Impact of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Nutritional Status and Intake in Children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the impact of allogeneic/haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on nutritional status and intake in a group of children aged 2 to 18 years. METHODS: In an observational study, data were collected prospectively. Patients were prescribed individual nutritional support by hospital routines. Anthropometrics were measured pre-transplant at hospital admission and weekly from the day of transplant (day 0) until day +28. z scores for weight, height, and BMI were calculated using Norwegian growth references to assess nutritional status. Pre-transplant diet was assessed on the day of hospitalization. Nutrient provision from enteral nutrition (EN = oral and tube) and parenteral nutrition (PN) was assessed by daily records from day +1 until day +28, or previous discharge, and compared with recommendations (RI) from the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and ESPGHAN guidelines. Total energy intake was presented as the percentage (%) of basal metabolic rate (BMR) calculated by the Schofield equation. Macro- and micronutrient provisions were presented as medians (interquartile range) and the % of RI. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients, mean age 10.3 years (range 3.5-16.6), were included. Two-thirds (n = 18) had malignant diseases. At admission, mean weight Z-score was -0.3, height z scores -0.7, and BMI Z-score 0.1. Eighteen percent (n = 5) were stunted and 25% (n = 7) had overweight. At admission, 25% (n = 7) had established tube feeding, and 7% (n = 2) also had PN. No significant changes in weight z scores were detected during the studied weeks ( P = 0.454). The median daily energy provision was 115% (110-123) of BMR and proteins 1.5 (1.3-1.8) g/kg. EN was provided during a median of 93% of the studied days and provided 21% of the energy. PN was given on a median of 96% of the studied days and provided 79% of energy. RI for vitamins, magnesium, and zinc was met. Provision of copper, iodine, selenium, calcium, and phosphate was below RI. CONCLUSIONS: Combined EN and PN providing 115% of BMR and 1.5 g/kg protein ensured stable weight by day +28 and covered RI, except for trace elements and minerals.

Iodine Status and Growth In 0-2-Year-Old Infants With Cow's Milk Protein Allergy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present article was to investigate iodine status and growth in cow's milk protein allergic infants and to identify potential predictors of iodine status and growth. METHODS: Fifty-seven infants under 2 years of age were included in an observational cross-sectional study. Two spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for iodine, together with a 3-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire. Urine iodine concentrations were compared with the WHO cut-off values for iodine deficiency. Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference at birth and study inclusion were converted to standard deviation scores. Subgroup analyses were performed on different feeding patterns, according to weaning status. RESULTS: Median age was 9 months. Median urinary iodine concentration was 159 ug/L. One third of the children had urine iodine concentrations indicating iodine deficiency. Infants who were mainly breastfed were at highest risk and 58% were classified as deficient. Dietary factors positively associated with iodine excretion were intake of enriched baby cereals and meeting the dietary requirement for iodine. Stunting was present in 5%. Underweight and wasting was frequent at 11% and this was associated with food refusal and poor appetite, but not with iodine status. Growth failure was detected among boys. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that cow's milk protein allergy children have high prevalence of iodine deficiency and poor growth, however the 2 conditions were not associated. The subgroup of mainly breastfed infants was at higher risk of iodine deficiency compared to weaned infants. Subjects with feeding problems had increased risk of malnutrition.

Bone mineral density and nutrition in long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of unwanted late effects. The primary aim of this study was to assess bone mineral density Z-scores (BMDz) in long-term survivors of childhood medulloblastoma (MB) or central nervous system supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (CNS-PNET). Secondary aims were to describe nutrient intake, vitamin D status, physical activity and explore potential risk factors for decreased BMDz. METHODS: All MB and CNS-PNET survivors treated at Oslo University Hospital from 1974 to 2013 were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Lunar Prodigy) assessed BMDz lumbar spine, BMDz total body, and lean body mass. Decreased BMDz was defined as a combination of low BMDz -1 to -1.99 and very low BMDz ≤-2. Lean body mass index (LMI) was calculated by dividing lean body mass by the squared height. Nutrient intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed. Physical activity was reported by a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Fifty survivors with a median age of 25.5 years (5.5-51.9) and a median follow-up time of 19.5 years (3.2-40.5) were included. Mean BMDz lumbar spine was -0.8 (SD 1.1, 95% CI: -1.1 to -0.4), and BMDz total body was -0.6 (SD 1.1, 95% CI: -0.9 to -0.3). Decreased BMDz was detected in 48% of the lumbar spine and 34% of the total body measurements. In all, 62% had low calcium, and 69% had low vitamin D intake. 26% of participants had serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, and 62% reported an inactive lifestyle. Male sex, higher age at diagnosis, and lower LMI were potential risk factors for decreased BMDz. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survivors of childhood MB and CNS-PNET had decreased BMDz, and risk factors were male sex, higher age at diagnosis, and lower LMI. Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, an inactive lifestyle, and a high prevalence of 25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/L were detected.

Micronutrients in paediatric Intestinal Failure Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Children with intestinal failure (IF) receive parental nutrition to ensure adequate growth and development. The aim of this study was to assess micronutrient status in paediatric IF patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in comparison to a group of healthy children. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed at Oslo University Hospital and at the Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo from January to September 2017. All children with IF, aged two to 18 years, were invited to participate. A reference group of healthy children was recruited through social media advertisement. Dietary intake was assessed by a four-day food record, and enteral and parenteral provision was recorded. Blood samples were analysed for vitamins, minerals and haematology to assess iron status. Two spot urine samples from each subject were analysed for iodine concentration (UIC) and creatinine. RESULTS: Nineteen children with IF and 50 healthy children were included. The mean age of the participants was 10.0 years. IF-patients received a median of 76% of their estimated energy requirements from parenteral nutrition (PN). Recommended intake (RI) for iodine from the diet was reached by 16% of IF patients and 28% of healthy children. In the IF group there was a significant positive correlation between UIC and the percentage of iodine intake from oral diet and enteral nutrition support (r = 0.57, p = 0.03). Although the IF patients had a median parenteral iodine supply of more than twice the ESPGHAN recommendation, the median UIC was 89 µg/L indicating insufficient iodine status. This may suggest that the ESPGHAN recommendation for iodine in paediatric parenteral nutrition is too low. The healthy children had sufficient iodine status according to the median UIC (133 µg/L). IF patients had significantly lower total provision of iron compared to the healthy children, 4,9 vs 8,4 mg/day (p = 0.01) with 21% of IF patients and 28% of healthy children reaching RI for iron. The prevalence of anaemia was higher in IF patients than in the healthy children (40 vs.10%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The study indicates an insufficient iodine and iron status among paediatric IF patients. Iodine status was associated with enteral provision and patients had insufficient status even if they received the ESPGHAN recommendation of iodine. TRIAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials AEV2017/1. 2016/391/REK sør-øst B.

Bone mineral density and vitamin D in paediatric intestinal failure patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are dependent on long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to ensure growth and development. The primary aim of the present study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status in paediatric IF patients on HPN and a group of healthy children aged 2-18 years. Secondary aims were to assess growth, body composition, nutrient provision and physical activity. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed at Oslo University Hospital and at the Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, from January to September 2017. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy in IF patients and Lunar iDXA in healthy subjects) was performed to assess BMD and body composition. BMD z-score (BMDz) was calculated for total body and lumbar spine L2-L4 based on the integrated reference population in the software. Weight and height were measured for growth assessment. Nutrient provision was assessed by a 4-day food record. Blood samples were analysed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). Physical activity was reported by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen IF patients and 50 healthy children were included. The mean age of participants was 10.0 years. The aetiology of IF patients was paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (58%), short bowel syndrome (26%), and intestinal enteropathy (16%). Lower median BMDz for total body (-0.4 vs 1.1, P < 0.001) and lumbar spine L2-L4 (-0.9 vs 0.2, P = 0.01) were found in the IF group compared with the healthy children. Vitamin D provision was significantly higher in IF patients (17 µg/d vs 5.3 µg/d, P < 0.001). Both groups were sufficient in 25(OH)D (IF patients 71 nmol/L vs healthy 81 nmol/L). Nevertheless, IF patients had significantly lower 1,25(OH)2D than healthy children (71 pmol/L vs 138 pmol/L, P < 0.001). The IF group was significantly shorter (height for age z-score -1,5 vs 0,1, P = 0.001) and lighter (weight for age z-score -1,0 vs 0,1, P = 0.009) compared with the healthy subjects. BMIz did not differ; however, body fat percentage was significantly higher in IF patients compared with healthy children (34% vs 25%, P = 0.02). A lower frequency of physical activity was found in the IF group compared with the healthy group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric IF patients on HPN had lower BMD, impaired growth, and higher body fat percentage in comparison with the healthy children. Despite a higher total supply of vitamin D in the IF group, the levels of 25(OH)D did not differ. Nevertheless, a significantly lower level of 1,25(OH)2D was found in IF patients. The results raise questions regarding differences between oral and parenteral vitamin D provision and whether intestinal function is important for the metabolism of vitamin D. TRIAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials AEV2017/1. 2016/391/REK sør-øst B REVISION NUMBER: CLNESP-D-20-00022.