Our Summary

This study looked into why some children struggle with eating after having an intestinal transplant, something that there is currently no existing data on. The researchers collected data from caregivers of all children under 18 in the UK who had received an intestinal transplant. They used questionnaires, food diaries, and interviews to gather information.

The results showed that 77% of the children needed tube feeding at home after their transplant, and over half were avoiding food. They were typically consuming around 93% of the energy they needed from their diet.

The study found various factors that influenced the children’s eating habits. These included medical, caregiver and child-related influences. Learning to eat properly at the correct age and having positive pretransplant eating experiences seemed to help, while being unable to eat anything and having bad experiences with food were barriers.

The study suggests that encouraging children to eat before their transplant could be beneficial, as long as any negative physical reactions can be managed. The findings could also be used to predict which children might struggle with eating after their transplant, which could help provide targeted help.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of children needed tube feeding at home after their intestinal transplant?
  2. What factors were found to influence the children’s eating habits post-transplant?
  3. How could the findings of the study potentially be used to help children who might struggle with eating after their transplant?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal transplant is to work closely with a dietitian to ensure proper nutrition and to address any feeding difficulties that may arise. It’s important to monitor food intake, address any aversions or difficulties with eating, and make adjustments as needed to support the patient’s overall health and well-being. Regular follow-up appointments with the transplant team can help track progress and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an intestinal transplant are those who have intestinal failure, which is the inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients properly. This can be caused by various conditions such as short bowel syndrome, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, or other issues that result in the inability to digest and absorb food. Intestinal transplants are usually considered as a last resort when other treatments, such as medications, nutritional support, and surgery, have not been successful in improving the patient’s condition.

Timeline

Before the intestinal transplant, the patient would have likely experienced severe intestinal failure, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and dependence on parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding). They may have also experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

After the intestinal transplant, the patient would undergo a period of recovery in the hospital, which may include complications such as infection, rejection of the transplanted organ, or graft-versus-host disease. They would also need to learn how to eat and digest food again, as well as manage their medications and follow-up care.

Over time, the patient would hopefully experience improved digestion, absorption of nutrients, and overall health. They may still require ongoing medical care, including monitoring for rejection and complications, as well as nutritional support. With time and proper management, the patient may be able to resume a more normal diet and lifestyle.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal transplant include:

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of an intestinal transplant for my specific condition?
  2. How long is the recovery process after an intestinal transplant and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the transplant and how often will I need to see my healthcare team?
  4. How will the transplant affect my ability to eat and digest food? Will I need to make any dietary changes?
  5. What are the potential complications or side effects that I should be aware of after the transplant?
  6. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of struggling with eating after the transplant, based on my medical history or current health status?
  7. What support services or resources are available to help me adjust to any changes in my eating habits post-transplant?
  8. How can I best prepare myself physically and emotionally for the challenges that may arise following an intestinal transplant?
  9. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms that I should watch out for and report to my healthcare team after the transplant?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or connect me with other patients who have undergone an intestinal transplant, so I can learn from their experiences and insights?

Reference

Authors: Mancell S, Meyer R, Hind J, Halter M. Journal: Nutr Clin Pract. 2020 Oct;35(5):919-926. doi: 10.1002/ncp.10439. Epub 2019 Nov 13. PMID: 31721302