Parenteral Nutrition Exposure Research Articles

Oral stimulation for promoting oral feeding in preterm infants.

Oral stimulation for promoting oral feeding in preterm infants.

Association between congenital heart disease and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in neonates: A retrospective cohort study.

Infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are at increased risk of PN-associated liver disease (PNALD), which can lead to hepatic fibrosis. Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, so this study sought to better understand whether infants with CHD were at elevated risk of PNALD when receiving long-term PN. This study includes a retrospective cohort of infants at a level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2010 to 2020 who received long-term PN during the first 8 weeks of life. A time-varying Cox survival model was used to model risk of PNALD between infants with and without CHD, adjusted for demographics, surgical intervention, and PN exposure, using a 5000-iteration bootstrap estimation. Secondary analyses evaluated risk against discrete CHD diagnoses, and sensitivity analysis was performed on the magnitude and quantity of direct bilirubin laboratory measurements making up the PNALD definition. Neonates with CHD were found to be at higher risk for PNALD during or soon after long-term PN exposure. A pattern of increasing association strength with increasing bilirubin threshold suggests infants with CHD may also experience higher degrees of injury. This work offers a step in understanding how diagnoses can be factored into neonate PN prescription. Future work will explore modifications in lipid profiles and timing to mitigate risk in patients with CHD.

Sodium glycerophosphate use in parenteral nutrition improves mineral metabolism in extremely low birth weight infants.

To evaluate the clinical effect of sodium glycerophosphate (NaGP) in parenteral nutrition solutions on mineral metabolism in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. NaGP was introduced for use in place of potassium phosphate (K3PO4) in January 2018; this retrospective cohort study included 95 ELBW infants treated with K3PO4 between January 2015 and December 2017 and 77 infants treated with NaGP between August 2018 and January 2021. Mineral intake over the first 14days; changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels over the first 1-3months; and the rates of electrolyte imbalance and clinical morbidity were compared. High-risk infants who had nil per os (NPO) status for >14days and prolonged parenteral nutrition exposure were further analyzed as a subgroup. The use of NaGP instead of K3PO4 significantly increased Ca and P intake, but intakes remained below the recommended range (Ca, 64-140mg/kg/day; P, 50-108mg/kg/day). Compared with levels in the K3PO4 group, the NaGP group had significantly higher serum Ca and P levels after day 14 and lower ALP levels after day 56. In the subgroup analysis, the NaGP group had significantly lower incidences of hypophosphatemia, hyponatremia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and ALP >500 IU/L. Although the administration of NaGP instead of K3PO4 in parenteral nutrition regimens still did not provide adequate Ca and P intake for ELBW infants, higher intake significantly improved serum Ca and P levels, especially in ELBW infants with prolonged parenteral nutrition exposure.

Carrying the Burden: Informal Care Requirements by Caregivers of Children with Intestinal Failure Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

To measure the time that caregivers spend on tasks related to providing care to their child with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition (PN). We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study of caregivers of children with intestinal failure receiving long-term PN followed by our intestinal rehabilitation program. Caregivers completed a daily diary of care-related tasks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Exploratory models were completed to evaluate factorsthat influenced the amount of time that caregivers spent providing care. SAS University Edition 2018 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used for data analysis with a P value of less than .05 considered significant. Thirty-four caregivers of children with intestinal failure consented with response rates of 85%. The mean age of the primary caregiver was 37±7.9years of age with 97% being the child's mother. The median PN exposure was 1239days (IQR, 432-3012). Caregivers reported a median of 29.2hours per week (IQR, 20.8-45.7hours per week) of direct medical care. The majority of time was spent on providing PN and care of the central venous catheter (6.1hours; IQR, 5.2-8.8). Caregivers of children with intestinal failure receiving long-term PN provide a significant amount of care to ensure their child remains healthy at home. The most significant amounts of time were spent on the administrationof the PN and care of the central venous catheter.

Hypophosphatemia as an Early Metabolic Bone Disease Marker in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants After Prolonged Parenteral Nutrition Exposure.

Early metabolic bone disease (MBD) detection is important in preterm infants to decrease long-term consequence. We aim to explore the early MBD biochemical marker in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. Retrospective cohort study of 95 preterm infants born in a tertiary care-level neonatal intensive care unit between January 2015 and June 2018, with birth weight <1000g. Thirty-five infants were "nothing by mouth" for >14days and categorized as the high-risk group; the remaining 60 were categorized as the control group. Mineral intake in the first 14days and the trend of serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were compared in both groups. The Ca and P supplementation in the first 2weeks of life were inadequate in both groups. Compared with the control group, significantly lower serum P (mg/dL) levels were noted in the high-risk group on weeks 2 (3.65 ± 1.2 vs 4.67 ± 1.45; P < .001), 4 (3.21 ± 0.95 vs 5.83 ± 1.18; P < .0001), and 6 (3.94 ± 1.1 vs 6.22± 0.78; P <.0001). There was no significant difference in the serum Ca level, and significantly higher ALP (U/L) levels were found up until 2months of life in the high-risk group (458.36 ± 189.02 vs 335.7 ± 111.51; P < .014). Hypophosphatemia developed as early as 2weeks old in high-risk preterm infants because of inadequate supplementation. Neither the serum Ca or ALP levels were affected. Thus, the routine monitoring of serum P level should be started 2weeks after birth for early MBD detection in extremely ELBW infants.

Nephrocalcinosis and Renal Dysfunction in Pediatric Intestinal Failure

Outcomes of pediatric intestinal failure (PIF) have improved recently, with other comorbidities, such as increased echogenicity/nephrocalcinosis on ultrasound (US) in long-term survivors now evident. We evaluated the significance of nephrocalcinosis over time in PIF and its impact on renal function. Retrospective analysis on a cohort of PIF patients was performed. Presence of nephrocalcinosis and/or increased renal echogenicity (identified on US), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ml · min · 1.73 m2), renal tubular function, PN volume (ml · kg · day) and PN exposure time (hours/day) were reviewed annually over a follow-up period of 2 years. Outcomes in the nephrocalcinosis versus normal US groups were compared. Forty patients (28 boys, median age 2.7 years) were followed for 2 years. Fifteen (38%) had either increased echogenicity or nephrocalcinosis (group 1) at initial US. US were normal in the remaining 25 (62%) on initial assessment (group 2). eGFR did not differ between group 1 and group 2 at baseline (118 vs 133, P = 0.51) and year 2 (130 vs 131, P = 1.00). The percentage of patients with abnormal markers of tubular function was similar in both groups at year 2 (high urine calcium: creatinine 33 versus 30, P = 0.83; high urine calcium: citrate 39 versus 42, P = 0.87; low urine citrate: creatinine 15 versus 17, P = 1.00; high urine oxalate: creatinine 39 versus 25, P = 0.77). A large proportion of PIF patients with a history of parenteral nutrition (PN) exposure have nephrocalcinosis and/or increased echogenicity on US. Over a 2-year follow-up period, however, these abnormalities had no impact on eGFR or renal tubular function.

Increased Adiposity and Reduced Lean Body Mass in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome.

Few studies have examined the metabolic consequences of short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its effects on body composition in adults. We hypothesized that body composition of SBS patients is altered compared to a normal age-, race-, and sex-matched population, regardless of parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence. To compare the body composition of adult patients with SBS to age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls. Twenty patients with SBS underwent body composition analysis using the GE Lunar iDXA scanner. Patients were age-, sex-, and race-matched to controls from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004). Mean differences in body mass index, fat-free mass, fat mass, percent body fat, visceral adipose tissue mass and volume, and bone mineral density were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4 software. Fifty-five percent of subjects had a history of PN use, and 30% were current PN users. Mean percent body fat for SBS patients was 35.1% compared to 30.9% for healthy controls (p = 0.043). Fat-free mass was reduced in SBS (p = 0.007). Patients with reduced bone mass had a trend toward significantly more years of PN exposure compared to those with normal bone mass (p = 0.094), and a trend toward older age (p = 0.075). SBS is associated with increased percent body fat and reduced fat-free mass, suggesting that improved dietary and therapeutic interventions are needed to restore normal metabolic indices and avoid risk of metabolic syndrome in SBS patients.

TGR5 signaling mitigates parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

Bile acid receptors regulate the metabolic and immune functions of circulating enterohepatic bile acids. This process is disrupted by administration of parenteral nutrition (PN), which may induce progressive hepatic injury for unclear reasons, especially in the newborn, leading to PN-associated liver disease. To explore the role of bile acid signaling on neonatal hepatic function, we initially observed that Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5)-specific bile acids were negatively correlated with worsening clinical disease markers in the plasma of human newborns with prolonged PN exposure. To test our resulting hypothesis that TGR5 regulates critical liver functions to PN exposure, we used TGR5 receptor deficient mice (TGR5-/-). We observed PN significantly increased liver weight, cholestasis, and serum hepatic stress enzymes in TGR5-/- mice compared with controls. Mechanistically, PN reduced bile acid synthesis genes in TGR5-/-. Serum bile acid composition revealed that PN increased unconjugated primary bile acids and secondary bile acids in TGR5-/- mice, while increasing conjugated primary bile acid levels in TGR5-competent mice. Simultaneously, PN elevated hepatic IL-6 expression and infiltrating macrophages in TGR5-/- mice. However, the gut microbiota of TGR5-/- mice compared with WT mice following PN administration displayed highly elevated levels of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, and possibly responsible for the elevated levels of secondary bile acids in TGR5-/- animals. Intestinal bile acid transporters expression was unchanged. Collectively, this suggests TGR5 signaling specifically regulates fundamental aspects of liver bile acid homeostasis during exposure to PN. Loss of TGR5 is associated with biochemical evidence of cholestasis in both humans and mice on PN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Parenteral nutrition is associated with deleterious metabolic outcomes in patients with prolonged exposure. Here, we demonstrate that accelerated cholestasis and parental nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) may be associated with deficiency of Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5) signaling. The microbiome is responsible for production of secondary bile acids that signal through TGR5. Therefore, collectively, these data support the hypothesis that a lack of established microbiome in early life or under prolonged parenteral nutrition may underpin disease development and PNALD.

Key Determinants for Achieving Enteral Autonomy and Reduced Parenteral Nutrition Exposure in Pediatric Intestinal Failure.

We sought to evaluate the relationship between determinants of intestinal failure (IF) and achieving enteral autonomy from parenteral nutrition (PN) in a large single-center cohort of children. This is a retrospective chart review of pediatric subjects enrolled in a database for the Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation at Children's of Alabama from 1989 to 2016. IF was defined as dependence on PN for >60 days. Subjects were included if they were followed since birth or infancy for a minimum of 3 months and sufficient documentation of study variables were available. Gestational age, race, diagnosis, anatomy (percent small and large bowel remaining, presence of ileocecal valve [ICV]), county of residence (rural/urban), and days of PN use were recorded. Kaplan-Meier curves and parametric survival regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the demographic and clinical variables with the length of PN use. Initially, 290 subjects were available to review. After inclusion/exclusion were applied, 158 subjects remained. Gestational age, diagnosis (necrotizing enterocolitis), small-bowel length (>50%), and presence of an ICV were all positive predictors for reaching enteral autonomy. Residual colon length was associated with shorter duration of PN in days. Enteral autonomy is a key outcome among children with IF. In our cohort, we found that gestational age, diagnosis, remaining small bowel, and presence of ICV are positive predictors for reaching this important milestone. Colon length is also an important factor with respect to duration of PN in days.

Parenteral Nutrition Complications in Children Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) seems to be a practical solution to face the negative nutritional effects of bone marrow transplantation. Report and describe all observed PN-related complications in children undergoing allogenic bone marrow transplantation in a tertiary center and determine the possible risk factors. This was a retrospective and observational study including 51 allografted children 2 to 17 years of age. We collected from medical patient records any noticed PN-related complications using an assessment causality method. The independent risk factors for complications were investigated by multivariate analysis. A total of 92% of patients (n=47) developed a total of 136 complications attributable to PN. The incidence rate of complications was 5 for 100 patient days of PN. Infectious complications (32.3%) and electrolytic disorders (27.9%) were the most common conditions identified during our study. Multivariate analysis showed that the duration of PN exposure, age, and hyperglycemia were the risk factors for the onset of these complications. Although we have noticed multiple complications attributable to PN, a certain causal link is difficult to establish in this particular context. Emphasizing enteral nutrition in bone marrow graft protocols would be the best way to avoid these complications.

Thrombotic and Infectious Risks of Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Malnutrition is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), requiring timely and sufficient nutritional supplementation. In patients hospitalized for active disease, symptoms and/or altered intestinal function hinder enteral nutrition feasibility. In this scenario, parenteral nutrition (PN) is used. We aimed (1) to assess the frequency of PN use between 1997 and 2012 among hospitalized pediatric patients with IBD, (2) to determine the risk of in-hospital thrombus and infection associated with PN, and (3) to identify predictors of thrombus and infection in pediatric IBD hospitalizations utilizing PN. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric patients hospitalized between 1997 and 2012. We used the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) to identify pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), PN exposure, and primary outcomes including thrombus and infection. We used multivariable regression to identify risk factors for outcomes of interest. Parenteral nutrition was utilized in 3732 (12%) of 30,914 IBD hospitalizations. Three percent of PN patients experienced a thrombotic complication, and 5.5% experienced an infectious complication. Multivariate analysis showed PN as an independent risk factor for thrombus (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2-5.6) and infection (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 3.1-4.6). Surgery was an independent risk factor for thrombus (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.7) and infection (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.0-3.1) in hospitalizations exposed to PN. Hospitalized pediatric IBD patients, particularly surgical, receiving PN are at increased risk for thrombosis and infection. Clinicians must balance these risks with the benefits of PN.

Late onset sepsis: comparison between coagulase-negative staphylococci and other bacteria in the neonatal intensive care unit

Objective: To compare demographic and clinical features of neonates with late-onset sepsis due to coagulase-negative-staphylococcus with those due to other bacterial pathogens.Study design: Retrospective, population-based cohort study. Data on infants less than 90 days old diagnosed with late-onset bacterial sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed.Results: Two hundred and sixteen sepsis episodes were identified: coagulase-negative-staphylococcus caused 113 (52.3%) and other pathogen 103 (47.7%). Patients with coagulase-negative-staphylococcus sepsis had lower gestational age and younger age at onset, higher rates of parenteral nutrition exposure and normal temperature, lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, meningitis and neutropenia than patients with sepsis caused by other pathogens. In multivariable analysis, parenteral nutrition was the only independent risk factor for coagulase-negative-staphylococcus sepsis (odds ratio: 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–8.6).Conclusions: Initial empiric treatment for suspected sepsis should be targeted for other pathogens than coagulase-negative-staphylococci and vancomycin treatment should be reserved for infants with specific risk factors and according to local antimicrobial susceptibility.

Ileal atresia and multiple jejunal perforations in a premature neonate with gestational alloimmune liver disease

Abstract Recovery after surgical repair of an ileal atresia with or without intestinal perforation requires prolonged exposure to parenteral nutrition (PN) that may lead to PN-associated liver disease. Early liver failure and cholestasis out of proportion for PN exposure may be a harbinger for gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD), a potentially life-threatening condition that often requires liver transplant if not treated in a timely manner. This case report presents a premature neonate with ileal atresia and multiple jejunal perforations who developed liver failure and was later determined to have GALD. Recognition of clinical and laboratory findings consistent with GALD is essential to promote early treatment, which can enhance neonatal outcomes and impact future pregnancies.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections in neonates with gastrointestinal conditions: developing a candidate definition for mucosal barrier injury bloodstream infections.

To develop a candidate definition for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in neonates with presumed mucosal barrier injury due to gastrointestinal (MBI-GI) conditions and to evaluate epidemiology and microbiology of MBI-GI CLABSI in infants. Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Neonatal intensive care units from 14 US children's hospitals and pediatric facilities. A multidisciplinary focus group developed a candidate MBI-GI CLABSI definition based on presence of an MBI-GI condition, parenteral nutrition (PN) exposure, and an eligible enteric organism. CLABSI surveillance data from participating hospitals were supplemented by chart review to identify MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure. During 2009-2012, 410 CLABSIs occurred in 376 infants. MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure occurred in 149 (40%) and 324 (86%) of these 376 neonates, respectively. The distribution of pathogens was similar among neonates with versus without MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure. Fifty-nine (16%) of the 376 initial CLABSI episodes met the candidate MBI-GI CLABSI definition. Subsequent versus initial CLABSIs were more likely to be caused by an enteric organism (22 of 34 [65%] vs 151 of 376 [40%]; P = .009) and to meet the candidate MBI-GI CLABSI definition (19 of 34 [56%] vs 59 of 376 [16%]; P < .01). While MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure were common, only 16% of initial CLABSIs met the candidate definition of MBI-GI CLABSI. The high proportion of MBI-GI CLABSIs among subsequent infections suggests that infants with MBI-GI CLABSI should be a population targeted for further surveillance and interventional research.

Evaluation of Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Liver Disease in Infants With Necrotizing Enterocolitis Before and After the Implementation of Feeding Guidelines

In 2009, an intestinal rehabilitation team implemented feeding guidelines for infants following gastrointestinal surgery at our institution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of enteral feeding guidelines on the incidence of parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated liver disease (PNALD) in infants with surgically managed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This retrospective study included infants treated during 18-month time periods before and after the implementation of feeding guidelines. PNALD diagnosis was based on serum direct bilirubin >2 mg/dL after ≥14 days of PN exposure. Of the 140 infants identified, 64 were surgically managed and included in the analysis. The duration of PN and the time nil per os (NPO) were significantly reduced after guideline implementation from a median of 106 days to 65 days (P = .03) and from 29 days to 16 days (P = .02), respectively. The incidence of PNALD decreased from 73% before guideline implementation to 42% after guideline implementation (P = .01). Implementation of feeding guidelines resulted in decreased time NPO and duration of PN support. Significantly fewer infants developed PNALD after guideline implementation. These data suggest that feeding guidelines may expedite the transition from PN to enteral nutrition and may improve outcomes.

Parenteral Nutrition Use and Associated Outcomes in a Select Cohort of Low Birth Weight Neonates

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of parenteral nutrition (PN) on the time to regain birth weight in premature neonates born between 1,500 and 2,499 g. A retrospective analysis stratified premature neonates born between 1,500 and 2,499 g by receipt of PN or intravenous dextrose at ≤ 72 hours of age. The primary outcome was the time to regain birth weight. Secondary measures included preterm-associated morbidities, time to achieve predefined enteral nutrition milestones, and length of stay. Multivariable regression estimated associations between PN and time to achieve nutrition milestones. Among 260 eligible neonates, those receiving PN (53%) were less mature, weighed less at birth, had a higher index of illness severity, and higher prevalence of preterm-associated morbidities (p < 0.01). The time to regain birth weight (PN, 9.4 ± 3.5 d; no PN, 9.5 ± 3.4 d) was similar between groups. Regression analysis adjusting for gestational age, illness severity, and sepsis demonstrated that PN exposure was associated with a greater time to achieve nutrition milestones and length of stay (p < 0.05). Although its impact on growth remains uncertain among premature neonates born between 1,500 and 2,499 g, PN was independently associated with a greater time to achieve nutrition milestones.

Conjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Children

A variety of anatomic, infectious, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases can lead to conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, both in the newborn period and later in childhood. The pediatric practitioner is most likely to encounter conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the neonatal period.It is crucial to maintain a high degree of suspicion for cholestasis in the persistently jaundiced newborn. The goal is recognition of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia between 2 and 4 weeks after birth, allowing for the prompt identification and management of infants who have biliary atresia, which remains the most common cause of neonatal cholestasis.

Calcium Chloride and Sodium Phosphate in Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Containing TrophAmine

The objectives were to determine concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl) and sodium phosphate (NaPhos) that can be safely added to TrophAmine-based parenteral nutrition (PN) and to measure aluminum (Al) concentrations in PN solutions containing CaCl and NaPhos vs those containing calcium gluconate (CaGlu) and potassium phosphate (KPhos). In study A, PN solutions containing varying amounts of TrophAmine, CaCl, and NaPhos were compounded and then evaluated visually for precipitation. In study B, Al concentrations were measured in PN solutions containing CaCl and NaPhos (S1), CaGlu and NaPhos (S2), or CaGlu and KPhos (S3). Study A showed that a maximum phosphorus concentration of 15 mmol/L could be added to a solution containing 12.5 mmol/L of calcium without evidence of precipitation when the amino acid (AA) concentration reached ≥3 g/dL (3%). In study B, the mean (range) Al concentrations were S1 = 2.2 (1.9-2.4), S2 = 8.5 (7.8-9.3), and S3 = 11.7 (10.8-12.2) µmol/L (means of 6.0, 22.9, and 31.5 micrograms/dL, respectively). The data can provide a guide for compounding neonatal PN solutions containing TrophAmine, CaCl, and NaPhos. More studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of substituting CaCl for CaGlu in PN solutions for neonates. Substituting CaCl and NaPhos for CaGlu and KPhos significantly decreases Al concentrations in PN and potential Al exposure of neonatal patients.

A contemporary analysis of parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease in surgical infants

Background/purpose Despite advances in pediatric nutritional support and a renewed focus on management of intestinal failure, there are limited recent data regarding the risk of parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated liver disease in surgical infants. This study investigated the incidence of cholestasis from PN and risk factors for its development in this population. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all neonates in our institution who underwent abdominal surgery and required postoperative PN from 2001 to 2006. Cholestasis was defined as 2 conjugated bilirubin levels greater than 2 mg/dL over 14 days. Nonparametric univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to model the likelihood of developing cholestasis. Median values with range are presented. Results One hundred seventy-six infants met inclusion criteria, and patients received PN for 28 days (range, 2-256 days). The incidence of cholestasis was 24%. Cholestatic infants were born at an earlier gestational age (34 vs 36 weeks; P < .01), required a 3-fold longer PN duration (76 vs 21 days; P < .001), had longer inpatient stays (86 vs 29 days; P < .001), and were more likely to be discharged on PN. The median time to cholestasis was 23 days. Cholestasis was an early development; 77% of cholestatic infants developed cholestasis by 5 weeks of PN exposure. On multivariate regression, only prematurity was significantly associated with development of cholestasis ( P < .05). Conclusion In this analysis, the development of PN-associated liver disease occurred early in the course of exposure to PN. These data help to define the time course and prognosis for PN-associated cholestasis in surgical infants.

The association of cyclic parenteral nutrition and decreased incidence of cholestatic liver disease in patients with gastroschisis

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of prophylactic cycling of parenteral nutrition (PN) on PN-induced cholestasis in patients with gastroschisis. Methods Retrospective review of initial hospital admission charts for each patient with gastroschisis from 1996 to 2007 was performed. Results One hundred seven patients were analyzed (36 prophylactically cycled, 71 control). Prophylactic cycling of PN was initiated at a mean age of 23 days (range, 7-89 days). Patients were followed for a total of 4255 days with 27 developing hyperbilirubinemia (cycled, 5; continuous, 22). Time to hyperbilirubinemia was longer in the prophylactically cycled group ( P = .005). Cumulative incidence of hyperbilirubinemia at 25 and 50 days of PN exposure was 5.7% and 9.8% (cycled) vs 22.3% and 48.8% (continuous). At any given time, children in the continuous group were 4.76 times more likely to develop hyperbilirubinemia (95% confidence interval, 1.62-14.00). After adjusting for confounding factors, children in the continuous group were 2.86 times more likely to develop hyperbilirubinemia (95% confidence interval, 0.86-9.53), but the difference was not significant ( P = .088). Conclusions Prophylactic cyclic PN is associated with a decreased incidence and prolonged time to onset of hyperbilirubinemia. Other factors, however, significantly affect this relationship. Prospective randomized investigation is warranted to investigate for a possible causal relationship.