Please mind the gap, young people with intestinal failure need you! A joint BSPGHAN, BIFA and BAPEN survey of transition experiences between paediatrics and adult services for Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN)

Abstract

The maximum individual fall in BW and BMI in the first post-operative year were measured at 25.8% and 25% respectively. As the majority received small bowel repletion the post-operative weight loss may be underestimated. Interestingly in our series this was not associated with a significant fall in MAC, MAMC and triceps. Conclusion: Longterm nutrition can be maintained with oral intake in the majority of patients post SBT. There is significant improvement to handgrip strength post transplant which remains an important marker of clinical nutritional status. Transplantation does not significantly alter other common anthropometric markers. When preparing patients for SBT the potential severe loss of BW and BMI should be an important consideration in the timing of surgery. There may be merit in delay of surgery in certain cases to allow improvement in nutritional status.