The impact of multi-disciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs on the outcome of pediatric patients with intestinal failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) is a complex clinical problem requiring coordinated multi-disciplinary care. Our objective was to review the evidence for the benefit of intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRP) in pediatric IF patients.

Methods: A systematic review was performed on Medline (1950-2012), Pubmed (1966-2012), and Embase (1980-2012) conference proceedings and trial registries. The terms short bowel syndrome, intestinal rehabilitation, intestinal failure, patient care teams, and multi-disciplinary teams were used. Fifteen independent studies were included. Three studies that were cohort studies, including a comparison group, were included in a meta-analysis.

Results: Compared to historical controls (n=103), implementation of an IRP (n=130) resulted in a reduction in septic episodes (0.3 vs. 0.5 event/month; p=0.01) and an increase in overall patient survival (22% to 42%). Non-significant improvements were seen in weaning from PN (RR=1.05, 0.88-1.25, p=0.62), incidence of IFALD (RR=0.2, 0-17.25, p=0.48), and relative risk of liver transplantation (3.99, 0.75-21.3, p=0.11). Other outcomes reported included a reduction in calories from parenteral nutrition (100% to 32%-56%), earlier surgical/transplant evaluation, and improved coordination of patient care.

Conclusion: For pediatric IF patients, IRPs are associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. Standardized clinical practice guidelines are necessary to provide uniform patient care and outcome assessment.