Two single group, prospective, baseline-controlled feeding studies in infants and children with chronic diarrhea fed a hypoallergenic free amino acid-based formula.

Background: Infants and children with chronic diarrhea (CD) often require specialized foods or parenteral nutrition (PN) to achieve adequate nutrient intakes to support growth and development. We assessed the efficacy of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) in supporting growth and improving symptoms in infants and children with CD from multiple etiologies.

Methods: Two studies were conducted: CD study in children (CD-C) and CD study in infants (CD-I).

Evaluation of a free amino acid-based formula in infants with presumptive food protein-induced proctocolitis.

Objective: Food protein-induced proctocolitis usually occurs early in life and is characterized by blood-streaked stools and pain during defecation in an otherwise healthy infant. While many infants with food protein-induced proctocolitis respond well to a casein hydrolysate formula, some require an amino acid-based formula. The objective of the study was to measure the change in physician-rated symptom score from enrollment to study completion in infants with presumptive food protein-induced proctocolitis fed with a specific amino acid-based formula.

Repeat surgical bowel lengthening with the STEP procedure.

Background: Feasibility of repeat lengthening has been demonstrated in animals, but in humans, none of the three clinical case reports have achieved enteral autonomy after secondary lengthening with serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP).

Patients And Methods: Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of a single center series of repeat intestinal lengthening after prior Bianchi lengthening or STEP. Outcome measures examined include patient survival, weaning from parenteral nutrition, and need for intestinal transplantation.

Comparison of intestinal lengthening procedures for patients with short bowel syndrome.

Objective: Review the clinical results of 24 years of intestinal lengthening procedures at one institution.

Methods: Retrospective review of a single center experience comparing the outcome of 2 intestinal lengthening procedures (Bianchi and serial transverse enteroplasty [STEP]) in terms of survival, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) weaning, and complications.

Results: Sixty-four patients, including 14 adults, underwent 43 Bianchi and 34 STEP procedures between 1982 and 2007.

Neonatal and infant feeding: effect on bone density at 4 years.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the type of feeding during the first 4 months of life affects bone mineral density at 4 years of age.

Methods: Healthy 4-year-old children were recruited from the offices of primary health care providers. After confirming the type of infant feeding by history, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry analysis was obtained at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and evaluated by a radiologist blinded as to feeding type.