Nutritional status and dietary rehabilitation of Children with ostomy and persistent Diarrhea as 0-2years at NRC, CH & ICH, Multan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of children with ostomy procedure and nutritional rehabilitation therapy outcome with lactose free diet.

Study design: Case series study

Place and duration of study: Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health Multan from January 2014 to January 2019.

Methods: All of the patients (143) aged 6 months to 2 years who were fulfilling the criteria of Severe Acute Malnutrition and Medium Acute Malnutrition according to WHO classification.  A special soft lactose free homemade diet was introduced for calorie requirement and weight gain in malnourished children. For data collection a structured questionnaire was used containing identification, socioeconomic, and clinical data. SPSS software was used for data analysis and chi-square test was used for correlation of variables.

Results:  A total of 143 ostomate patients which was admitted to Children Hospital Multan, 97(67.83%) boys and 46(32.17%) girls with a mean age of 12.11±7.00. Ileostomy was more frequent type 92(64.34%) in studied subjects. After consumption of low lactose diet weight status was improved in 63 ileostomates patients and 31 colostomates patients. Average weight gain was 10 gm/kg /day. Lactose free diet helped for weight gaining in 94(65.73%) patients, reduces the stool output in 97(67.83%) patients and increasing  overall energy intake in 114 (79.72%) patients and all the above mentioned variables are significantly linked with type of ostomies (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that ileostomate patients had higher nutritional deficit compared to the colostomates ones. Lactose free diet is beneficial for improving nutritional status as well as weight. Nutritional assessment need to be included in the routine clinical management of ostomy patients to prevent weight loss and impaired energy intake.