Nutrition assessment in children with short bowel syndrome weaned off parenteral nutrition: a long-term follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to assess long-term growth and nutrition status of children with neonatal short bowel syndrome (SBS) after weaning off parenteral nutrition (PN).


METHODS
Eight children with neonatal SBS weaned from PN therapy for more than 2 years were studied. Medical records were reviewed; anthropometric measurements and blood test (hemoglobin, albumin and prealbumin, immunoglobulin, electrolytes, trace elements, and fat-soluble vitamins) were assayed during follow-up.


RESULTS
Anthropometric measurements, weight for age, and height for age were normal in all children; one child was found to be overweight according to weight for height z score. No children were found to have anemia, although one presented with macrocytosis and another had microcytosis. Low serum concentrations of zinc in 3 cases and iron in 1 case were detected. Immunoglobulin levels of all children were within the reference value. Low plasma levels of vitamin A in 2 cases, vitamin E in 4 cases, and beta-carotene in 2 cases were found; one of them had obviously low levels of the 3 fat-soluble vitamins.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with SBS are still at risk for different nutrient malabsorption even after weaning off PN for a long time. Therefore, they need long-term, regular monitoring and intensive nutritional care to prevent various nutrient deficiencies.
Wu
Jiang
J
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Clinical Nutrition Center, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
Tang
Qingya
Q
Feng
Yi
Y
Huang
Juan
J
Tao
Yexuan
Y
Wang
Ying
Y
Cai
Wei
W
Shi
Chenren
C
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D012778:Short Bowel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*