Nutrition support for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical report of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology And Nutrition.

Impairment of growth and malnutrition are significant complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients. Since this topic was last reviewed in these pages (), a number of studies have further explored the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these nutritional complications of IBD in an effort to provide more effective interventions to prevent the long-term consequences of chronic nutrient deficiencies in childhood. In addition, during the past 15 years, the use of selected nutrients and microorganisms (probiotics) as primary or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of IBD has become an emerging area of great interest. The following is a Clinical Report from the Nutrition and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Committees of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Use of infliximab in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The concentration of tumor necrosis factor, a proinflammatory cytokine, is increased in the gastrointestinal mucosa of patents with active Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Neutralization of tumor necrosis factor decreases the mucosal inflammatory response of adults with CD. Little information is available on the use of monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor (infliximab) in children and adolescents with CD or UC. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical response and side effects of patients to infliximab. METHODS: A retrospective review of data regarding 18 pediatric and adolescent patients with active CD (n = 15) and UC (n = 3) poorly controlled with conventional therapy. All patients received one to six intravenous infusions of infliximab 5 mg/kg, while receiving their usual medications. RESULTS: All patients experienced clinical improvement, including decrease in the frequency of stooling and resolution of extraintestinal symptoms such as arthropathy, malaise, and skin manifestations after treatment with infliximab. All but one patient had a documented decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Prednisone dosage was tapered in all but two patients, and discontinued in seven patients. Intravenous infusion of infliximab was well tolerated. One patient developed a rash several days after the infusion. A patient who received six infliximab infusions developed recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infections, as well as septic arthritis and chronic osteomyelitis during the follow-up period, raising the issue of the long-term safety of infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of our patients with refractory CD and UC with infliximab was associated with remarkable clinical improvement. Although the drug may have an important role in their management, further assessment of long-term safety and efficacy is needed.

Weight loss and growth velocity in obese children after very low calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of obesity in American youth is increasing and treatment of the condition is difficult. We have developed a multi-disciplinary weight reduction program that extends over 1 y and includes a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) followed by a hypocaloric diet, exercise, and behavior modification. Based on data collected at baseline, at the end of the acute intervention phase (10-20 wk), and at 1-y evaluation, we assessed the efficacy of this outpatient weight reduction program in treating obese children and adolescents in a follow-up of a series of cases. Furthermore, we examined the impact of the approach on growth velocity and maintenance of weight loss at 1 y. Fifty-six overweight children (aged 7-17 y) were recruited during a period of 18 mo to participate in the weight management program; 52 (93%) completed the acute phase of treatment and 35 (62.5%) successfully completed the 1-y program. There was a significant decrease in body weight and body fat, as assessed by weight determinations and skinfold measurements (p <0.0001; results not corrected for age). The body mass index for the 35 individuals who completed the 1-y program decreased significantly from 32.7 on entry to 28.72 at 1 y (p < 0.0001; results not corrected for age). CONCLUSION: We conclude that a multidisciplinary weight reduction program that combines a VLCD, followed by a balanced hypocaloric diet, with a moderate-intensity progressive exercise program and behavior modification is an effective means for weight reduction in obese children and adolescents.

Impact of significant weight loss on maximal oxygen uptake in obese children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased over the past few decades in all ethnic, gender, and age groups. The treatment of obesity, especially in children with moderate to severe conditions, is difficult. In this study, we examined the impact of significant weight loss as a result of participation in a multi-disciplinary weight management program on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: Eleven obese children and adolescents (7 to 14 years of age; mean age, 12.3 +/- 1.9 years) were enrolled in a weight management program at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans. The treatment program included a high-protein, very low-calorie diet (VLCD; protein intake, 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg of ideal body weight per day; and 800 kcal/d). Diets were supplemented with extra fluid, minerals, and vitamins. All subjects attended weekly 2-hour clinic sessions. During these sessions, they received nutrition instruction, participated in a moderate-intensity, progressive exercise program, and learned behavior-modification techniques. Weight, height, body mass index ([BMI]; wt/ht2), and VO2max by indirect calorimetry were obtained at enrollment and at the end of 10 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in body weight after 10 weeks. The BMI decreased significantly from 34.1 +/- 4.8 on entry to 29.4 +/- 3.5 (mean +/- SD; P < 0.0001). Despite the significant weight loss, VO2max increased significantly (P < 0.001) from entry (19.2 +/- 3.0 mL/kg/min) to completion of 10 weeks (22.4 +/- 5.8 mL/kg/min). However, absolute VO2max L/min was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that relative VO2max mL/kg/min is significantly improved in obese youth after significant weight loss with a VLCD and moderate-intensity, progressive exercise. However, because absolute VO2max L/min was unchanged, this improvement seems to result from the reduction in total body weight as opposed to the effect of the moderate-intensity exercise intervention.

Zinc, copper, and metallothionein metabolism after jejunoileal bypass surgery or small bowel resection in rats.

Liver dysfunction is a frequent complication of jejunoileal bypass (JIB) surgery, a procedure commonly used until recently to treat morbid obesity. It has been suggested that liver failure in JIB patients is due to bacterial overgrowth and translocation from the bypassed intestine. Because invading microorganisms cause hepatic inflammation these experiments evaluated zinc, copper, and metallothionein (MT) in two experimental rat models of intestinal surgery to determine whether their distribution in plasma and tissues was similar to the highly characteristic pattern observed during an inflammatory response. In the JIB rat model 90 per cent of the small intestine was isolated from the flow of digesta but remained viable in the abdominal cavity. In the small bowel resection (SBR) model 90 per cent of the small intestine was removed and the remaining intestine was resected. Data collected 21 days after surgery showed decreased growth rate and plasma zinc in the SBR and JIB rats that was significantly improved by supplemental zinc. All other measures of zinc, copper, and MT metabolism in the SBR rats were similar to those of controls. In JIB rats, however, liver copper, MT protein, and MT mRNA were significantly elevated, and a high proportion of the intracellular zinc and copper was associated with MT. The pattern of zinc, copper, and MT distribution in systemic circulation and liver of JIB rats suggests hepatic inflammation superimposed on low zinc and copper status. Lack of a similar response in the SBR rats confirms the involvement of the bypassed intestinal segment and supports the hypothesis that bacterial overgrowth and translocation are responsible for liver inflammation and dysfunction in JIB patients.

Safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a resistance training program in preadolescent obese children.

BACKGROUND: Safe and effective exercise programs are needed to prevent and treat chronic diseases in childhood. In particular, preadolescent obese children should participate in activities that are specific to their special needs. Resistance or strength training has been prescribed for adult obese persons. Research is limited concerning the use of resistance training in programs that treat obese preadolescents. METHODS: Nineteen treatment subjects (7-12 years of age) were enrolled in a 10-week weight management program which included diet, behavior modification, and aerobic and flexibility exercises. Forty-eight control subjects (7-12 years of age) participated in the diet, behavior modification program, and a thrice-a-week walking program. The efficacy of the overall weight management program was examined by anthropometry at 10 weeks and 1 year. RESULTS: Fifteen treatment subjects completed the 10-week program (retention rate, 78.9%). Thereafter compliance decreased by approximately 33% for the long-term study. Seventeen control subjects completed the program (retention rate, 35%). Weight, percent of ideal body weight, and body mass index were reduced significantly at 10 weeks (P<0.0001) and did not increase significantly at 1-year follow-up in both treatment and control groups. Height increased significantly at 1 year in both treatment and control subjects. In the treatment subjects, percent fat decreased significantly (P<0.001), whereas fat-free mass did not change significantly (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A resistance-training program may be included safely in a multidisciplinary weight management program for obese preadolescent male and female children. The addition of specific exercise regimes such as resistance training may improve program retention especially in severely obese youth.

Lipid profiles of obese children and adolescents before and after significant weight loss: differences according to sex.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has been associated with elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). We observed the lipid profiles of obese female subjects versus obese male subjects before and after significant weight loss. METHODS: We studied 29 girls and 21 boys enrolled in a multidisciplinary weight reduction program. RESULTS: Measures were taken at enrollment and at 10 weeks. Significant improvements were observed for changes in percentage of ideal body weight and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, LDL decreased significantly in girls but not in boys. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of diet, behavior modification, and exercise, is an effective instrument for lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in obese children. In addition, girls tend to be more susceptible to a decrease in LDL level, which might result in an increased cardiovascular protective effect.

Recent advances in the treatment of childhood obesity.

The rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in the last decade indicates a need for effective treatment programs. We conducted a short-term, repeated-measures, clinical-outcome trial in three groups of children and adolescents in two different locations. Two cohorts (n=34) were enrolled in a 36-wk multi-disciplinary weight-management program at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans. One cohort (n=16) was enrolled in a similar intervention at the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at the Medical Center of Louisiana for a 10-wk summer weight-loss program. Subjects were offered a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet (600-800 kcal/d; 2 g protein/kg body weight), followed by a balanced hypocaloric diet, and they participated in behavior-modification sessions and a moderate-intensity (45-55% volume of oxygen consumed at maximal effort [VO(2)max]), progressive exercise program. The following parameters were examined at baseline, 10 wk, and 36 wk (cohort 1 only): Weight, height, percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW), relative body fat (%fat), fat free body (FFB) mass, estimated VO(2)max mL/kg min(BW) [adjusted for body weight]), blood chemistries, lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]). All three groups experienced significant decreases in weight, %IBW and %fat at 10 wk. The weight loss was maintained at 26 wk in cohorts 1 and 2, and at 36 wk in cohort 1. There were no significant decreases in height velocity during the study. In addition, measures of estimated VO(2)max mL/kg/min(BW) and IGF-1 parameters were significantly greater at 10 wk compared to baseline. Measures of TC, TG, and LDL were significantly lower at 10 wk, with no significant changes noted in HDL. We conclude that a multi-disciplinary weight-management program, including PSMF, behavior modification, and exercise, provides an effective method of treatment for obesity in children and adolescents. Long-term, randomized, and controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results of this preliminary, short-term observation.

Cow's milk versus formula in older infants: consequences for human nutrition.

Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. However, modern technology has produced alternative, "humanized formulae", which closely mimic the composition of human milk. The ingestion of human milk, "humanized formulae" or whole cow's milk has consequences for human nutrition. Gastroesophageal reflux, iron deficiency, calcium and sodium excesses or deficiencies may be influenced by the type and amount of milk fed to the infant. Likewise, neurological development and the likelihood of developing diabetes or cancer may also be influenced by early dietary practices. Until new information is available, we should continue to pattern formulae for older infants after breast milk, but with sufficient protein, calories, lipid and minerals to support optimal growth.

Inclusion of resistance exercise in a multidisciplinary outpatient treatment program for preadolescent obese children.

BACKGROUND: Safe and effective exercise programs are needed to prevent and treat chronic diseases in childhood. In particular, preadolescent obese children should participate in activities that are specific to their special needs. METHODS: We included a moderate intensity, progressive resistance training program in a multidisciplinary weight management program for obese preadolescent children. The program included diet, behavior modification, and aerobic and flexibility exercises. RESULTS: The subjects reported no accidents or injuries and 100% compliance with the minimum required exercise prescription. Weight, percent ideal body weight, body mass index, and percent fat were reduced significantly at 10 weeks and did not increase significantly at 1 year follow-up. Height and lean body mass increased significantly at 1 year. CONCLUSION: A resistance training program may be safely included in a multidisciplinary weight management program for obese preadolescent children.

Motivating the obese child to move: the role of structured exercise in pediatric weight management.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing. Successful prevention and treatment of childhood obesity depends on increasing the physical activity patterns of obese youth. However, motivating the obese child to participate in physical activity is difficult. METHODS: We designed a four-phase physical activity intervention, consisting of a structured progressive exercise program of moderate intensity, along with motivational methods to increase physical activity and improve body movement awareness. RESULTS: Seventy-three overweight children participated in the weight management program. They had a significant weight loss and reduction in body fat, which was maintained at 1-year follow-up. Subjects also maintained lean body mass and showed improved physical activity patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive exercise, used in conjunction with nutrition and behavior modification, provides successful motivational strategies. These strategies encourage increased physical activity patterns, the adoption of regular structured exercise training, and the loss of excess body fat.

The impact of significant weight loss on resting energy expenditure in obese youth.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in American youth is increasing and treating the condition is difficult. METHODS: We have developed a multidisciplinary weight-reduction program that includes a very low calorie diet followed by a hypocaloric diet, exercise, and behavior modification. Based on data collected at baseline and at the end of the acute intervention phase (10 weeks), we assessed the impact of the weight loss that resulted from participation in this weight reduction program on the resting energy expenditure and body composition of obese children and adolescents. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in body weight and body fat as assessed by weight determinations and skin-fold measurements after 10 weeks. The body mass index decreased significantly from 33.8 on entry to 29.6 (P < 0.0001). Despite the significant weight loss, resting energy expenditure and lean body mass remained constant from entry until the completion of the acute phase. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a multidisciplinary weight-reduction program that combines a very low calorie diet followed by a balanced hypocaloric diet, with a moderate-intensity progressive exercise program and behavior modification is an effective means for weight-reduction in obese children and adolescents. Furthermore, fat mass is significantly reduced while lean body mass and resting energy expenditure are unaltered.

Hepatic insulin clearance increases after weight loss in obese children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a rapidly increasing health problem among US youth. Hyperinsulinemia is associated with obesity and has been found to be a contributory factor for the development of cardiovascular disease in the obese. It has been suggested that hyperinsulinemia of obesity is a result of increased insulin secretion caused by insulin resistance. However, it has been shown in adults that decreased hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) is the primary cause of hyperinsulinemia in this population. METHODS: We studied 15 obese children and adolescents (11 F, 4 M; 8.6 to 18.1 years) before and 10 weeks after their enrollment in a multidisciplinary weight reduction program, which included a protein-sparing modified fast, a moderate intensity progressive exercise program, and a behavior-modification intervention. RESULTS: All patients lost weight (P < 0.05). Measurements of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and C-peptide reactivity (CPR) were performed before the program and at 10 weeks. IRI levels dropped significantly, whereas CPR levels did not change. CPR/IRI molar ratios, considered an indirect estimation of HIC, rose significantly after weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that hyperinsulinemia seen in obese children and adolescents is caused by decreased HIC. The cause for this decrease remains unknown, but it is reversible upon weight loss.

The health benefits of physical activity in children and adolescents: implications for chronic disease prevention.

UNLABELLED: Clinical, epidemiological and basic research evidence clearly supports the inclusion of regular physical activity as a tool for the prevention of chronic disease and the enhancement of overall health. In children, activities of a moderate intensity may enhance overall health, and assist in preventing chronic disease in at-risk youth. The numerous health benefits of regular exercise are dependent on the type, intensity and volume of activity pursued by the individual. These benefits include reduction of low density lipoproteins while increasing high density lipoprotein; improvement of glucose metabolism in patients with type II diabetes; improved strength, self esteem and body image; and reduction in the occurrence of back injuries. In addition, a progressive, moderate-intensity exercise program will not adversely effect the immune system and may have a beneficial effect on the interleukin-2/natural killer cell system. Furthermore, by decreasing sedentary behaviors and, thus, increasing daily physical activity, individuals may experience many stress-reducing benefits, which may enhance the immune system. CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity exercise of a non-structured nature seems to facilitate most of the disease prevention goals and health promoting benefits. With new guidelines promoting a less intense and more time-efficient approach to regular physical activity, it is hoped that an upward trend in the physical activity patterns, and specifically children at risk for chronic disease, will develop in the near future.

Gastroesophageal reflux and Nissen fundoplication following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal gastroesophageal reflux after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a serious problem in neurologically impaired children. Protective fundoplication has been advocated. Whether esophageal pH monitoring before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy will predict later problems with gastroesophageal reflux is unclear. METHODS: Eighty-five mostly neurologically impaired pediatric patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were studied retrospectively regarding complications, success of nutritional rehabilitation, and the incidence of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. Follow-up period was 1 to 4 years. Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 46 patients before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. RESULTS: There were no deaths. Two major complications occurred that required surgical intervention, and 14 minor complications occurred related to the procedure. Z-scores for weight increased significantly after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. pH probe results were normal in 22 patients (group 1). Five required medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, but only 1 (5%) later required Nissen fundoplication. pH probe results were abnormal in 24 patients (group 2). Nineteen required medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux, and 7 (29%) later needed fundoplication (p < 0.05, incidence of fundoplication group 1 vs. group 2). Improvement in Z-scores was similar in patients requiring and not requiring fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and effective technique for long-term nutritional support in children. Abnormal gastroesophageal reflux is common. Normal findings in an esophageal pH study before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be predictive of a favorable outcome with respect to gastroesophageal reflux. This is in contrast to patients with abnormal results in pH studies before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy of whom a relatively large percentage may later require fundoplication. Improved nutritional status after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy does not appear to have an impact on the severity of gastroesophageal reflux.