Growth

Growth Issues with Short Gut

Many kids will experience slower growth due to reduced nutrition, etc.

Add your growth stories here so people know what to expect.

MaxMunakata was born 2 weeks early, at 6lb 5oz (2860 grams or 2.86kg), 6th percentile, and went up to 12th percentile at one point, but is below 3rd percentile at 8 months (6.8kg) after having been off of intralipid for 4 weeks. Hopefully Omegaven will enable him to gain back some weight.

AustinRath was born 1 week early. He was 7 lbs and 9 oz at birth, just below the 50th percentile. Height was 20.5", falling at the 75th percentile. By 3 months of old, his weight and height dropped significantly on the growth chart. Pittsburgh Childrens told us that they intentially keep kids between the 5th and 10th percentile for weight. They report that giving patients who are TPN dependent that absolute minimum amount of calories helps protec the liver. Austin is now 8 months old and 16 1/2 pounds and 26" long. I worry about the impact on cognitive development, but protecting the liver does come first. However, this practice does not appear to be standard nation wide. In speaking to Dr. Puder, he said he keeps his patients on traditional TPN at the 50th percentile. Update: Austin is now cared for by Boston Childrens. His calories were increased and he is now at the 50% for height and 25% for weight. And his liver numbers are the same or better than when his weight was so restricted by Pittsburgh.