Clinical Trial: Fiber Use in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

Study Status: Withdrawn
Recruit Status: Withdrawn
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Soluble Fiber Use in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

Brief Summary:

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a form of disease that results from removal of a significant portion of the intestine leading to poor nutrient absorption. Infants with short bowel syndrome suffer from diarrhea and poor growth. The care of these infants is limited by the lack of effective therapies.

Soluble fiber (guar gum) is an indigestible form of sugar that is mostly contained in fruits and vegetables. Soluble fiber can reduce the severity and duration of persistent (constant) diarrhea in children.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the many effects of fiber added in the diet of infants with SBS


Detailed Summary:

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a form of disease that results from removal of a significant portion of the intestine leading to poor nutrient absorption. Infants with short bowel syndrome suffer from diarrhea and poor growth. The care of these infants is limited by the lack of effective therapies. As the intestine tries to grow back some of its length, a process that can take many months, these infants become dependent on intravenous (IV) nutrition in order to survive. Liver disease and sepsis (a blood stream infection) are common complications of IV nutrition and are the two most common causes of death in this population. Therefore, clinicians have tried different ways to improve feeding and shorten the amount of time of IV nutrition, for example continuous feedings through the intestine, use of partly digested formulas and change in diet.

Soluble fiber (guar gum) is an indigestible form of sugar that is mostly contained in fruits and vegetables. Soluble fiber can reduce the severity and duration of persistent (constant) diarrhea in children.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the many effects of fiber added in the diet of infants with SBS.


Sponsor: Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Current Primary Outcome: Soluble fiber supplementation, as a short chain fatty acid precursor, will improve intestinal integrity of infants with SBS [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Soluble fiber supplementation will reduce stool output of infants with SBS [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Current Secondary Outcome: Soluble fiber supplementation will improve enteral energy intake of infants with SBS [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Soluble fiber supplementation, as a short chain fatty acid precursor, will improve intestinal integrity of infants with SBS [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]
  • Soluble fiber supplementation will improve energy balance of infants with SBS [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]


Information By: Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Dates:
Date Received: June 16, 2009
Date Started: January 2009
Date Completion: January 2012
Last Updated: January 14, 2014
Last Verified: January 2014