Abstract
Prospective data of the absorptive capacity of the bowel following resections in human newborns are lacking. For this reason 23 neonates (no CF) who underwent a bowel resection for necrotising enterocolitis, intestinal atresia etc. were studied. The mean remaining bowel length related to gestational age was 72.7% (24-100%). In eight patients less than 50% of the original small bowel length remained (short bowel syndrome=SBS). At 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the initial operation, and at the age of 3 and 6 months the carbohydrate content (mg glucose/g faeces), total fatty acids content (mg/kg faeces) and the medium-chain triglycerides/long-chain triglycerides (LCT) ratio of the enterostomy fluid or faeces was measured and compared with the oral intake.
Results:
- Carbohydrate absorption is almost complete in neonates following minor resections with an average of 97.8% (95.9-99.3%).
- Carbohydrate malabsorption is only temporary present 2 (67.0% range 34.8-88.9%) and 4 (86.5% range 69.6-98.7%) weeks after the initial operation in neonates with SBS.
- Fat absorption in neonates following minor resections is normal with an average of 89.6% (78.7-94.5%).
- Fat malabsorption is present 4 (55.7% range 6.1-84.0%) and 12 (51.9% range 0-95.0%) weeks after the initial operation in neonates with SBS. especially related to the absorption of LCT.
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Liefaard, G., Heineman, E., Molenaar, J. et al. 126 PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF THE CARBOHYDRATE AND FAT ABSORPTION IN NEONATES FOLLOWING MAJOR AND MINOR RESECTIONS. Pediatr Res 36, 23 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00126
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00126