Long-term nutritional assessment in children with short bowel syndrome

Abstract

Objective To assess the long-term growth and nutrition status of children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Methods Fourteen patients who have weaned off parenteral nutrition for more than 2 years were enrolled in the study. During follow-up, anthropometric measurements and blood test including blood routine, liver function, trace elements and fat-soluble vitamins were taken. The patients with more than 60 cm residual intestine were grouped into one group, and those whose residual intestine less than 60 cm were grouped into another group. The growth and nutrition status of children were compared between the 2 groups. Results Among the 14 patients, 11 had normal body length and weight, 1 had mild malnutrition, 1 had severe malnutrition, and another was found to be overweight. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in weight for age, height for age, BMI percentile and Z-score. The levels of vitamine A and vitamine E in serum of the patients with residual intestine shorter than 60cm group were significantly decreased compared with that of the patients with residual intestine longer than 60 cm (P＜0.05). No difference of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), pre-albumin, albumin, copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, β-carotene, vitamine B12 was found between the 2 groups (P＞0.05). Conclusions Most neonatal SBS patients have normal growth and nutritional status after being weaned off parenteral nutrition. Some SBS patients have malabsorption of vitamin A and vitamin E. Key words: Short bowel syndrome; Nutrition assessment