From the kitchen to the medicine cabinet: Examples of functional herbs and spices.

In many cultures, "food as medicine" has existed for centuries as the foundation of health. It is a practice built on the knowledge that food and diet play important roles in disease prevention and management. Foods possessing therapeutic properties are often referred to as functional foods. Many herbs and spices contain numerous nutritional and non-nutritional components that can interact with pharmacologically relevant receptors, either directly or indirectly via their metabolites, to regulate cellular biochemical processes. Although opinions are changing, the concept of food as a therapeutic intervention goes against conventional Western medicine. To provide guidance to clinicians interested in using these products, members of the Food as Medicine working group of the Nutrition Committee for the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, as part of a two-part review series, have identified frequently used foods, supplements, herbs, and spices that are utilized for therapeutic intent and have created summaries of commonly used indications, doses, and caveats. In this review, the focus is the use of select herbs and spices for medicinal purposes. Gaps in our knowledge in how to effectively use these agents in pediatric patients are discussed. Evidence supporting their use for management of gastrointestinal conditions, especially in the pediatric population, is provided when available. Circumstances in clinical settings and patient indications may require actions different from those recommended in this review and professional judgment should prevail.

Physical Activity in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can be severe and are associated with impairment in growth, school absences, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Physical activity (PA) could have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to other benefits. It is important to address the possible risks, physiological effects of PA, and potential barriers, and facilitators for PA participation in pediatric IBD. However, potential barriers and facilitators to PA have yet to be adequately described. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to map and describe the current literature on PA in pediatric IBD populations between 1980 and April 2022 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines for Scoping reviews. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were identified including 10 descriptive, 6 interventional, and 3 physiological responses to PA studies. Patients and healthy controls demonstrated similar responses to exercise. Barriers to participation were low self-esteem, body image, and active IBD symptoms. Facilitators included personal interest, activity with friends, and support from family. CONCLUSION: This review highlighted that PA participation may reduce in children with IBD-related symptoms. Short- and medium-term impacts of PA on immune modulation require further study; it is possible that regular PA does not negatively affect biomarkers of disease activity.

Intestinal microbiome in short bowel syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The intestinal microbiome plays a strong, complementary role in the development and integrity of the intestinal epithelium. This biology is crucial for intestinal adaptation, particularly after the mucosal insults that lead to short bowel syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this review is to discuss relationships between the intestinal microbiota and the physiology of intestinal adaptation. RECENT FINDINGS: We will address interactions between the intestinal microbiome and nutritional metabolism, factors leading to dysbiosis in SBS, and common compositional differences of the gut microbiome in SBS patients as compared to healthy controls. We will also discuss novel opportunities to expand diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in this population, by using our knowledge of the microbiome to manipulate luminal bacteria and study their resultant metabolites. As microbial therapeutics advance across so many fields of medicine, this review is timely in its advocacy for ongoing research that focuses on the SBS population.Our review will discuss 4 key areas: 1) physiology of the intestinal microbiome in SBS, 2) clinical and therapeutic insults that lead to a state of dysbiosis, 3) currently available evidence on microbiome-based approaches to SBS management, and 4) opportunities and innovations to inspire future research. SUMMARY: The clinical implications of this review are both current, and potential. Understanding how the microbiome impacts intestinal adaptation and host physiology may enhance our understanding of why we experience such clinical variability in SBS patients' outcomes. This review may also expand clinicians' understanding of what 'personalized medicine' can mean for this patient population, and how we may someday consider our nutritional, therapeutic, and prognostic recommendations based on our patients' host, and microbial physiology.

Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Utility Measure for Preschool Children (Health Utilities Preschool): Design, Development, and Properties.

OBJECTIVES: Health Utilities Preschool (HuPS) was developed to fill the need for a generic preference-based measure (GPM) applicable in early childhood. A GPM has all the properties for higher-order summary measures, such as quality-adjusted life-years, required to inform important policy decisions regarding health and healthcare services. METHODS: Development was in accordance with published standards for a GPM, statistical procedures, and modeling. HuPS incorporates key components of 2 existing measurement systems: Health Status Classification System for Preschool Children and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). The study included a series of 4 measurement surveys: definitional, adaptational, quantificational, and evaluational health-related quality of life (HRQL). HuPS measurements were evaluated for reliability, validity, interpretability, and acceptability. RESULTS: Definitional measurements identified 8 Health Status Classification System for Preschool Children attributes in common with HUI3 (vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, emotion, cognition, and pain and discomfort), making the HUI3 scoring equation commensurate with HuPS health states. Adaptational measurements informed the content of attribute-level descriptions (n = 35). Quantificational measurements determined level scoring coefficients. HRQL scoring inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79) was excellent. Continuity of HRQL scoring with HUI3 was reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80, P < .001) and valid (mean absolute difference = 0.016, P = .396). CONCLUSIONS: HuPS is an acceptable, reliable, and valid GPM. HRQL scoring is continuous with HUI3. Continuity expands the applicability of GPM (HUI3) scoring to include subjects as young as 2 years of age. Widespread applications of HuPS would inform important health policy and management decisions as HUI3 does for older subjects.

Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Celiac Disease Identified Due to an Affected First-Degree Family Member.

The incidence of celiac disease in first-degree relatives of affected individuals is higher than in the general population, yet the clinical characteristics of this unique subset of patients has not been well described. Through a retrospective review of patients seen in a tertiary care pediatric celiac disease clinic, we identified 49 patients diagnosed with celiac disease following screening due to an affected first-degree relative. Although 51% of patients screened due to an affected first-degree relative were asymptomatic, their disease histology was as severe as those screened for symptoms suggestive of celiac disease. These findings support current recommendations to screen all first-degree relatives of patients with celiac disease regardless of clinical symptoms.

Pediatric Patient and Parent Perceptions of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has gained attention for its role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Acceptance of this treatment, particularly among children and their parents, is an important aspect of assessing its feasibility for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease care. To date, no studies have assessed FMT acceptance among pediatric patients who underwent FMT treatment. Here, we explored the perceptions and experiences of FMT in a population of pediatric UC patients who participated in a recent FMT pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Children who received bi-weekly FMT treatments for 6 weeks through a clinical trial (NCT02606032) and their parents participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews led by study investigators. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using validated qualitative research methods. RESULTS: Eight patients and eight parents were interviewed, with qualitative data summarized across four themes and 11 subthemes. The majority of participants perceived FMT as a "natural treatment" and cited lack of response to conventional medications and fear of medication side-effects as motivators for pursuing FMT. Pre-treatment, patients and parents expressed concerns regarding physical discomfort with FMT administration; post-treatment, most patients reported feeling "completely normal." Both patients and parents uniformly expressed interest in pursuing FMT again in the future if available. Convenience of medication therapies, and perceived naturality and efficacy of FMT were all endorsed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe pediatric and parent experiences receiving FMT. This information is valuable to develop and encourage future FMT trials involving children. Pre-treatment, concerns about FMT were common. Post-treatment, patients reported tolerance to FMT and a desire to continue receiving this therapy if available. Further trials of FMT in UC are needed. Investigators should include pediatric patients without concern of acceptance.

Microbiota-Immune Interactions in Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis Associated Cancer and Emerging Microbiota-Based Therapies.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the colonic mucosa. UC is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease along with Crohn's disease and presents with varying extraintestinal manifestations. No single etiology for UC has been found, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is suspected. Research has focused on the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of UC, including the effects of dysbiosis on the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier, priming and regulation of the host immune system, chronic inflammation, and progression to tumorigenesis. Characterization of key microbial taxa and their implications in the pathogenesis of UC and colitis-associated cancer (CAC) may present opportunities for modulating intestinal inflammation through microbial-targeted therapies. In this review, we discuss the microbiota-immune crosstalk in UC and CAC, as well as the evolution of microbiota-based therapies.

Protocol for a systematic review on the role of the gut microbiome in paediatric neurological disorders.

INTRODUCTION: The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication that occurs between the intestinal tract and central nervous system (CNS). Through a series of neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic signalling pathways, commensal microbiota are able to influence CNS development and neurological function. Alterations in gut microbiota have been implicated in various neuropathologies. The purpose of this review is to evaluate and summarise existing literature assessing the role of specific bacterial taxa on the development of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative pathologies of childhood. We will also discuss microbiota-based therapies dietary interventions and their efficacy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID electronic databases for articles published between January 1980 and February 2021. A search method involving two rounds of reviewing the literature using a three-step method in each round will be performed. Two researchers will be selected, and screen titles and abstracts independently. The full text of selected articles will be assessed against inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and evaluated using the appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Findings from this study will be shared across relevant paediatric neurology and gastroenterology societies and submitted for peer review. This study did not require institutional ethics approval.

Nutrition Support of Children With Chronic Liver Diseases: A Joint Position Paper of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Chronic liver disease places patients at increased risk of malnutrition that can be challenging to identify clinically and treat. Nutrition support is a key aspect of the management of these patients as it has an impact on their quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. There are significant gaps in the literature regarding the optimal nutrition support for patients with different types of liver diseases and the impact of these interventions on long-term outcomes. This Position Paper summarizes the available literature on the nutritional aspects of the care of patients with chronic liver diseases. Specifically, the challenges associated with the nutritional assessment of these subjects are discussed, and recently investigated approaches to determining the patients' nutritional status are reviewed. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of the malnutrition seen in the context of chronic liver disease is summarized and monitoring, as well as treatment, recommendations are provided. Lastly, suggestions for future research studies are described.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection and Other Conditions in Children: A Joint Position Paper From the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is becoming part of the treatment algorithms against recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) both in adult and pediatric gastroenterology practice. With our increasing recognition of the critical role the microbiome plays in human health and disease, FMT is also being considered as a potential therapy for other disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis), graft versus host disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Controlled trials with FMT for rCDI have not been performed in children, and numerous clinical and regulatory considerations have to be considered when using this untraditional therapy. This report is intended to provide guidance for FMT in the treatment of rCDI in pediatric patients.

Iron Status in Pediatric Celiac Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review.

The present study assessed the role of serum ferritin as a noninvasive biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric celiac disease. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients younger than 18 years old at time of diagnosis (n = 193) between 1998 and 2015. A total of 653 paired values demonstrated a weak negative correlation between serum ferritin and tissue transglutaminase-immunoglobulin A (r = -0.114; P = 0.004), necessitating further evaluation. A significant relationship was found between reduction of tissue transglutaminase-immunoglobulin A and increase in serum ferritin after institution of a gluten-free diet (P < 0.0001), suggesting that resolution of villous damage is necessary for promoting adequate iron absorption.

Role of the microbiome in energy regulation and metabolism.

Intestinal microbes regulate metabolic function and energy balance; an altered microbial ecology is believed to contribute to the development of several metabolic diseases. Relative species abundance and metabolic characteristics of the intestinal microbiota change substantially in those who are obese or have other metabolic disorders and in response to ingested nutrients or therapeutic agents. The mechanisms through which the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites affect host homeostasis are just beginning to be understood. We review the relationships between the intestinal microbiota and host metabolism, including energy intake, use, and expenditure, in relation to glucose and lipid metabolism. These associations, along with interactions among the intestinal microbiota, mucus layer, bile acids, and mucosal immune responses, reveal potential mechanisms by which the microbiota affect metabolism. We discuss how controlled studies involving direct perturbations of microbial communities in human and animal models are required to identify effective therapeutic targets in the microbiota.

Implications of Microbiota and Immune System in Development and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent type of liver disease worldwide. The exact pathophysiology behind MASLD remains unclear; however, it is thought that a combination of factors or "hits" act as precipitants for disease onset and progression. Abundant evidence supports the roles of diet, genes, metabolic dysregulation, and the intestinal microbiome in influencing the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes and subsequent progression to inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there is no cure for MASLD, but lifestyle changes have been the prevailing cornerstones of management. Research is now focusing on the intestinal microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for MASLD, with the spotlight shifting to probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of how intestinal microbiota interact with the immune system to contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We also summarize key microbial taxa implicated in the disease and discuss evidence supporting microbial-targeted therapies in its management.

Functional contribution of the intestinal microbiome in autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome: a systematic review of pediatric and adult studies.

Introduction: Critical phases of neurodevelopment and gut microbiota diversification occur in early life and both processes are impacted by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown the presence of gut microbiota alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we performed a systematic review of alterations of the intestinal microbiota composition and function in pediatric and adult patients affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Rett syndrome (RETT). Methods: We searched selected keywords in the online databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and OVID (January 1980 to December 2021) with secondary review of references of eligible articles. Two reviewers independently performed critical appraisals on the included articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for each study design. Results: Our systematic review identified 18, 7, and 3 original articles describing intestinal microbiota profiles in ASD, ADHD, and RETT, respectively. Decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes were observed in the gut microbiota of individuals affected by ASD and ADHD. Proinflammatory cytokines, short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter levels were altered in ASD and RETT. Constipation and visceral pain were related to changes in the gut microbiota in patients affected by ASD and RETT. Hyperactivity and impulsivity were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium (phylum Firmicutes) and positively correlated with Bacteroides sp. (phylum Bacteroidetes) in ADHD subjects. Five studies explored microbiota-or diet-targeted interventions in ASD and ADHD. Probiotic treatments with Lactobacillus sp. and fecal microbiota transplantation from healthy donors reduced constipation and ameliorated ASD symptoms in affected children. Perinatal administration of Lactobacillus sp. prevented the onset of Asperger and ADHD symptoms in adolescence. Micronutrient supplementation improved disease symptomatology in ADHD without causing significant changes in microbiota communities' composition. Discussion: Several discrepancies were found among the included studies, primarily due to sample size, variations in dietary practices, and a high prevalence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms. Further studies employing longitudinal study designs, larger sample sizes and multi-omics technologies are warranted to identify the functional contribution of the intestinal microbiota in developmental trajectories of the human brain and neurobehavior. Systematic review registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42020158734.

Malnutrition care in hospitalized pediatric inpatients: comparison of perceptions and experiences across two pediatric academic health sciences centres.

Malnutrition affects up to one in three Canadian children admitted to hospital. Awareness among pediatric healthcare providers (HCPs) of the prevalence and impacts of hospitalized malnutrition is critical for optimal management. The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of malnutrition among pediatric HCP across two major academic health sciences centres, and to determine how the use of a standardized pediatric nutritional screening tool at one institution affects responses. Between 2020 and 2022, 192 HCPs representing nursing, dietetics, medicine, and other allied health were surveyed across McMaster Children's Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. 38% of respondents from both centres perceived rates of malnutrition between approximately one in three patients. Perceptions of the need for nutritional screening, assessment, and management were similar between centres. All respondents identified the need for better communication of hospitalized malnutrition status to community providers at discharge, and resource limitations affecting nutritional management of pediatric inpatients. This study represents the largest and most diverse survey of inpatient pediatric HCPs to date. We demonstrate high rates of baseline knowledge of hospital malnutrition, ongoing resource challenges, and the need for a systematic approach to pediatric nutritional management.

Development of the Pediatric Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (P-INPAC) using a modified Delphi technique.

One in three hospitalized children have disease-related malnutrition (DRM) upon admission to hospital, and all children are at risk for further nutritional deterioration during hospital stay; however, systematic approaches to detect DRM in Canada are lacking. To standardise and improve hospital care, the multidisciplinary pediatric working group of the Canadian Malnutrition Taskforce aimed to develop a pediatric, inpatient nutritional care pathway based on available evidence, feasibility of resources, and expert consensus. The working group (n = 13) undertook a total of four meetings: an in-person meeting to draft the pathway based on existing literature and modelled after the Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC) in adults, followed by three online surveys and three rounds of online Delphi consensus meetings to achieve agreement on the draft pathway. In the first Delphi survey, 32 questions were asked, whereas in the second and third rounds 27 and 8 questions were asked, respectively. Consensus was defined as any question/issue in which at least 80% agreed. The modified Delphi process allowed the development of an evidence-informed, consensus-based pathway for inpatients, the Pediatric Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (P-INPAC). It includes screening <24 h of admission, assessment with use of Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) <48 h of admission, as well as prevention, and treatment of DRM divided into standard, advanced, and specialized nutrition care plans. Research is necessary to explore feasibility of implementation and evaluate the effectiveness by integrating P-INPAC into clinical practice.

Significant vomiting and weight loss in a pediatric epilepsy patient secondary to vagus nerve stimulation: A case report and review of the literature.

Vagus nerve stimulation is a neuromodulatory treatment option for individuals with drug resistant epilepsy who are not resective surgical candidates. As the vagus nerve has widespread neural connections, stimulation can lead to an array of adverse effects. While vomiting and weight loss are known side effects of vagus nerve stimulation, these are typically transient, mild, and do not limit the ability to continue treatment. We describe a 17-year-old female with drug resistant focal epilepsy secondary to tuberous sclerosis complex, who began to experience daily emesis and significant weight loss approximately 2.5 years after VNS device insertion. Her body mass index progressively fell from between the 75th-85th percentiles to less than the first percentile. She underwent extensive workup by neurology, gastroenterology, and adolescent medicine services with no obvious cause identified. Prior to the insertion of an enteral tube for feeding support and urgent weight restoration, her vagus nerve stimulator was switched off, resulting in immediate cessation of her vomiting and a dramatically rapid recovery of weight over the ensuing few months. This case emphasizes the need to consider adverse effects of vagus nerve stimulation in the differential diagnosis of patients with otherwise unexplained new medical sequelae, and provides evidence potentially linking vagal stimulation to significant malnutrition-related complications. Outside of GI-related effects, few studies have shown late-onset adverse effects from VNS, including laryngeal and facial pain as well as bradyarrhythmia. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation to better anticipate and mitigate adverse effects, and to understand the pathophysiology of late-onset adverse effects in previously tolerant VNS patients.