Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following liver transplantation for metabolic disease-a single centre experience.

This study describes the neurodevelopmental outcome of children with urea cycle disorders (UCD) and organic acidemias (OA) preliver transplant (LT), 1-year, and 3-years post-LT. We performed a retrospective chart review of children with OA or UCD transplanted between January 2014 and December 2021. Standardized motor and cognitive assessment scores were collected from children who had ≥1 motor/cognitive assessment at any timepoint. Pre-LT brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was graded. Associations between demographic/medical variables and neurodevelopmental outcomes were explored. Twenty-six children (64% male) underwent LT at a median age of 1.4 (interquartile range 0.71, 3.84) years. Fifteen (58%) had a UCD diagnosis, 14 (54%) required dialysis for hyperammonemia, and 10 (42%) had seizures typically around diagnosis. The proportion of children with gross motor scores >1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean increased across timepoints, and ≥50% demonstrated general intellect scores >2 SD below the mean at each timepoint. The following significant associations were noted: UCD diagnoses with lower general intellect scores (p = 0.019); arginosuccinate lyase deficiency diagnosis with lower visual motor scores at 3-years post-LT (p = 0.035); a history of seizures pre-LT with lower general intellect (>2SD below the mean) at 3-years post-LT (p = 0.020); dialysis pre-LT with lower motor scores (>1 SD below the mean) at 1-year post-LT (p = 0.039); pre-emptive LT with higher general intellect scores at 3-years post-LT (p = 0.001). MRI gradings were not associated with developmental scores. In our single centre study, children with UCD or OA had a higher prevalence of developmental impairment post-LT compared to population norms. Earlier screening, pre-emptive transplant, and rehabilitation may optimize long-term outcomes.

Physical function in children and adolescents pre- and 1-year post-liver transplant.

BACKGROUND: Several studies describe poorer motor developmental motor outcomes post-liver transplant (LT) in younger children. Limited studies examine physical function in older children and adolescents pre- and post-LT. METHODS: Retrospective review of standard of care physical function outcome measures pre- and 1-year post-LT in children ≥6 years at LT. Measures include: 6-minute walk test (6MWT), grip strength, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) components, Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), and Paediatric Quality of Life Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Association of medical variables with outcomes was explored. RESULTS: The study cohort included 23 (8 male, median (interquartile range) age 11.67 (8.25, 13.92) years at LT) participants. Top two primary diagnoses included biliary atresia (30.4%) and fulminant hepatic failure (21.7%). At 1-year post-LT, over one-third (36%) were overweight or obese. Compared with healthy norms, children had significantly lower pre-LT PAQ scores (p = .002), pre- and post-6MWT scores (p < .001) and post-LT BOT-2 strength and agility scores (p < .001). Pre-LT, lower balance scores were associated with abdominal distention/ascites (p = .009) and splenomegaly (p = .017). Lower pre-LT platelet count correlated with poorer balance (r = .532, p = .017) and lower strength and agility scores (r = .446, p = .043). Significant moderate inverse correlations were found between weight/body mass index z-scores and BOT-2 components. Post-LT children continue to demonstrate decreased levels of motor proficiency and functional capacity but report less fatigue and increased physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Older children and adolescents undergoing LT are at risk of decreased physical function, highlighting the need for pre- and post-LT rehabilitation to optimize long term outcomes.

Body Composition and Physical Activity in Pediatric Intestinal Failure On and Off Parenteral Nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Data on the relationship between body composition (BC) and physical activity (PA) in children with intestinal failure (IF) are lacking. The objectives were to collect data on PA and BC in children with IF, both parenterally and enterally fed, and to assess the relationship between PA and BC. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in children 5-18 years with IF including those receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and those fully enterally fed. PA levels were measured using accelerometry. BC was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data were compared to age- and sex-matched population norms using t tests. Regression analysis assessed the relationship between BC and PA. RESULTS: Fifty-eight children with IF (38 males), mean (SD) age of 10.0 (3.5) years, 20 dependent on PN were included. Patients with IF had significantly fewer steps per day ( P ≤ 0.001) compared with literature controls, with a mean (SD) of 7,972 (3,008) and 11,749 (1,106), respectively. There were no significant differences between patients receiving PN and those enterally fed, but both groups were significantly less active than literature controls ( P < 0.001). Patients with IF had higher fat mass and lower fat-free mass compared to literature controls ( P = 0.008). PA had a significant effect on BC ( r2 = 0.32, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with IF, those receiving PN and those fully enterally fed, are at risk of decreased PA and altered BC. PA should be part of ongoing rehabilitation and management to optimize outcomes.

Predictors of Social-Emotional Development and Adaptive Functioning in School-Age Children with Intestinal Failure.

OBJECTIVES: Despite a focus on neurocognition in pediatric intestinal failure (IF) to date, we examined social-emotional and adaptive functioning. METHODS: Children (N = 63) in our IF rehabilitation program underwent neuropsychological assessments including caregiver- and teacher-reported questionnaires. Results were compared to norms using z-tests. Caregiver and teacher reports were compared using t tests. Medical and demographic factors were examined in an exploratory manner using correlation and targeted regression analyses, adjusting for gestational age and full-scale IQ. RESULTS: Caregiver and teacher reports indicated poorer executive, internalizing, behavioral, and adaptive functioning compared to norms. Teachers reported more executive dysfunctions than caregivers. Necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis predicted internalizing emotional problems. Immigrant status predicted poorer social and practical adaptive functioning. Living with biological parents predicted fewer externalizing emotional and behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS: The group displayed social-emotional and adaptive functioning concerns. Identifying medical and demographic risks can allow for screening and intervention.

Motor outcomes in young children pre-and one-year post-liver transplant.

BACKGROUND: Motor skill acquisition plays an important role in physical activity participation and overall social and physical health. Limited studies have examined motor development in children pre-and post-liver transplant (LT). METHODS: Retrospective review of motor outcomes in children <6 years old with cholestatic liver disease assessed pre-and 1-year post-isolated LT. Measures include Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (gross motor quotient (GMQ), fine motor quotient (FMQ), and total motor quotient (TMQ)). Association of medical variables with motor outcomes was explored. RESULTS: Participants included 33 (58% male) children with diagnoses of biliary atresia (70%), Alagille syndrome (21%), and others (9%). Median age at LT was 10 (IQR 7.0-20.5) months. Pre-LT >75% of children were at risk for motor delay (≤10th percentile on AIMS/ ≥1SD below mean GMQ). Post-LT, 52% scored ≥1 SD below the mean GMQ compared with 22% FMQ. Children at risk/delayed pre-LT had an increased risk of motor delay on GMQ post-LT (odds ratio 11.43, 95% CI 1.12-116.7, p = .017). Higher INR pre-LT correlated with lower TMQ post-LT (r = -.51, p = .003). Longer waitlist time correlated with lower FMQ post-LT (r = .41, p = .03). GMQ post-LT and height z-scores pre-LT (r = .46, p = .02) and post-LT (r = .45, p < .01) were positively correlated. There was no correlation with presence of ascites, weight z-score, length of hospitalization, and age at LT. CONCLUSIONS: Young children have increased risk of motor delay pre-LT, which may persist post-LT. Severity of liver disease and growth delays may impact motor development, highlighting the need for ongoing rehabilitation pre- and post-LT.

Muscle Strength, Agility, and Body Composition in Children With Intestinal Failure on Parenteral Nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: With increasing number of children with intestinal failure (IF) on long-term parenteral nutrition (PN), this study assesses the impact of IF on muscle strength, speed, and agility and body composition (BC), identifying clinical factors that may predict impairment. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in children 5-18 years with IF on PN. Assessments included Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 strength and agility subtest (BOT-2), and grip strength. BC data from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements and clinical variables were collected by chart abstraction. Data were compared to age and sex matched controls and population norms. RESULTS: Twenty-one children with IF (14 males), median age 8.33 (IQR: 6.96-11.04) years and 33 controls (20 males), 8.25 (6.67-10.79) years were included. Strength and agility ( P < 0.001) and grip strength ( P = 0.001) differed between groups. Nine of 21 (43%) of children with IF scored >1 standard deviation (SD) below mean on BOT-2 and 13 of 21 (62%) had grip strength >1 SD below mean. DXA measurements showed 10 of 18 (56%) of children had lower fat-free mass (FFM)% and higher fat mass (FM)% than reference norms. Decreased FFM% was associated with lower BOT-2 scores ( r = 0.479; P = 0.044) and grip strength scores >1 SD below mean ( P = 0.047). Additional clinical factors significantly impacting strength and agility included prematurity, height, hospitalizations, sepsis, and small bowel length. CONCLUSIONS: Children with IF are at risk of decreased muscle strength and agility, along with altered BC. Ongoing medical, nutritional, and rehabilitation intervention is vital to optimize outcomes.

Physical Activity and Fatigue in Children With Intestinal Failure on Parenteral Nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: With improved survival of children with intestinal failure (IF), it is important to examine the impact on long-term physical function, physical activity (PA), and fatigue and identify clinical factors that may be predictive of impairment. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in children with IF on parenteral nutrition (PN) compared with healthy age- and sex-matched controls (HCs). Assessments included: Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Physical Function subscale, PedsQL Multi-Dimensional Fatigue Scale, and PA Perceived Benefits and Barriers scale. PA was measured using an accelerometer. Medical data was collected by chart abstraction. RESULTS: Participants included 21 children with IF (14 girls), median age 8.33 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.96-11.04) years and 33 HCs (20 boys), 8.25 (6.67-10.79) years. In those with IF, 13 (62%) were born prematurely with a median of 15 (7.5-24.5) in-patient hospitalizations. There was a significant difference (P = 0.033) in mean steps/day in children with IF (9709 +/- 3975) compared with HCs (13104 +/- 5416), and a correlation between moderate-to-vigorous PA and gestational age (r = 0.642, P = 0.010). Child and parent proxy scores indicate poorer physical function and greater fatigue in the IF group, along with a correlation between greater fatigue (r = -0.538, P = 0.012), poorer physical function (r = -0.0650, P = 0.0001) in children with more hospitalizations. Barriers to PA include "I am tired" and "I am worried about my line." CONCLUSIONS: Children with IF present with lower levels of PA and physical function and greater fatigue compared with their peers. Ongoing development of medical and rehabilitation intervention strategies is vital to optimize outcomes.

Engaging high school students about organ donation and transplantation: an evaluation of the High School Outreach Initiative (HSOI) program.

Adolescents can be influential in changing societal perceptions of organ donation and transplantation (ODT) but current studies on youth are limited. We sought to (1) assess the baseline knowledge in ODT among students in Toronto, Canada, and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the High School Outreach Initiative (HSOI) program presentations in changing awareness and interest about ODT. Pre- and post-presentation surveys were administered to high school students about their knowledge of ODT, awareness of donor registration, importance of donation, intent to register, and willingness to talk to their families about donation. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the students' baseline knowledge and interest. Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used to analyze changes in perceptions before and after the presentation. A total of 449 HSOI presentations were delivered to 33,090 students at 102 high schools in the Greater Toronto Area between 2012 and 2019. Data from 3327 surveys completed by students before a presentation showed 46.5% were not knowledgeable about ODT. For the 2-year period between 2017 and 2019, 1224 matched pre- and post-presentation surveys were collected. The 49.8% of students who stated they were not knowledgeable about ODT prior to the presentation decreased to 3.8% after (p < 0.001). Those who were not willing to register decreased by half after the presentation (p < 0.001). The HSOI is an effective educational program in improving youth's attitudes and perceptions toward ODT. Further directions of the program include the expansion to other cities and the collection of demographic information of students.

Neurocognitive Functioning in Early School-age Children With Intestinal Failure.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about school-age functioning in children with intestinal failure (IF). This study examines neurocognitive outcomes of children with IF at ages 4 to 8 years treated at a single centre, along with relevant medical and demographic variables. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, neurocognitive assessments were administered to 28 children receiving treatment in our IF rehabilitation program, and included measures of intelligence, academics, learning/memory, language, visual-motor integration, and fine-motor dexterity. DSM-IV/V criteria were used to diagnose Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, and/or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. RESULTS: Intellectual functioning ranged from extremely low to superior (Full Scale IQ range 53-123, mean = 89). Forty-six percentage received a cognitive/learning DSM diagnosis. Total number of first-year septic episodes correlated with poorer outcomes on the most cognitive measures. Adjusting for gestational age (61% were born <37 weeks), number of first-year septic episodes negatively predicted working memory, visual-motor integration, and visual memory scores. Additional factors correlating with poorer outcomes on ≥2 cognitive measures included length of first-year admissions, necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis, and first-year sustained conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Having ≥2 first-year septic episodes increased the likelihood of poorer outcome. Having a sibling was a significant positive predictor of working memory, processing speed, reading, and verbal learning skills. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provides preliminary evidence that children with IF are at risk of neurocognitive problems at early school age. Managing septic events during the first year is one strategy that may help reduce long-term neurocognitive risks in this population.

Motor Proficiency and Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity in Children With Intestinal Failure.

OBJECTIVE: Survival rates of children with intestinal failure have increased; however, associated co-morbidities may affect long-term motor developmental outcomes. This study evaluates motor proficiency and generalized self-efficacy toward physical activity (PA) in children ages 6 to 12 years with intestinal failure. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study of children followed in a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form (BOT-2 SF) and the Scales of Independent Behavior (parent-proxy report). Children completed the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) and a PA questionnaire. Relevant demographic and medical variables were correlated with assessment results. RESULTS: Participants include 30 children (18 males), median age 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-9) with gestational age 35 weeks (IQR 32-39) and birth weight 2.13 kg (IQR 1.68-2.77). Thirteen (43%) were dependent on parenteral nutrition. Fifteen (50%) scored below average on the BOT-2 SF. Lower BOT-2 SF scores were significantly associated with lower CSAPPA scores (r = 0.480, P = 0.01), with a common barrier to PA being the presence of a central line or enterostomy tube. Gestational age, height z scores, length of hospital admissions, and number of septic events were all significantly correlated with lower scores in motor proficiency. Number of septic events and total parenteral nutrition days were significant predictors of lower BOT-2 SF scores, when adjusting for birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple medical variables related to intestinal failure may affect motor proficiency and PA self-efficacy. Developmental follow-up is important to optimize motor skill development and promote PA participation.

Physical activity experiences in children post-liver transplant: Developing a foundation for rehabilitation interventions.

Physical Activity (PA) plays an important role in the physical and psychosocial health of children and is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of comorbidities associated with transplantation. Despite this, PA participation in pediatric liver transplant recipients remains low compared to healthy peers. This qualitative-focused mixed-methods study explored the PA experiences and parental perception of these experiences, including perceived facilitators and barriers to PA in children post-liver transplant. Eighteen participants (9 children [median age 10.8 years] and 9 parents) took part in semi-structured interviews and completed the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and PAQ. Most children reported they were physically active (PAQ median 3.08 [IQR] 2.60-3.51), participating in PA for its enjoyment, regardless of their level of motor proficiency. Levels of fatigue (median 65.28 [IQR] 56.25-90.97) were higher than healthy norms and impacted PA participation in some children. Children and parents perceived PA as central to post-transplant recovery and valued its social and mental health benefits; however, parents struggled with ongoing uncertainty and perceived physical vulnerability of their child. This study indicates the need for continuing PA support and education and provides valuable information for family-centered interventions to increase PA and improve health outcomes in children post-transplant.

Probiotics-mediated suppression of cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Probiotics can be used as an adjuvant for cancer prevention or/and treatment through their abilities to modulate intestinal microbiota and host immune response. Although most of the recent reviews have focused on the potential role of probiotics against colon cancer, only few of them include the probiotic effect on extraintestinal cancers. The present review covers the most important findings from the literature published during the past 20 months (from January 2015 to August 2016) regarding the probiotics-mediated suppression of both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal cancers and the underlying mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS: A comprehensive literature search in Pubmed, Science direct and Google scholar databases was conducted to locate all relevant articles that investigated the effect of probiotics on prevention/treatment of both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal cancers. Different mechanisms for the beneficial effects of probiotics against cancer were also discussed, mainly via modulation of gut microbiota which thereby influences host metabolism and immunity. SUMMARY: Despite laboratory-based studies having demonstrated encouraging outcomes that probiotics possess antitumor effects, the benefits should not be exaggerated before we get more results from human clinical trials. These are very important before the medical community can accept the use of probiotics as an alternative therapy for cancer control.

Physical activity and its correlates in children and adolescents post-liver transplant.

The health benefits of PA are well established for healthy and chronically ill children. This study objectively measures physical fitness and PA levels in children PLT and explores potential correlates and perceived barriers impacting their PA. A total of 23 children (16 females, mean 14.01 ± 2.49 yrs) >1 yr PLT were assessed for peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. MVPA and steps/day were determined with accelerometry. Additionally, SE, perceived fatigue, and barriers and benefits of PA were examined. VO2 peak (mean 33. 2 ± 7.61 mL/kg/min; 77.0 ± 15.6% predicted) and PA (average 6841 ± 2299 steps/day) were below healthy norms. MVPA (31.6 ± 16.1 min/day) was lower than national guidelines. Six participants (30%) attained criterion standards for abdominal strength and one participant (5%) for push-ups. Fatigue and SE were lower than reported levels in healthy children. A commonly perceived barrier to PA was "I am tired." A positive correlation was shown between SE and MVPA (r = 0.57, p = 0.007), SE and fatigue (r = 0.54, p = 0.01), and PELD score and fatigue (r = 0.66, p = 0.007). Children PLT demonstrate below normal levels of PA and aerobic capacity. SE is a modifiable correlate of their PA. Further investigation of the impact of PA correlates can guide the development of future innovative PA intervention strategies in children PLT.

Waiting for transplant: physical, psychosocial, and nutritional status considerations for pediatric candidates and implications for care.

The waiting period for an organ transplant has been described as a time of tremendous uncertainty and vulnerability, posing unique challenges and stressors for pediatric transplant candidates and their families. It has been identified as the most stressful stage of the transplant journey, yet little attention has been given to the physical, psychological, or social impact of the waiting period in the literature. In this review, we discuss the physical, nutritional, and psychosocial implications of the waiting period for child and adolescent transplant candidates and the impact on their parents and siblings. We identify areas for future research and provide recommendations for clinical practice to support children, adolescents, and families during the waiting period.

The World Transplant Games: an incentive to improve physical fitness and habitual activity in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.

This prospective, interventional study examined the impact of training for the WTG on levels of health-related physical fitness and habitual activity in a cohort of pediatric SOT recipients. Physical fitness (FitnessGram(®) ) and habitual activity (HAES) measures were performed on participants (n = 19) in the WTG and compared to non-participant controls (n = 14) prior to and following the WTG. Pre-WTG exercise training was provided to participants. Participants demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their habitual weekday (6.1 ± 1.7 to 8.5 ± 1.9 h; p = 0.002) and weekend (6.3 ± 2.6 to 8.4 ± 2.5 h; p = 0.01) activity over the training period, while controls improved weekday activity only (6.3 ± 2.0 to 8.3 ± 2.1 h; p = 0.05. Weekend activity: 7.7 ± 2.7 to 8.3 ± 2.3 h; p = 0.68). Participants demonstrated a non-statistical improvement in select physical fitness parameters; however, a greater number of participants achieved healthy criterion standards for cardiovascular fitness (2 vs. 1), abdominal strength (5 vs. 3), and upper body strength (7 vs. 3) following training and participating in the WTG. The WTG can provide a positive incentive for greater levels of physical activity and promote improvements in physical fitness levels. Further study is needed to examine long-term impact on lifestyle changes and health outcomes.

Assessment of body composition in pediatric intestinal failure: A comparison study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfolds with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the assessment of body composition of children with intestinal failure. DXA is the reference method for body composition assessment in clinical settings. METHODS: Children aged 1-18 years with intestinal failure whohave DXA as part of routine clinical monitoring were eligible. BIA measured total body water on the same day as DXA. Skinfold measurements were taken at four sites: triceps, biceps, subscapular, and suprailiac. Percentage of fat mass (%FM) and fat-free mass (%FFM) were derived from resistance and reactance measured by BIA by using age-specific equations. Percentage of FM was calculated from skinfold measures by using age-specific equations. Data on patient characteristics, intestinal failure-related factors, and feeding method were collected. Paired t test examined differences in %FM and %FFM and Bland-Altman analysis determined the agreement between BIA, skinfolds, and DXA. Marginal linear model assessed the effect of age, sex, and feeding method on the difference in body composition obtained between DXA and BIA and between DXA and skinfolds. RESULTS: Sixty-eight children with intestinal failure, mean age 8.9 ± 4.2 years, were studied. There was no difference between %FFM and %FM obtained by DXA and BIA (P = 0.26), with a mean bias (95% CI) of -0.69 (-1.9 to 0.5) for %FFM. Sex and age were individually and jointly associated with the bias observed between DXA and BIA (P < 0.05). Skinfold and DXA measurements were significantly different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BIA is an acceptable clinical tool for assessing body composition in pediatric intestinal failure.

Disseminating education to solid organ transplant recipients to promote engagement in physical activity.

Objective: To evaluate the dissemination of education through a workshop to promote engagement in physical activity (PA) among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Methods: The in-person workshop consisted of expert-led lectures on topics related to physical activity (day 1) and sports and fitness training with volunteer coaches (day 2). There were separate streams for children/adolescents and adults. RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was used to evaluate the impact of the workshop. Presenters and participants completed evaluations of the workshop using a 5-point Likert scale. A subgroup of adults completed a self-reported PA questionnaire at baseline and 4-weeks after the workshop. Results: 103 individuals (71 SOT recipients, 32 caregivers) attended the workshop (ages 4 to 71+ years). Sessions were highly rated (median = 5) for both quality and content on both days. There was no significant change (p = 0.16) in PA. However, 56% of SOT recipients reported changing their level of PA. Conclusion: An educational-workshop with hands-on training was an efficient and well-received method for disseminating awareness about the benefits of PA in SOT recipients. Innovation: Dissemination of evidence-based knowledge through a novel educational-workshop in a real-world setting has the potential to inform the decisions about PA behavior among SOT recipients.

Normal anthropometry does not equal normal body composition in pediatric intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND: Published reports on abnormal body composition in pediatric patients with intestinal failure have been in patients with poor growth. The goal of the current study is to report the body composition of normally growing patients with intestinal failure. METHODS: Children 8-18 years old with a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between January 1, 2013, and July 15, 2018, were included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected from the medical charts and included demographics, residual bowel anatomy, nutrition support, height, and weight. DXA data, including total body less head bone mineral density (BMD), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM), were collected and compared with published literature controls matched for age and sex. RESULTS: Thirty-four children met inclusion criteria. Mean age at the time of DXA was 9.6 ± 1.8 years. Weight- and height-for-age z-scores were -0.4 ± 0.9 and -0.5 ± 1.0, respectively. Mean BMD z-score was -1.0 ± 1.3. Twenty-six percent of patients (n = 9) had reduced BMD. Patients with intestinal failure had higher FM (P = .02) and lower FFM (P = .02) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that, despite reference range z-scores for height and weight, children with intestinal failure are at risk for abnormal body composition. Body composition should be routinely measured in children with intestinal failure to direct nutrition interventions.

Dietary Fiber from Oat and Rye Brans Ameliorate Western Diet-Induced Body Weight Gain and Hepatic Inflammation by the Modulation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Bile Acids, and Tryptophan Metabolism.

SCOPE: Dietary fiber (DF) induces changes in gut microbiota function and thus modulates the gut environment. How this modulation is associated with metabolic pathways related to the gut is largely unclear. This study aims to investigate differences in metabolites produced by the gut microbiota and their interactions with host metabolism in response to supplementation with two bran fibers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male C57BL/6N mice are fed a western diet (WD) for 17 weeks. Two groups of mice received a diet enriched with 10% w/w of either oat or rye bran, with each bran containing 50% DF. Microbial metabolites are assessed by measuring cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ileal and fecal bile acids (BAs), and the expression of genes related to tryptophan (TRP) metabolism. Both brans lowered body weight gain and ameliorated WD-induced impaired glucose responses, hepatic inflammation, liver enzymes, and gut integrity markers associated with SCFA production, altered BA metabolism, and TRP diversion from the serotonin synthesis pathway to microbial indole production. CONCLUSIONS: Both brans develop a favorable environment in the gut by altering the composition of microbes and modulating produced metabolites. Changes induced in the gut environment by a fiber-enriched diet may explain the amelioration of metabolic disturbances related to WD.

Targeting bile acid metabolism in obesity reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of studies that address the association of bile acid (BA) with obesity and of studies on the effects of treatment in patients with obesity on BA metabolism, assessed from systemic BA, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) level, and faecal BA. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 1 August 2019 using the keywords obesity, obese, body mass index, and overweight with bile acid, FGF19, FXR, and TGR5. Two reviewers independently searched, selected, and assessed the quality of studies. Data were analysed using either fixed or random effect models with inverse variance weighting. Of 3771 articles, 33 papers were relevant for the association of BA with obesity of which 22 were included in the meta-analysis, and 50 papers were relevant for the effect of obesity interventions on BA of which 20 were included in the meta-analysis. Circulating fasting total BA was not associated with obesity. FGF19 was inversely and faecal BA excretion was positively associated with obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) modulated BA metabolism, ie, increased BA and FGF19. Our results indicate that BA metabolism is altered in obesity. Certain bariatric surgeries including RYGB and SG modulate BA, whether these underlie the beneficial effect of the treatment should be investigated.