history of type 1 diabetes (mother vs father vs sibling) in 2074 children from families with a single affected family member. RESULTS: Multiple autoantibodies (≥2 of 5 measured) developed in 277 (13%) children: 107 (10%), 114 (16%) and 56 (18%) born with a mother, father or sibling with type 1 diabetes, respectively (p < 0.001). The HR for time to multiple autoimmunity was 0.54 (95% CI 0.39, 0.75) in offspring of affected mothers (n = 107/1046, p < 0.001) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.59, 1.11) (n = 114/722, p = 0.19) in offspring of affected fathers, compared with participants with a sibling with type 1 diabetes (comparator group n = 56/306). The time to the first autoantibody present (to insulin, GAD, tyrosine phosphatase-related insulinoma-associated 2 molecules, islet cell or zinc transporter 8) was similar in the three groups. Height velocity (z score/year) in the first 24 months was independently associated with developing multiple antibodies in the total cohort (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.01, 1.70], p = 0.04). A higher birthweight in children born to an affected mother vs affected father or an affected sibling was not related to the risk of multiple autoimmunity. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The risk of developing multiple autoantibodies was lower in children with maternal type 1 diabetes. For the whole group, this risk of developing multiple autoantibodies was independent of birthweight but was greater in those with increased height velocity during the first 2 years of life. However, the risk associated with paternal type 1 diabetes was not linked to differences in birthweight or early growth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00179777 Graphical abstract.

Growth and development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes in children genetically at risk.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between childhood growth measures and risk of developing islet autoimmunity (IA) and type 1 diabetes in children with an affected first-degree relative and increased HLA-conferred risk. We hypothesised that being overweight or obese during childhood is associated with a greater risk of IA and type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Participants in a randomised infant feeding trial (N = 2149) were measured at 12 month intervals for weight and length/height and followed for IA (at least one positive out of insulin autoantibodies, islet antigen-2 autoantibody, GAD autoantibody and zinc transporter 8 autoantibody) and development of type 1 diabetes from birth to 10-14 years. In this secondary analysis, Cox proportional hazard regression models were adjusted for birthweight and length z score, sex, HLA risk, maternal type 1 diabetes, mode of delivery and breastfeeding duration, and stratified by residence region (Australia, Canada, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Central Europe and the USA). Longitudinal exposures were studied both by time-varying Cox proportional hazard regression and by joint modelling. Multiple testing was considered using family-wise error rate at 0.05. RESULTS: In the Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) population, 305 (14.2%) developed IA and 172 (8%) developed type 1 diabetes. The proportions of children overweight (including obese) and obese only were 28% and 9% at 10 years, respectively. Annual growth measures were not associated with IA, but being overweight at 2-10 years of life was associated with a twofold increase in the development of type 1 diabetes (HR 2.39; 95% CI 1.46, 3.92; p < 0.001 in time-varying Cox regression), and similarly with joint modelling. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In children at genetic risk of type 1 diabetes, being overweight at 2-10 years of age is associated with increased risk of progression from multiple IA to type 1 diabetes and with development of type 1 diabetes, but not with development of IA. Future studies should assess the impact of weight management strategies on these outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00179777.

Serum fatty acids and risk of developing islet autoimmunity: A nested case-control study within the TRIGR birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Circulating fatty acids have been linked to development of type 1 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: To study the prospective associations of serum fatty acids with the risk of islet autoimmunity in high-risk children. METHODS: A nested case-control selection was carried out within the TRIGR cohort, which included infants with HLA (DQB1 or DQA1)-conferred disease susceptibility and a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes, born between 2002 and 2007 in 15 countries and followed-up until 2017. The present study included 244 case children positive for at least two islet autoantibodies (ICA, IAA, GADA, and IA-2A) and two control children were matched for country and age. Proportions of 26 serum fatty acids at cord blood and at 6, 12, and 18 months of age were assessed using gas-chromatography. RESULTS: The average proportions of the following fatty acids were associated with an increased risk of islet autoimmunity, adjusted for sex, HLA risk, and maternal type 1 diabetes: pentadecanoic acid (15:0) (OR 3.41: 95% CI 1.70, 6.85), heptadecanoic acid (iso 17:0) (2.64: 1.62, 4.28) and (anteiso 17:0) (2.27: 1.39, 3.70), stearic acid (18:0) (23.8: 2.32, 244.6), and conjugated linoleic acid (18:2n-7) (2.60: 1.47, 4.59). Breastfeeding and not having maternal type 1 diabetes were positively associated with levels of the above-mentioned fatty acids. N-3 fatty acids were not consistently associated with islet autoimmunity. CONCLUSIONS: We found direct associations of pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid with the risk of islet autoimmunity. Further studies are needed to understand the complex role of fatty acids in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in childhood and risk of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes: the TRIGR nested case-control ancillary study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to study the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration and islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes in children with an increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Serum samples for 25OHD measurements were obtained in the Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) ancillary study (Divia) from children in 15 countries. Case children (n = 244) were defined as having positivity for at least two out of four diabetes-associated autoantibodies measured at any one sample. For each case child, two control children were selected matched for country and date of birth (±1 year) (n = 488). Of the case children, 144 developed type 1 diabetes. Serum 25OHD was measured repeatedly in infancy and childhood and was compared according to age at the first seroconversion (at 6, 12 and 18 months prior to and at seroconversion) and calendar age (0, 6, 12 and 18 months). RESULTS: In children with islet autoimmunity, mean serum 25OHD concentration was lower 18 months prior to the age of first seroconversion of the case children compared with the control children (57.7 vs 64.8 nmol/l, p = 0.007). In children with type 1 diabetes (n = 144), mean serum 25OHD concentration was lower 18 months prior to the age of the first seroconversion (58.0 vs 65.0 nmol/l, p = 0.018) and at the calendar age of 12 months (70.1 vs 75.9 nmol/l, p = 0.031) than in their control counterparts. Analyses were adjusted for month of sample collection, human leucocyte antigen genotype, maternal type 1 diabetes and sex. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The results suggest that early postnatal vitamin D may confer protection against the development of type 1 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00179777.

Regional differences in milk and complementary feeding patterns in infants participating in an international nutritional type 1 diabetes prevention trial.

Differences in breastfeeding, other milk feeding and complementary feeding patterns were evaluated in infants at increased genetic risk with and without maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk is an international nutritional primary prevention double-blinded randomized trial to test whether weaning to extensively hydrolyzed vs. intact cow's milk protein formula will decrease the development of T1D-associated autoantibodies and T1D. Infant diet was prospectively assessed at two visits and seven telephone interviews between birth and 8 months. Countries were grouped into seven regions: Australia, Canada, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Central Europe I, Central Europe II and the United States. Newborn infants with a first-degree relative with T1D and increased human leukocyte antigen-conferred susceptibility to T1D were recruited. A lower proportion of infants born to mothers with than without T1D were breastfed until 6 months of age in all regions (range, 51% to 60% vs. 70% to 80%). Complementary feeding patterns differed more by region than by maternal T1D. In Northern Europe, a higher proportion of infants consumed vegetables and fruits daily compared with other regions. Consumption of meat was more frequent in all European regions, whereas cereal consumption was most frequent in Southern Europe, Canada and the United States. Maternal T1D status was associated with breastfeeding and other milk feeding patterns similarly across regions but was unrelated to the introduction of complementary foods. Infant feeding patterns differed significantly among regions and were largely inconsistent with current recommended guidelines.

Infant Feeding and Timing of Complementary Foods in the Development of Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that results from the destruction of the ß cells of the pancreas in genetically at-risk individuals. The autoimmune process that precedes the development of T1D is believed to be triggered by environmental factors, including nutrition. Early introduction of complementary foods has been implicated in the etiology of T1D as a possible explanation of the increasing incidence of the disease, particularly in children younger than 5 years of age. Infant feeding recommendations have been designed to promote adequate growth, provide essential nutrients, and reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months of age followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced. A lack of compliance with these recommendations has been observed in the general population as well as in infants at high risk for T1D. Dietary factors such as the provision of breast milk and duration of breastfeeding, the age at introduction of cow's milk and gluten-containing foods, as well as other complementary feeding have been investigated. However, the evidence that early infant feeding patterns are linked with T1D currently remains inconclusive.

Nutrition support considerations in pediatric small bowel transplantation.

Enteral autonomy is the primary goal of intestinal failure therapy. Intestinal transplantation (ITx) is an option when enteral autonomy cannot be achieved and management complications become life-threatening. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing medical literature related to nutrition requirements, nutrition status, and nutrition support after pediatric ITx. Achieving or maintaining adequate growth after intestinal transplant in children can be challenging because of episodes of rejection that require the use of corticosteroids, occurrences of infection that require a reduction or discontinuation of enteral or parenteral support, and fat malabsorption caused by impaired lymphatic circulation. Nutrient requirements should be assessed and modified regularly based on nutrition status, growth, ventilatory status, wound healing, and the presence of complications. Parenteral nutrition (PN) should be initiated as a continuous infusion early postoperatively. Enteral support should be initiated after evidence of graft bowel function and in the absence of clinical complications. Foods high in simple carbohydrates should be limited, as consumption may result in osmotic diarrhea. Short-term use of a fat-free diet followed by a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of the development of chylous ascites. Micronutrient deficiencies and food allergies are common occurrences after pediatric ITx. Enteral/oral vitamin and mineral supplementation may be required after PN is weaned. Nutrition management of children after ITx can be challenging for all members of the healthcare team. Anthropometric parameters and micronutrient status should be monitored regularly so that interventions to promote growth and prevent or reverse nutrient deficiencies can be implemented promptly.

Complementary food introduction practices in infants with intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND: Oral intake in infants with intestinal failure (IF) may be limited due to intolerance or feeding difficulties. Guidelines for the introduction of semisolid or solid complementary foods (CFs) to infants with IF do not exist. CF intake and caloric contribution from CF is difficult to assess due to malabsorption and incomplete recording. The aim of this study was to identify institutional approaches to introducing CF to infants with IF. METHODS: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutriton (ASPEN) Pediatric Intestinal Failure Section Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) working group designed a 10-question online cloud-based survey to assess group member practice related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF. RESULTS: Twenty-six surveys were completed. Thirteen (50%) RDNs recommend introduction of CF between 4 and 6 months of age. Nineteen (76%) recommend adding pureed foods to gastrostomy tube feedings. Seventeen (65%) follow standard infant feeding practice guidelines with half citing the American Academy of Pediatrics. Approximately half (44%) recommend introducing vegetables first and the majority (80%) recommend delaying the introduction of fruits. The vast majority (92%) recommend specific foods to minimize stool output including green beans, bananas, infant cereals, and meats/protein. CONCLUSION: Institutional practices related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF vary. Similarities with first food choice and foods to avoid were observed. Evidenced-based practice guidelines for the introduction of CF to infants with IF need to be established to determine best practices for reducing stool output, encouraging weaning from parenteral nutrition, and achieving enteral autonomy.

Growth differences between North American and European children at risk for type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To evaluate the relationships between early growth and regional variations in type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence in an international cohort of children with familial and genetic risk for T1D. METHODS: Anthropometric indices between birth to 5 yr of age were compared among regions and T1D proband in 2160 children participating in the Trial to Reduce Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Genetically at Risk study. RESULTS: Children in Northern Europe had the highest weight z-score between birth to 12 months of age, while those in Southern Europe and U.S.A. had the lowest weight and length/height z-scores at most time points (p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). Few differences in z-score values for weight, height, and body mass index were found by maternal T1D status. Using International Obesity Task Force criteria, the obesity rates generally increased with age and at 5 yr were highest in males in Northern Europe (6.0%) and in females in Canada (12.8%). However, no statistically significance difference was found by geographic region. In Canada, the obesity rate for female children of mothers with and without T1D differed significantly at 4 and 5 yr (6.0 vs. 0.0% and 21.3 vs. 1.9%, respectively; p < 0.0125) but no differences by maternal T1D status were found in other regions. CONCLUSIONS: There are regional differences in early childhood growth that are consistent with the higher incidence of T1D in Northern Europe and Canada as compared to Southern Europe. Our prospective study from birth will allow evaluation of relationships between growth and the emerging development of autoimmunity and progression to T1D by region in this at-risk population of children.

Growth pre- and postimplementation of a steroid-free induction protocol in a large pediatric intestinal transplant population.

OBJECTIVES: Beginning in March 2002, we initiated steroid-free lymphocyte depleting immunosuppression with rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (rATG) for all children who received an intestinal transplant (ITx). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether this treatment regimen supported growth. Because steroids were used for rejection episodes only, we hypothesized that improved growth would be observed in steroid-free rATG-treated children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nutrition outcomes in patients who received an ITx between December 1996 and February 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Nutritional analysis included evaluation of differences in weight and height z scores between transplantation and 2 years post-ITx by the type of immunosuppressant therapy received. RESULTS: A total of 109 children received an ITx during the evaluation period. Of these, 29 received a transplant before March 2002 and received an induction regimen that included anti-T-cell immunosuppressant, tacrolimus (TAC), with prednisone (steroid). The remaining 80 children received an induction regimen of rATG and TAC without steroids (steroid-free). Steroid-free children met their full nutritional requirements enterally or orally in a median of 2 months, whereas children treated with the steroid regimen reached nutritional autonomy 7 months after transplant (P < 0.001). A positive trend in z score values over time for height was observed in 48% of steroid-free patients versus 44% in the steroid regimen. The change in mean z score for linear growth over time was most positive (0.55) in the steroid-free group and <120 days of steroids during the follow-up period with 62% of patients in this group observed to have positive growth over time. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional autonomy was achieved rapidly, and positive growth was observed in the majority of patients with ITx who received steroid-free immunosuppression with rATG.

Dietary compliance in a randomized double-blind infant feeding trial during infancy aiming at prevention of type 1 diabetes.

The international Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) tested the hypothesis whether extensively hydrolyzed casein-based versus regular cow's milk-based infant formula reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes. We describe dietary compliance in the trial in terms of study formula intake, feeding of nonrecommended foods, and serum cow's milk antibody concentration reflecting intake of cow's milk protein among 2,159 eligible newborn infants with a biological first-degree relative affected by type 1 diabetes and with HLA-conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. The participating infants were introduced to the study formula feeding at the median age of 15 days with a median duration of study formula use of 63 days. During the intervention, 80% of the infants received study formula. Of these, 57% received study formula for at least 2 months. On average, 45.5 l of study formula were used per infant. Only 13% of the population had received a nonrecommended food by the age of 6 months. The dietary compliance was similar in the intervention and control arm. The reported cow's milk consumption by the families matched very well with measured serum casein IgA and IgG antibody concentration. To conclude, good compliance was observed in this randomized infant feeding trial. Compliance varied between the regions and those infants who were breastfed for a longer period of time had a shorter exposure to the study formula. High dietary compliance in infant feeding trial is necessary to allow accurate interpretation of study results.

Breastfeeding patterns of mothers with type 1 diabetes: results from an infant feeding trial.

BACKGROUND: Both the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding have been reported to be negatively affected by maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the breastfeeding patterns among mothers with and without T1D participating in a large international randomized infant feeding trial (TRIGR). METHODS: Families with a member affected by T1D and with a newborn infant were invited into the study. Those who had HLA-conferred genetic susceptibility for T1D tested at birth with gestation > 35 weeks and were healthy were eligible to continue in the trial. Among the 2160 participating children, 1096 were born to women with T1D and 1064 to unaffected women. Information on infant feeding was acquired from the family by frequent prospective dietary interviews. RESULTS: Most (>90%) of the infants of mothers with and without T1D were initially breastfed. Breastfeeding rates declined more steeply among mothers with than without T1D being 50 and 72% at 6 months, respectively. Mothers with T1D were younger, less educated and delivered earlier and more often by caesarean section than other mothers (p < 0.01). After adjusting for all these factors associated with the termination of breastfeeding, there was no difference in the duration of breastfeeding among mothers with and without T1D. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal diabetes status per se was not associated with shorter breastfeeding. The lower duration of breastfeeding in mothers with T1D is largely explained by their more frequent caesarean sections, earlier delivery and lower age and education.

Large neutral amino acid status in association with P:T ratio and diet in adult and pediatric patients with phenylketonuria.

BACKGROUND: Intake of large neutral amino acids (LNAA) may inhibit phenylalanine (PHE) transport across the blood brain barrier and assist with blood PHE control in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). We evaluated the interrelationship between LNAA in plasma and diet on Phe:Tyr (P:T) ratio in patients with PKU and the influence of dietary factors on plasma LNAA markers. METHODS: Plasma amino acid values and 3-day food record analysis from two studies (34 male/30 female; age 4.6-47 years) were examined. For pediatrics (<18 years) and adults (≥18 years) the relationship between P:T ratio, plasma LNAA, and dietary intake patterns were investigated. RESULTS: Dietary factors influencing P:T ratio included intake of total protein (g/kg), medical food (MF) protein (g/kg, % below Rx), and LNAA (g) in the full cohort (P < .05). Associations were found between plasma valine and other dietary and plasma LNAA in pediatrics (P < .05) and plasma LNAA with dietary LNAA intake in adults (P = .019). Plasma P:T ratio was inversely associated with plasma LNAA concentrations in both age groups (P < .05). Aside from histidine in pediatrics (P = .024), plasma LNAA did not differ by having plasma PHE levels within or above the therapeutic range (120-360 µmol/L). Plasma LNAA in both age groups was similar to reported healthy control values. CONCLUSION: P:T ratio is significantly tied to dietary LNAA, adherence to MF Rx, and plasma LNAA concentrations. Additionally, P:T ratio and valine may be effective clinical proxies for determining LNAA metabolic balance and LNAA quality of the diet in patients with PKU.

Survey of Nutrition Management Practices in Centers for Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition management of pediatric intestinal failure (IF) requires interdisciplinary coordination of parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) support. Nutrition strategies used by specialists in pediatric intestinal rehabilitation to promote gut adaptation and manage complications have not been previously summarized. METHODS: A practice survey was distributed to members of the dietitian subgroup of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Pediatric Intestinal Failure Section. The survey included 24 open-ended questions related to PN and enteral feeding strategies, nutrition management of PN-associated liver disease, and laboratory monitoring. RESULTS: Dietitians from 14 centers completed the survey. Management components for patients at risk for cholestasis were consistent and included fat minimization, trace element modification, avoiding PN overfeeding, and providing EN. Parenteral amino acid solutions designed for infants/young children are used in patients <1 or 2 years of age. Trace minerals are dosed individually in 10 of 14 centers. Eleven centers prescribe a continuous infusion of breast milk or elemental formula 1-2 weeks after resection while 3 centers determine the formula type by the extent of resection. Most (86%) centers do not have a protocol for initiating oral/motor therapy. Laboratory panel composition varied widely by center. The selection and frequency of use depended on clinical variables, including cholestatic status, exclusive vs partial PN dependence, postrepletion verification vs routine monitoring, intestinal anatomy, and acuity of care. CONCLUSION: EN and PN management strategies are relatively consistent among U.S. centers. Collaborative initiatives are necessary to define better practices and establish laboratory monitoring guidelines.

High-Fidelity Patient Simulation Increases Dietetic Students' Self-Efficacy Prior to Clinical Supervised Practice: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of high-fidelity patient simulation (HPS) on dietetics students' self-efficacy before supervised clinical practice. METHODS: This repeated-measures study was conducted during the 2012-2013 academic year. All students in a masters coordinated program cohort (n = 19) participated in an interprofessional HPS experience before clinical supervised practice. The students completed a 4-point self-efficacy scale in which 0 = not at all confident and 3 = fully confident, at 3 time points: before and after the simulation experience and 2 weeks after beginning clinical supervised practice. RESULTS: Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, median confidence level differed before and after the simulation (1.5; interquartile range [IQR] 1.2-1.8; and IQR 1.3-2.0, respectively; P = .03) as well as after the simulation vs during the clinical rotation (2.2; IQR 2.0-2.4; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study supports the use of HPS with dietetics students in a coordinated program. High-fidelity patient simulation increases dietetics students' self-efficacy before supervised clinical practice.

Infant diet and type 1 diabetes in China.

Infant milk and food introduction may be linked to type 1 diabetes risk in high incidence populations. Dietary data through age 12 months was collected for 247 type 1 diabetic cases and 443 controls in China, a low incidence population, to determine if milk and solid food intake differed. Age range at introduction to milk and formulas was similar in cases and controls but solid food introduction more often occurred before age 3 months in cases. Logistic regression analyses showed soy milk formula consumption at 4-6 (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) and 7-12 months of age (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.1) was associated with a twofold higher risk of type 1 diabetes, while steamed bread consumption (4-6 months, OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28-0.68; 7-12 months, OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.69) and higher SES (4-6 months, OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39-0.78; 7-12 months, OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40-0.83) were negatively associated. Drinking cow's milk at 7-12 months (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43-0.85) was negatively associated with type 1 diabetes while consuming vegetables at 4-6 months (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2) was positively associated. Results suggest that infant milk and solid food intake are associated with type 1 diabetes in China. Prospective studies may determine how these dietary factors impact disease etiology, particularly for at-risk-populations.

Enteral formula use in children after small bowel transplant.

The ultimate goal of intestinal transplantation (ITx) is the maintenance of nutritional status enterally/orally. We retrospectively identified children who had received ITx since the inception of our Intestinal Care Center in December 1996 (n = 24; median age, 2.6 years). Two patients died within 2 months of transplant. Enteral formulas used in the remaining 22 patients included the following: amino acid, trace long chain fatty acids (LCT; n = 4); amino acid, medium chain fatty acids (MCT)/LCT fat mix (n = 13); amino acid, LCT fat (n = 1); and peptide, MCT/LCT fat mix (n = 3). Feedings were initiated on an average of 13 days after ITx. The median number of days to complete the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) wean was 30 days, and stoma output measured on an average of 37 mL/kg per day at 1 month posttransplant. Nine patients (41%) advanced to oral intake alone within 2 to 30 months, and 5 patients (23%) were diagnosed with milk allergy through the RAST test (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). No differences in the initiation of therapy, advancement to oral intake, stoma output, or TPN weaning were observed by the type of formula used. Using z-score statistics, positive linear growth was achieved in 7 of 21 children (33%) over the 1-year period, whereas linear growth velocity was maintained in an additional 6 patients (29%). Successful advancement to total enteral/oral intake and positive growth after ITx can be achieved with either an amino acid- or peptide-based, partial MCT enteral formula initiated within 2 weeks of transplant. Monitoring for posttransplant allergy is recommended because of the high rate of postoperative allergy symptomology.

Nutrition management after pediatric solid organ transplantation.

Survival rates for pediatric transplant recipients and organ grafts have increased due to improvements in surgical techniques and with immunosuppressant treatment therapies. Interdisciplinary management after pediatric organ transplantation is essential to assist not only with the complex medical issues and complications that can result from immunosuppressant therapy but also with the achievement of normal growth and development. Impaired growth is a complication frequently experienced by pediatric transplant patients. The presence or absence of impaired growth is affected by the length of illness prior to transplant, graft function, the use of corticosteroids, and the development of infectious complications after surgery. A review of posttransplant nutrition assessment, nutrition requirements, and nutrition goals is provided. In addition, a case series of experiences with nutrition management of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients is described.

The effectiveness of a short food frequency questionnaire in determining vitamin D intake in children.

Previous studies have found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children, yet few validated dietary vitamin D assessment tools are available for use in children. Our objective was to determine whether a short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) can effectively assess vitamin D intake in children. Vitamin D intake ascertained by a SFFQ was compared with assessments by a previously validated long food frequency questionnaire (LFFQ) in a population of 296 healthy 6- to 14-y-old children (54% male, 60% African American) from Pittsburgh, PA. The questionnaires were completed at two points 6 mo apart. Median reported daily vitamin D intake from the SFFQ (baseline: 380 IU, follow-up: 363 IU) was higher than the LFFQ (255 IU and 254 IU, respectively). Reported median dairy intake, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, was 3.7 cups/day, which meets the USDA recommendation for children. Vitamin D intake reported by the 2 questionnaires was modestly correlated at baseline and follow-up (r = 0.35 and r = 0.37, respectively; p < 0.001). These associations were stronger in Caucasians (r = 0.48 and r = 0.49, p < 0.001) than in African Americans (r = 0.27 and r = 0.31; p = 0.001). The sensitivity of the SFFQ for predicting daily vitamin D intake, defined as intake of ≥ 400 IU on both the SFFQ and LFFQ, was 65%. Specificity, defined as intake of < 400 IU on both questionnaires, was 42%. Vitamin D requirements may not be met despite adequate consumption of dairy products. The SFFQ was found to be a modestly valid and sensitive tool for dietary assessment of vitamin D intake in children.

Results of growth trophic therapy in children with short bowel syndrome.

PURPOSE: In addition to the structural, ultrastructural, and functional changes that occur after extensive enterectomy or in utero bowel loss that results in short bowel syndrome (SBS), a complex array of humoral responses take place that may also affect adaptation of the remaining small intestine as well as nutritional status or growth. These include alterations in the levels of circulating hormones and trophic substances such as growth hormone (GH) and insulinlike growth factors (IGF-1 and IGFBP-3). The purpose of this investigation is to report on the management/treatment of 3 children with SBS (>4 years in duration) and growth failure. METHODS: Serum measures of growth factors and the response to GH stimulation after an arginine insulin tolerance test (AITT) were determined. Weight and height z-scores as well as linear growth velocity were calculated annually pre- and postinitiation of medication therapy. RESULTS: Patient 1 (boy, 8.5 years old, midgut volvulus, 18-cm bowel) was found to be GH deficient, whereas patients 2 (girl, 12.5 years old, gastroschisis, 70-cm bowel) and 3 (boy, 9 years old, jejunal atresia, 21 cm bowel) were found to have limited GH responsiveness. Subsequently, treatment with GH (1) and growth releasing factor (GRF; 2 & 3) was prescribed. Z-scores for both weight and height improved over time. Positive linear growth velocity was observed from initiation of therapy (<0.5 cm/yr for all) to more than 3 years of treatment (mean 1, 4.7 cm/yr; 2, 8.7 cm/yr; 3, 5.0 cm/yr [age adjusted normals >4.5, >8.5, and >4.9 cm/yr, respectively]). All patients received a regular diet with oral supplements, whereas 2 received parenteral nutrition support for about 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: In children with medically refractory SBS, it is not only important to offer trophic factors but also essential that sufficient nutrient substrate be provided to achieve adequate growth.