Category Archives: Nutrition

Reaching Consensus on Bariatric Intervention in Children and Adolescents

Posted on by

A recent medical position paper (Nobili V, et al. JPGN 2015; 60: 550-61) provides guidance for bariatric surgery intervention in children and adolescents with and without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

While the authors acknowledge that bariatric surgery can “dramatically reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases,” they advocate its use in adolescents with the following:

  • BMI >40 kg/m-squared with severe comorbidities: type 2 diabetes mellitus, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, pseudotumor cerebri, or NASH with advanced fibrosis (ISHAK score >1)
  • BMI >50 kg/m-squared with mild comorbidities: hypertension, dyslipidemia, psychological distress, gastroesophageal reflux, anthropathies, NASH, impairment in activities of daily living, mild obstructive sleep apnea, panniculitis, chronic venous insufficiency, urinary incontinence
  • Additional criteria: have attained 95% of adult stature, failed behavioral/medical treatments, psychological evaluation perioperatively, avoid pregnancy for 1 year after surgery, will adhere to nutritional guidelines after surgery, informed assent from teenager (along with parental consent)

Key points:

  • “There is a lack of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of bariatric surgery on NAFLD or NASH.”  In Table 3, the authors provide a summary of 16 previous studies/outcomes; though none of the studies enrolled more than 60 patients.
  • In an adult prospective study with 381 patients (Mathurin P et al. Gastroenterol 2009; 137: 532-40), there was a significant decline in the severity/prevalence of steatosis and resolution of NASH at 1 and 5 years.
  • Bariatric surgery, in adult studies, have improved diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
  • Patients who have “undergone bariatric surgery show higher suicide rates than the general population.”  Psychological evaluation should be integrated with surgical decision.
  • Type of surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is favored by the authors; they also discuss studies with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB).  “RYGB and LAGB are the 2 main surgical procedures that have been used in pediatric obesity.  RYGB is considered a safe and effective option for adolescents with extreme obesity, as long as appropriate long-term follow-up is provided. LAGB has not been approved by Food and Drug Administration for use in adolescents, and there should be considered investigational only.”

It is interesting that the authors are so deferential to the Food and Drug Administration.  It is clear from their position paper that LAGB has similar evidence supporting its use in adolescents as RYGB.  They even note that it has potential for reversibility and “an excellent safety profile with a lower risk of postoperative vitamin deficiencies when compared with biliopancreatic diversion and RYGB.”

Bottomline: Given the continuation of the obesity epidemic, additional pediatric medical expertise will be needed to help evaluate adolescents for bariatric surgery and to follow them postoperatively.

Related blog posts:

Weight Loss Improves NASH

Posted on by

A recent study (http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2015.04.005) helps confirm the notion that the most effective therapy for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is weight loss. (From Rohit Kohli twitter feed).

Abstract:

Background & Aims

It is not clear how weight loss affects histologic features of liver in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined the association between the magnitude of weight loss through lifestyle modifications and changes in histologic features of NASH.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 293 patients with histologically proven NASH who were encouraged to adopt recommended lifestyle changes to reduce their weight over 52 weeks, from June 2009 through May 2013, at a tertiary medical center in Havana, Cuba. Liver biopsies were collected when the study began and at week 52 of the diet, and analyzed histologically.

Results

Paired liver biopsies were available from 261 patients. Among 293 patients who underwent lifestyle changes for 52 weeks, 72 (25%) achieved resolution of steatohepatitis, 38 (47%) had reductions in NAFLD activity scores (NAS), and 56 (19%) had regression of fibrosis. At week 52, 88 subjects (30%) had lost 5% or more of their weight. Degree of weight loss was independently associated with improvements in all NASH-related histological parameters (odds ratios, 1.1–2.0;P<.01). A higher proportion of subjects with 5% weight loss or more had NASH resolution (51/88, 58%) and a 2-pt reduction in NAS (72/88, 82%) than subjects that lost less than 5% of their weight (P<.001). All patients who lost 10% of their weight or more had reductions NAS, 90% had resolution of NASH, and 45% had regression of fibrosis. All patients who lost 7%−10% of their weight and had few risk factors also had reduced NAS. In patients with baseline characteristics that included female sex, body mass index ≥35, fasting glucose >5.5 mmol/L, and many ballooned cells, NAS scores decreased significantly with weight reductions of 10% or more.

Conclusions

A greater extent of weight loss, induced by lifestyle changes, is associated with the level of improvement in histologic features of NASH. The highest rates of NAS reduction, NASH resolution, and fibrosis regression occurred in patients with weight losses of 10% or more.

Nutrition Imbalance for Ventilated Children

Posted on by

A recent study documents a high rate of nutritional problems among a prospective cohort of 20 children on home ventilators and documents a metabolic assessment aimed at improving these problems (Martinez EE, et al. J Pediatr 2015; 166: 350-7, ed 228-29).

In these children the authors did careful nutritional assessment with anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), actual energy intake (AEI), and indirect calorimetry in the subject’s home. Indirect calorimetry was used to calculate a measured energy expenditure (MEE).

Indirect calorimetry allows measurement of energy expenditure: (From NASPGHAN Foundation N2U Course 2012, Praveen Goday: “Energy and Protein Metabolism”)

  • “When carbohydrate, protein, and fat are oxidized, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced.”
  • “If oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production can be measured, the energy released in the course of the utilization of these gases (or the energy expenditure can be determined.”
  • “The techniques is referred to as indirect, because gas exchange does not actually measure heat production.”

Key findings:

  • 13 were either underfed (AEI:MEE <90%) or overfed (AEI:MEE >110%)
  • 11 of 19 had suboptimal protein intake
  • 15 subjects were hypo or hypermetabolic

The authors conclude that a “majority of children on home ventilation are characterized by malnutrition, altered metabolic status, and suboptimal macronutrient intake” (especially low protein intake).  The discussion lists many of the study limitations: small number, discrepancies between some of their measuring tools, lack of long-term followup, lack of widespread availability of mobile indirect calorimetry, diverse comorbidities, and reliance of 3-day food records. In addition, the indirect calorimetry must be properly calibrated, performed when patient at baseline state, and feedings held (if on bolus feeds).

Although I think this study makes some important points, I think the ‘high-tech’ approach is overemphasized.  It would be interesting to see how (if at all) these interventions would improve a child who is followed closely by a nutritionist and a GI physician.  While precise measurement of resting energy expenditure, when performed properly, is informative, I think this information is much less helpful than serial basic measurements.

At the same time, there are many limitations on optimal nutrition in these children.  The mobility problems of many kids on home ventilators can make gaining weight problematic for care providers.  It is not practical for all caregivers to manage a 60 kg adolescent.

Recent advice from N2U () regarding children who were tube-fed/wheelchair-bound:

  • In children older than 10 years, if they are receiving 6 cans/day of commercial formula product, they are likely receiving adequate nutrients.
  • In children younger than 10 years, if if they are receiving 4 cans/day of commercial formula product, they are likely receiving adequate nutrients.
  • The newer reduced calorie formulas make it easier to provide adequate nutrients without excessive calories
  • Avoid obesity in these children.  Losing weight can be very difficult in this population.

Bottomline: Children on ventilators often are too heavy or too thin and need to be followed closely.  Whether indirect calorimetry is useful in this regard is not clear to me.

Briefly noted: A high nutrient diet appears to help treat fatigue (Nutrients 2015, 7(3), 1965-1977).  From abstract (thanks to Kipp Ellsworth): A group of 98 children (2–18 years old) with unexplained symptoms of fatigue was examined. Children in the intervention group were asked to follow the diet for three months, whereas the control-group followed their normal diet.  The dietary modifications consisted of green vegetables, beef, whole milk and full-fat butter.

From NPR: Empathy Cards “Please Let Me Be the First to Punch the Next Person Who Says Everything Happens for a Reason”

Conflicting Cholesterol Guidelines –Massive Undertreatment or Massive Overtreatment?

Posted on by

A fascinating article (Gooding HC et al. JAMA Pediatr doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.0168) studies a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survery (NHANES) population and determines the frequency of the need for statin therapy for hyperlipidemia based on two separate guidelines.

  • 2011 Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (Pediatrics 2011; 128 (sup 5): S213-S256) PEDS RECS
  • 2013 Guidelines on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (Circulation 2014: 129 (25) (supl 2) S1-S45) ADULT GUIDELINES

Specifically, the design of the study focused on 17-21 year olds in which the guidelines had overlapping recommendations. While the NHANES population involved only 6338 patients, this representative sample was used to calculate the likelihood of statin therapy more broadly among the US population of 20.4 million in this age group.

Key Findings:

  • Among the cohort of 6338, 2.5% would qualify for statin treatment using PEDS RECS compared with 0.4% under ADULT GUIDELINES.
  • This finding extrapolates to 483,500 patients nationwide compared with 78,200, respectively.  This is a difference of more than 400,000 and reflects a 6-fold difference.

Why the discrepancy?

  • ADULT GUIDELINES recommend use of statins only if LDL-C is >190. PEDS RECS extend to as low as 130 or 160 if additional risk factors (highly prevalent) are present, including hypertension, obesity, and smoking.
  • ADULT GUIDELINES are based on randomized clinical trials, though “they advocate for physician’s judgement in areas where the evidence base is insufficient.” PEDS RECS use extrapolated evidence for lifetime risk of coronary vascular disease.

Bottomline: While these guidelines highlight differences among 17-21 year olds, the decision regarding statin therapy extends across the age spectrum in terms of whether a low or high threshold should be in place.  Also, it is unfortunate that the additional modifiable risk factors (smoking, hypertension, and obesity) are so prevalent as to create this divergence in approach.

Related references:

  • NEJM 2015; 372: 1489-99. Alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits PCSK9, lowered LDL 62% in patients receiving maximal statin therapy. Randomized, placebo-controlled study with 2341 patients.
  • NEJM 205; 372: 1500-09. Evolocumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits PCSK9, lowered LDL 61% in two open-label randomized trials (n=4465).

Related blog posts:

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs

Nutrition University -Part 1

Posted on by

While issues with nutrition are ubiquitous, among the three areas of expertise for pediatric gastroenterologists (gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition), it does seem that nutrition expertise receives the least interest overall.  One effort to work on this is Nutrition University (N2U) sponsored by NASPGHAN/NASPGHAN foundation.

This is the first year in which the program has been opened up to physicians who have been in practice for more than 10 years and I am looking forward to a great review. Prior to attending, the participants were asked to review previous N2U modules which are available at NASPGHAN website: 2012 N2U Course ( a good source for CME as well).

This year’s syllabus: 2015 N2U Syllabus & Presentations (posted with permission from course organizers).

Last night the meeting started off with some comments by Praveen Goday (Praveen’s training in Cincinnati overlapped with mine) who has spearheaded this effort; subsequently the faculty addressed previously submitted attendee questions.

Here’s a sampling:

Should we be recommending a low FODMAPs diet for IBS? Rob Shulman indicated that about ~70% of adults responded in one study and that a similar study in children at Baylor College of Medicine produced similar results.  However, the diet is difficult and help from a dietician/nutritionist is needed.  If there is not a response in 7-10 days, then it is likely to be ineffective.

What should be the first formula for Cow’s Milk allergy/intolerance in infancy? The recommendation for most infants (not the very sickest) was to start with a hydrolysate formula which should be effective in more than 90%.  It was suggested that amino acid based formulas be reserved for hospitalized infants and those who do not respond to hydrolysates.

What about fish oil enterally or parenterally? James Heubi(*) noted that a lot more data is needed but fish oil either enterally or parenterally may be beneficial.  Rob Shulman commented that recent work indicates that vitamin E may be an important reason why fish oil could be better than soy-based lipid emulsions.

How practical are blenderized diets for gastrostomy fed children? Catherine Karls noted that the general goal is to provide nutrients which mimic the commercial formulas but there are many important caveats for DIY (do-it-yourself formula).

  • An RD needs to supervise to assure all micronutrient needs are being met.  Using computer programs, this facilitates calculating dietary reference intakes (DRIs).
  • Many parents prefer as homebrews are perceived as more natural or holistic
  • Some children have better tolerance (eg. volume-sensitive, patients with retching)
  • Drawbacks: time commitment, additional costs (though may be cheaper for some), and concerns regarding food safety
  • Homebrews are not recommended for jejunostomy feeds (gastrostomy only) or for those with small-caliber feeding tubes (needs to be at least 14 Fr)
  • Don’t use without the assistance of an RD!

Which is better for NAFLD -low carb or low fat? Ann Scheimann stated that this question is misleading –it is a lot more complicated.  It depends on the carbs and it depends on the fat.  Fructose clearly worsens NAFLD but so does a diet high in animal fat.

What are the nutritional management recommendations for acute pancreatitis? Justine Turner indicated that too many centers continue to rely on parenteral nutrition.  Yet, guidelines recommend the use of enteral nutrition due to lower risk of poor outcomes (eg. infections when NPO and on parenteral nutrition). ‘Resting pancreas is not helpful.’ With acute pancreatitis, enzyme secretion is reduced.  Her approach is to start nasogastric (NG) feedings at about 24 hours after presentation, as long as hemodynamically stable.  She indicated that nasojejunal (NJ) feedings can be done if NG is not well-tolerated.  NJ feedings are effective at reducing enzyme secretion.  However, Praveen Goday stated that his practice was often starting with NJ feeds.  “Sometimes there is only one shot” before the ICU team starts HAL.  Both physicians indicated that polymeric formulas were probably acceptable; however, starting with semi-elemental or elemental feedings are often done, again as a practical matter to minimize the likelihood of reverting to parenteral nutrition.

What is the advice regarding children who need far less than typical calories for weight (eg. wheelchair-bound inactive child)? Generally all nutrients are being met if a child less than 10 years is receiving 4 cans of commercial formula. For children 10 and older, receiving 6 cans per day should ensure adequate nutrients.  For those who fall below this threshold, several options:

  • Reduced calorie formula (eg. Pediasure Sidekicks, Compleat Reduced) are approximately 0.6 cal/mL but have all the other nutrients
  • Supplementation: multivitamin, calcium, phosphorus, protein
  • Need to meet at least 80% of typical fluid needs, thus not much rationale for 2 cal/mL formulas. As a practical matter, if the child is urinating well, they are receiving enough fluids.

*I was fortunate to have Jim as an attending during my fellowship at Cincinnati. In fact, even before then, Jim interviewed me when I was considering Cincinnati for my pediatric residency.  He is a terrific person and amazing to work with.

Disclaimer: This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized this presentation. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well.

These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications/diets (along with potential adverse effects) should be confirmed by prescribing physician/nutritionist.  This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a condition.

 

Fatty Liver at Birth

Posted on by

A provocative study (Patel KR, White FV, Deutsh GH. JPGN 2015; 60: 152-58) shows that hepatic steatosis/fatty liver is prevalent at birth in at-risk stillborns.

The authors retrospectively examined autospy results from 33 stillborns (20-40 weeks) delivered to women with diabetes (pregestational or gestational) along with 48 age-matched controls.  The majority of women (54%) were African American women; 27% were white and 9% were hispanic.

Key findings:

  • Hepatic steatosis was common and severe in the stillborns of diabetic women.  Prevalence: 78.8% (26/33) compared with 16.6% (8/48) of controls.
  • No direct correlation was identified between steatosis and glycemic control.

Whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) begins at birth is not known and what happens to the fat in newborns with hepatic steatosis is not clear.  This study indicates that maternal diabetes may increase the risk of NAFLD.

Related blog posts:

Do You Think Fruit Drinks Are Healthy?

Posted on by

According to a recent report in USA Today, a large number of parents have been misled into thinking that sugary beverages and fruit drinks are healthy. Here’s an excerpt:

That’s the conclusion of a new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at University of Connecticut, published today in Public Health Nutrition.

Many parents believe that drinks with high amounts of added sugar — particularly fruit drinks, sports drinks and flavored water — are “healthy” options for kids, according to the report, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which focuses on improving health and health care…

The vast majority of parents give kids sugary drinks regularly…Equally significant, nearly half of parents surveyed rated flavored waters as healthy, and more than one-quarter considered fruit drinks and sports drinks to be healthy…

Parents said they were particularly influenced by nutritional claims appearing on the packages — such as claims that the items are “real” or “natural” or contained vitamin C or antioxidants, or were low in sodium or calories.

Bottomline: This information reinforces the fact that many parents do not realize basic nutrition information.

Related blog posts:

More on Breastfeeding and Intelligence

Posted on by

A recent prospective study with 30 year followup indicates that breastfeeding is associated with improved IQ and income.

A summary of the study from NBC/Today Health.  An excerpt:

Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and they earn more money, too, a new study shows….

Many experts have questioned whether it’s breastfeeding that makes babies grow up healthier and smarter, or something else that their mothers do — maybe spending more time with them. In other studies done in the U.S. and Europe, mothers who breastfeed longer tend to be more educated and affluent — and that clearly has an effect on their kids.

This study was different.

“What is unique about this study is the fact that, in the population we studied, breastfeeding was not more common among highly educated, high-income women, but was evenly distributed by social class,” Horta said.

Coverage of story from NY Times with link to original study: an excerpt:

The study, in the April issue of Lancet Global Health, began in 1982 with 5,914 newborns. The duration of breast-feeding and the age when the babies began eating solid foods was recorded. Thirty years later, researchers were able to interview and test 3,493 of the original group….

Still, the authors acknowledge that this is an observational study, and that many other unmeasured factors could have influenced their results.

Related blog posts:

Dropping Weight by Adding Fiber in Diet

Posted on by

A recent study showed that increasing fiber in the diet helped participants lose weight.  The details are noted in this LA Times story: To lose weight, experts suggest a focus on fiber

Here’s an excerpt:

If you’re trying to lose weight, you could count your calories, keep track of precisely how much salt and sugar your eat, and make sure you hit certain targets for protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol and the various types of fat. Or you could set all of that aside and concentrate on just one thing: Eating at least 30 grams of fiber each day.

In a yearlong clinical trial involving 240 obese people who had metabolic syndrome, those who focused on fiber lost almost as much weight as those who followed the American Heart Assn.’s extremely detailed dietary recommendations.

Related blog posts:

Some funny headlines form Freakomomics website –here’s one:

Screen Shot 2015-02-22 at 9.35.46 AM

 

Family Meals –Protection Against Obesity?

Posted on by

According to a 10-year longitudinal study, increased family meal frequency during adolescence was associated with a reduced odds of overweight or obesity (Berge JM et al, J Pediatr 2015; 166: 296-301, editorial 220-21).

The data from this study derived from Project EAT I and EAT III which examined at baseline middle school and high school students at 31 public schools in Minnesota.  Ultimately the participants (n=2117) were followed over 10 years.

Key finding:

  • “Results showed that eating family meals together, ranging from 1-2 to 5 or more times during 1 week, was significantly predictive of lower odds of being overweight or obese 10 years later.”  This effect was largest among African American participants.
  • Odds ratios for overweight/obesity was similar with any frequency of family meals compared to no family meals: 1-2 times/week OR 0.67, 3-4 times/week OR 0.50, and 5 or more/week OR 0.68

Why does this occur?

There is not an answer to this question.

Speculation from the authors:

  • “Healthier meals”
  • “Opportunities for emotional connection”
  • “Parental modeling”

In my view, family meals may be an epiphenomenon.  It may be a marker for a more organized household which is likely to have some favorable effects.

Bottomline: Another reason to eat together.  Besides having a chance to catch up on your kids, it may keep them healthier.

Related blog posts: