The Effect of Nutrient Deprivation on Early Life Small Intestinal Mucosal Microbiome and Host Proteome.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition plays a vital role in shaping the intestinal microbiome. However, many hospitalized children undergo periods of fasting during medical treatment. Changes to the small intestinal microbiota in early life in the setting of enteral deprivation have not been well described. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of enteral deprivation on the small intestinal mucosal microbiome and to identify factors that shape this interaction in infancy. METHODS: Intestinal biopsies were collected from proximal (fed) and distal (unfed) small bowel at the time of ostomy closure in children with a small intestinal enterostomy. Mucosal and luminal microbiome comparisons were performed including ß-diversity and differential abundance and correlations with clinical factors were analyzed. Host proteomics were compared between fed and unfed samples and correlated with microbiome parameters. Finally, microbial results were validated in another cohort of pediatric patients. RESULTS: Samples from 13 children (median age 84 d) were collected. Mucosal microbiome communities in the fed and unfed segments were strikingly similar [paired UniFrac distance (ß-diversity)], whereas luminal effluent differed significantly from fed samples (PERMANOVA, P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed patient as the strongest predictor of the UniFrac distance. Environmental variables did not influence the intrapatient microbial dissimilarity. Host proteomics were similar intrapatient (paired fed-unfed Euclidian distance) and showed a correlation with the UniFrac distance (Spearman rho = 0.71, P < 0.001). Specific proteins and functional clusters were significantly different between paired samples, including lipid metabolism and intracellular trafficking, whereas no difference was seen in innate immune proteins. The microbiome results were validated in a different cohort with similar characteristics. CONCLUSION: We found the host to be the most dominant factor in the structure of the early life small intestinal mucosal microbiome. Nutrient deprivation was associated with specific changes in the host proteome. Further research is needed to better understand this host-microbe-nutrition interaction.

The Impact of Lactobacillus Probiotics on the Gut Microbiota in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) frequently struggle with malabsorption and poor growth. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in gut function, and children with SBS have known deficiencies in some commensal gut microbes. One strategy to enhance the gut microbiota is by taking probiotics. However, the efficacy of this approach is not well established. We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation would result in increased levels of the supplemented bacteria and improved growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with SBS who had weaned from parenteral nutrition but with suboptimal growth were randomized to receive probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus johnsonii) or placebo daily for 2 mo. The gut microbiota from monthly stool samples were compared between groups using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Growth between groups was also compared. Statistical analysis was completed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests as appropriate. RESULTS: Eighteen children with SBS completed the study (n = 9 per group). There were no significant changes to the major bacterial families in either group. Median relative abundance of Lactobacillus did not differ between groups at baseline or at the end of the study (7.67 versus 13.23, P = 0.523 and 1.93 versus 15.8, P = 0.161). Median z scores for weight and length did not differ between groups at the beginning or end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of daily probiotic use in children with intestinal failure is unknown. In this study, Lactobacillus probiotics did not result in a predictable change to the fecal microbiota or overall growth compared with placebo in these patients.

Access to Paid Parental Leave for Academic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Parental leave is linked to health benefits for both child and parent. It is unclear whether surgeons at academic centers have access to paid parental leave. The aim of this study was to determine parental leave policies at the top academic medical centers in the United States to identify trends among institutions. METHODS: The top academic medical centers were identified (US News & World Report 2016). Institutional websites were reviewed, or human resource departments were contacted to determine parental leave policies. "Paid leave" was defined as leave without the mandated use of personal time off. Institutions were categorized based on geographical region, funding, and ranking to determine trends regarding availability and duration of paid parental leave. RESULTS: Among the top 91 ranked medical schools, 48 (53%) offer paid parental leave. Availability of a paid leave policy differed based on private versus public institutions (70% versus 38%, P < 0.01) and on medical center ranking (top third = 77%; middle third = 53%; and bottom third = 29%; P < 0.01) but not based on region (P = 0.06). Private institutions were more likely to offer longer paid leaves (>6 wk) than public institutions (67% versus 33%; P = 0.02). No difference in paid leave duration was noted based on region (P = 0.60) or rank (P = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 50% of top academic medical centers offer paid parental leave. Private institutions are more likely to offer paid leave and leave of longer duration. There is considerable variability in access to paid parenteral leave for academic surgeons.

Pediatric breast masses: an argument for observation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric breast masses can be a diagnostic challenge. Nearly all are benign, but there is no consensus on which should be removed. We hypothesized that children with asymptomatic breast lesions can be safely managed nonoperatively. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of children (≤18 y) who underwent breast mass excision from 2008 to 2016. Male patients with gynecomastia and those who had needle biopsy without formal excision were excluded. Pearson correlation was used to compare ultrasound and pathologic size. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare size and final diagnosis. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six patients were included (96% female). Mean age was 15 ± 3 y. Most patients (71%) presented with a painless mass. Preoperative ultrasound was obtained in 70%. Pathology included fibroadenoma (81.5%), tubular adenoma (5%), benign phyllodes tumor (3%), benign fibroepithelial neoplasm (0.5%), and other benign lesions (10%). There were no malignant lesions. Ultrasound size had a Pearson correlation of 0.84 with pathologic size (P < 0.0001). There was no association between the size and final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Over 9 y, all pediatric breast masses removed at a single center were benign, most commonly fibroadenoma. Ultrasound was an accurate predictor of size, but large lesions did not necessarily confer a high malignancy risk. Observation is appropriate for asymptomatic breast masses in children. Decision for surgery should be individualized and not based on size alone.

Growth Trajectory in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome During the First 2 Years of Life.

OBJECTIVES: Infants with short bowel syndrome (SBS) require diligent nutritional support for adequate growth. Enteral independence is a primary goal, but must be balanced with ensuring sufficient nutrition. We aimed to describe growth trajectory in infants with SBS as function of nutritional intake during first 2 years of life. METHODS: Infants with SBS were reviewed (2008-2016). z Scores for weight, height, and head circumference (HC) were recorded at birth, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Nutritional intake, serum liver enzyme, and bilirubin levels were assessed at all time points. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to measure association with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Forty-one infants were included, with median gestational age of 34 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 29-36 weeks). Median small bowel length was 36 cm (IQR 26-52 cm) and median % expected small bowel length was 28% (IQR 20%-42%). Mean z scores for weight and length were >0 at birth, but <0 from 3 months to 2 years. HC remained <0 throughout the study. Mean z scores at 2 years for weight, length, HC, and weight-for-length were -0.90 (SD 1.1), -1.33 (SD 1.4), -0.67 (SD 1.2), and -0.12 (SD 1.2), respectively. Percentage calories from PN was positively correlated with weight in the first 3 months of life (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Babies with SBS are high risk for poor growth during the first 2 years of life. Although weaning PN is important for these patients, doing so too quickly in infancy may contribute to compromised growth. The long-term impact on overall development is not known.

Standardizing vitamin D supplementation to minimize deficiency in children with intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is present in 40%-70% of children with intestinal failure (IF), yet there are no published guidelines for repleting and maintaining vitamin D levels in this population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized vitamin D algorithm in reducing the incidence of deficiency. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed in children with IF who had at least one serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 ) measurement. Vitamin D levels were compared prealgorithm (2014-2016) and during active-algorithm use (2018-2020). Vitamin D levels were classified as severe deficiency (<12.5 nmol per L), mild deficiency (12.5-39 nmol/L), insufficiency (40-74 nmol/L), optimal (75-224 nmol/L), or toxicity (>225 nmol/L). Descriptive and comparative statistics were calculated using a linear mixed-effects model, with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children with IF were enrolled, which included 157 vitamin D measurements (58 in the prealgorithm group and 98 in the active-algorithm group). Algorithm compliance was 4% in the prealgorithm group and 61% in the active-algorithm group. Active-algorithm patients had improved vitamin D levels in all categories compared with those of prealgorithm patients (mild deficiency: 8% vs 9%; insufficiency: 41% vs 72%; optimal: 50% vs 19%). Algorithm use was found to have a statistically significant effect on serum vitamin D levels (ß = 21.58; 95% confidence interval, 14.11-29.05; P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Children with IF are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency. Use of a standardized vitamin D supplementation algorithm was associated with increased serum vitamin D levels.

Risk Factors for Infection in Neonates With Intestinal Failure.

PURPOSE: Neonates with intestinal failure (IF) are at risk for infection due to central venous access, and intestinal surgery. Infection can cause systemic inflammation and sepsis, potentially affecting growth. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for, and the potential impact of infection to help with preventative strategies. METHODS: A retrospective review of infants with IF, at a single centre from 2018 to 2022 was conducted. Clinical characteristics, intestinal pathology, nutritional intake, and growth were compared among infants with bloodstream infection (BSI), other infection (OI) (urinary, respiratory, or wound), or no infection (NI) within 2 months of diagnosis. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons with p-values <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Eighty-six infants were included, with gastroschisis (41%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (26%) the most common diagnoses. Fifty-nine % of infants developed infection (22% BSI and 37% OI). Those with BSI or OI had a lower gestational age and birthweight, and were more likely to have a stoma. All infants with complex gastroschisis developed infection compared to 38% of infants with simple gastroschisis. Median daily weight gain was suboptimal across all groups and did not differ over 6 weeks following infection. CONCLUSION: Most infants with IF develop infection shortly after diagnosis. Risk factors include prematurity, complex gastroschisis, and the presence of a stoma. Growth was suboptimal but did not differ among infants with or without infection. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections in children with intestinal failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) account for a major source of morbidity in children with intestinal failure. Many of these patients require long-term central venous access, placing them at significant risk for these infections. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most current strategies and interventions for minimizing CRBSIs in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: Strategies for the prevention of CRBSIs continue to evolve, although most have not been specifically evaluated in children with intestinal failure. Some of the more recent interventions that are likely to be effective in this population include creating standardized protocols for catheter insertion and maintenance, ethanol lock therapy, and occasional use of antimicrobial catheters and dressings. SUMMARY: Every effort must be made to prevent CRBSIs in infants and children with intestinal failure. Disease specific risk factors must be considered when determining the best approach for infection prevention. Because of their long-term access needs, checklists and protocols to maintain strict sterile technique at the time of catheter insertion are useful. Additionally, these children often have some degree of intestinal bacterial overgrowth secondary to dilation and dysmotility. Therefore, the use of antimicrobial locks, catheters and dressings likely provide benefit for some patients.

Peripherally inserted central catheters for long-term parenteral nutrition in infants with intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infants with intestinal failure often require long-term central access for delivery of parenteral nutrition (PN). Traditionally, surgically placed central venous catheters (CVCs) have been used; however, the complications associated with these catheters can lead to significant morbidity. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are potentially superior to CVCs because they tend to be smaller, and can be placed without general anesthesia. The purpose of the study is to report the use of PICCs for long-term administration of PN in infants with intestinal failure and compare with previously published catheter infection and venous thrombosis rates. METHODS: A 4-year review of infants younger than 12 months with intestinal failure and a PICC for PN delivery was performed to determine the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and PICC-associated venous thrombosis. The complication rates were compared with those reported for CVCs and PICCs in the pediatric literature. RESULTS: A total of 45 infants with intestinal failure, receiving PN through a PICC were included in the study. Data from 95 PICCs accounting for 10,189 catheter days were collected. The overall incidence of CRBSI was 5.3/1000 catheter days and the incidence of venous thrombosis was 2.0/1000 catheter days. CONCLUSIONS: PICCs offer an advantage over CVCs in that they can often be inserted without a general anesthesia and do not require manipulation of the vein. Given the low rate of CRBSI and venous thrombosis, we recommend PICCs for infants with intestinal failure requiring PN.

Nutrition considerations in pediatric surgical patients.

Children who require surgical interventions are subject to physiologic stress, necessitating a period of healing when nutrition needs may temporarily change. Providing appropriate nutrition to children before and after surgery is an important part of minimizing surgical morbidity. There is a clear link between poor nutrition and surgical outcomes, therefore providing good reason for ensuring an appropriate nutrition plan is in place for children requiring surgery. This review will address recent research investigating nutrition considerations for pediatric surgical patients with a focus on practical tools to guide decision making in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods.

Urine sodium to urine creatinine ratio as a marker of total body sodium in infants with intestinal failure.

PURPOSE: Urine sodium (UNa) is a measure of total body sodium in infants with intestinal failure (IF) but can be misleading as it does not reflect volume status. Urine sodium to urine creatinine ratio (UNa:UCr) may offer a more accurate measure, but is not routinely used. This study compares UNa:UCr to UNa as a maker of sodium status in infants with IF. METHODS: A retrospective review of infants with IF, from a single center, from 2018 to 2020 was conducted (REB H20-00,816). IF etiology, intestinal anatomy, nutritional intake, urine electrolytes and anthropometrics were collected. Linear mixed effects models adjusting for repeated measures were used to associate UNa and UNa:UCr with weight gain and sodium intake. RESULTS: Twenty-two infants with a median gestational age of 31 weeks were included. IF etiology included gastroschisis (41%), necrotizing enterocolitis (23%), and intestinal perforation (14%). Infants had an average of 3 paired UNa and UNa:UCr measures for a total of 74 paired measurements. UNa:UCr more strongly correlated with sodium intake compared to UNa (R = 0.25, p = 0.032 vs. R = 0.10, p = 0.38). Overall, neither UNa (p = 0.21) nor UNa:UCr (p = 0.16) were significantly correlated with weight gain. However, for infants receiving ≤50% nutrition enterally, weight gain correlated with UNa (p = 0.01) and UNa:UCr (p = 0.01). UNa:UCr >35 predicted adequate growth regardless of enteral intake (92% sensitivity, 59% specificity). CONCLUSION: UNa:UCr is a measure of total body sodium that correlates with sodium intake in infants with IF. Our study indicates UNa:UCr >35 is associated with adequate growth and can be used to guide further validation studies.

Use of instructional videos to reduce central venous catheter complications in children with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Children with intestinal failure (IF) require parenteral nutrition (PN) at home, delivered through a central venous catheter (CVC) to support growth. CVC-related complications including infection, breakage, and blockage are the most common cause of readmission to the hospital. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of instructional videos as part of the caregiver home PN-teaching program to reduce CVC-related complications. METHODS: Caregivers of children with IF requiring home PN were surveyed to assess skill confidence and interest in instructional videos for skill acquisition. Videos were then created using a smartphone and free video-editing software. Input from stakeholders (families, care providers) was incorporated in video production. Families were given access to the videos, and CVC-related complications were compared for 2 years prior to and 1 year following video introduction with Welch t-test analysis. RESULTS: After obtaining ethics approval, 11 caregivers were surveyed. Thirty percent reported feeling underconfident in their skills at the time of discharge. After viewing the videos, 100% of caregivers reported that these videos were useful. Catheter-related complication rates significantly decreased in the year following the video introduction from 7.88 to 2.65 complications per 1000 catheter days (P = .046). This included reductions in catheter-related infections, catheter occlusions, and breakages. CONCLUSIONS: Children with IF receiving home PN are at high risk for CVC-related complications, and caregivers are the first line of defense for catheter care. Instructional videos were low-cost to create, were well received by all families, and may contribute to reduced catheter-related complications.

NeoCHIRP: A model for intestinal rehabilitation in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation (IR) teams have transformed care in pediatric intestinal failure (IF).1 Although most children with IF are identified in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), IR teams may not be involved at this stage. We describe our collaborative model, blending NICU and IR expertise to optimize care. Over 6 years, the NeoCHIRP (Neonatal Children's IR Program) team followed 164 babies for weekly visits (median, 8; range, 1-27). Bedside rounds included CHIRP team physician and surgeons, neonatologist champion, attending neonatologist and fellow, NICU dietitian, bedside nurse, and family. Medical and nutrition status, nutrition history, and laboratory data were discussed, and a nutrition plan to support IR, considering the child's other medical needs, was created to guide the next week's management. Typical issues addressed included parenteral nutrition (PN) composition, enteral nutrition plan, oral feeding, management of small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth and sodium status, and cholestasis. A total of 164 babies were followed by the NeoCHIRP team. Of 153 survivors, IF resolved by discharge in 89% (136 of 153). Seventeen of 153 babies (11%) went on to require home PN and were transferred from NICU directly to the CHIRP team. By discharge, 99% of babies were orally fed (69/136, 50% fully, 67/136, 49% partially), and cholestasis improved or resolved in 80/105 (76%). Eleven babies (7%) died; four deaths were unrelated to IF, but in seven babies, IF was at least a contributing factor. In this high-risk cohort, most babies achieved good outcomes, and those who required longer-term IR transitioned smoothly to the CHIRP team.

A comparison of small bowel and fecal microbiota in children with short bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Babies with short bowel syndrome (SBS) have small intestinal microbial disturbances that impact gut function. Characterizing the small bowel microbiota is challenging, and the utility of sampling stool is unclear. This study compares the microbiota from fecal samples and the small bowel. METHODS: Stool samples were collected (2016-2017) from infants with SBS and colon in continuity (COLON) or SBS with small bowel ostomy (sbSTOMA). The abundance and quantity of major bacterial genera was compared between groups and to healthy controls using 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. Kruskall-Wallis test was used for analysis with P values <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Samples (n = 41) were collected from 15 SBS infants (<2 years) (9 sbSTOMA, 6 COLON) and 3 healthy infants. Demographics and small intestinal length did not differ between sbSTOMA and COLON infants. The microbiota of SBS groups differed significantly from healthy controls. Fecal samples contained higher quantities of bacteria, but there were no significant differences between sbSTOMA and COLON groups in the abundance of facultative or obligate anaerobes, anti-inflammatory Clostridia, Enterobacteriaceae, or Bifidobacterium. CONCLUSION: Infants with SBS have disturbances to their intestinal microbiota. Sampling small intestinal effluent is challenging. Stool samples may provide a window into the more proximal microbial community. TYPE OF STUDY: Diagnostic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

A Comparison of Smoflipid® and Intralipid® in the Early Management of Infants with Intestinal Failure.

PURPOSE: Cholestasis is problematic for infants with intestinal failure (IF). The soy-based lipid Intralipid® (IL) has been implicated. An alternative, Smoflipid® (SMOF), is increasingly used. However, its role in cholestasis prevention is unclear. This study compares the incidence and degree of cholestasis between infants with IF receiving SMOF or IL. METHODS: Infants with IF receiving SMOF or IL during the first 8 weeks of parenteral nutrition (PN) support between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. Clinical characteristics, cholestasis incidence (conjugated bilirubin (Cbili) >2 mg/dL for >2 weeks), and nutritional parameters were compared using Welch's t-test. RESULTS: 91% (21/23) of IL and 76% (16/21) of SMOF babies became cholestatic (p = 0.18). There was no significant difference in median peak Cbili, but SMOF babies normalized more quickly (p = 0.04). Median z-scores for weight were similar throughout the study. SMOF patients getting full PN had a lower incidence of cholestasis compared to IL patients (78% vs. 92%, p = 0.057), but those with cholestasis had similar peak Cbili, time to resolution, and growth. CONCLUSION: Early use of Smoflipid® did not reduce the incidence of cholestasis compared to Intralipid® in infants with IF, but hyperbilirubinemia did resolve more quickly. SMOF may be most beneficial for infants tolerating no enteral nutrition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Comparative Treatment Study. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Review.

Intestinal microbiota in short bowel syndrome.

Children with short bowel syndrome have significant changes to their intestinal microbiota after intestinal loss. The purpose of this article is to understand the potential implications of these changes on gut function, hepatic cholestasis and overall nutrition. Possible therapies to restore the commensal bacterial community in these patients will also be reviewed.

Anticoagulation results in increased line salvage for children with intestinal failure and central venous thrombosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether anticoagulation (AC) results in thrombus resolution and increased line longevity in children with intestinal failure (IF) and catheter-associated central venous thrombosis (CVT). METHODS: A retrospective, single institution review was performed of children with IF who were dependent on parenteral nutrition with known CVT between 2006 and 2017. Frequency of catheter-related complications including infection, occlusion, and breakage were compared 18months prior to and after starting AC. Thrombus resolution during anticoagulation was also determined. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression. p-Values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Eighteen children had ≥1 CVT, with the subclavian vein most commonly thrombosed (44%). All children were treated with low molecular weight heparin, and 6 patients (33%) had clot resolution on re-imaging while receiving AC. Bloodstream infections decreased from 7.9 to 4.4 per 1000 catheter days during AC (p=0.01), and the number of infections requiring catheter replacement decreased from 3.0 to 1.0 per 1000 catheter days (p=0.01). There were no significant differences in line occlusions or breakages. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation for children with intestinal failure and central venous thrombosis may prevent thrombus propagation, and decrease blood stream infections and line replacements. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and duration of therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; Retrospective Comparative Study.

A comparison of Broviac® and peripherally inserted central catheters in children with intestinal failure.

PURPOSE: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a source of morbidity for children with intestinal failure (IF). Complications include infection, breakage, occlusion, and venous thrombosis. Broviacs® have traditionally been preferred, but peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are gaining popularity. This study compares complications between Broviacs® and PICCs in children with IF. METHODS: After IRB approval, children with IF receiving parenteral nutrition (2012-2016) were reviewed. Complications were compared between Broviacs® and PICCs using the generalized estimation equation population-averaged Poisson regression model. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: 36 children (0.1-16years) with IF were reviewed, accounting for 27,331 catheter days, 108 Broviacs® (3F-9F), and 54 PICCs (2-11F). Broviacs® had a significantly higher infection rate (4.2 vs. 2.6/1000 catheter days, p=0.011), but PICCs were more likely to break (1.56 vs. 0.26/1000 catheter days, p=0.002). When comparing same size catheters (3F), there were no significant differences in infection, breakage, or occlusion. Twelve children (33%) had central venous thrombosis, all after Broviac® placement. Three children (8%) had basilic vein thrombosis after PICC placement. CONCLUSION: Although Broviacs® and PICCs had similar complication rates, there were fewer central venous thromboses associated with PICCs. This should be considered when choosing catheters for children with IF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 11b (Prognosis Study).

Predicting time to full enteral nutrition in children after significant bowel resection.

PURPOSE: Parenteral nutrition (PN) contributes to considerable morbidity in children after significant bowel resection. This study evaluates the utility of clinical variables in predicting time to independence from PN. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective review (1999-2012) of 71 children who were on PN for >6weeks after intestinal resection and successfully weaned was performed. Clinical characteristics were evaluated to determine the relationship to time to full enteral nutrition. P-values<0.05 were significant. RESULTS: Most children had necrotizing enterocolitis (56%), intestinal atresia (20%), or gastroschisis (11%) with a median small bowel length of 55cm (IQR, 35-92cm). The duration of PN was independent of the etiology of intestinal loss, presence of the ileocecal valve or colon, or location of anastomosis, but was strongly associated with small bowel length (<0.01) and percent of expected small bowel based on gestational age (GA) (median 50%, <0.01). In general, children who had 25-50% of their small bowel were dependent on PN for at least 2years compared to approximately 1year for those with 51-75%. CONCLUSION: The duration of PN dependence in children after major bowel resection is best predicted by remaining small bowel length and can be estimated using a linear regression model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

A comparison of lipid minimization strategies in children with intestinal failure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of lipid minimization with either Intralipid (IL) or Omegaven® in children with intestinal failure (IF) who developed intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) while receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). METHODS: A retrospective review of children with IF requiring PN who developed IFALD (direct bilirubin >2 mg/dL) while receiving IL (2009-2016) was performed. Clinical characteristics, nutritional, and laboratory values were compared between children treated with reduced IL or Omegaven®. RESULTS: 16 children were reviewed (8 treated with IL and 8 treated with Omegaven® at a median dose of 1g/kg/d). Both groups had similar demographics, small bowel length, and parenteral nutritional intake during the study (82.9±27.1 kcal/kg/d vs. 75.9±16.5 kcal/kg/d, p=0.54). The mean direct bilirubin (DBili) prior to initiating treatment was 7.8±4.3 mg/dL and 7.5±3.5 mg/dL (p=0.87) in the IL and Omegaven® groups, respectively. The IL group took a median of 113 days to achieve a DBili <0.5 mg/dL compared to 124 days in the Omegaven® group (p=0.49). There were no differences in markers of liver function or growth trajectories among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid minimization with either IL or Omegaven® has similar success in achieving a normal DBili in children with IF and IFALD without major differences in nutritional status or growth. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.