PhD defence L.E. (Lotte) Vlug

Below is a brief summary about the dissertation:

Children with intestinal failure can face issues like diarrhea, belly pain, bloating, vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition because their digestive system can't handle nutrients and fluids properly. Their intestines struggle to absorb what they need. So, these children rely on intravenous feeding, aka parenteral nutrition, for growth and development. Dealing with intestinal failure and long-term parenteral nutrition can lead to various complications.

The aim of this thesis was to assess how intestinal failure affects physical and psychological well-being in children, seeking insights to enhance their overall health. We identified factors predicting when children can transition from needing parenteral nutrition to achieving gut independence and found links between intestinal failure, chronic cholestasis, and lower cognitive outcomes. Children with intestinal failure tend to have a lower quality of life compared to their peers, along with more emotional challenges.

Improving care for these children largely hinges on collaboration between intestinal failure centers involving medical, paramedical experts, parents, and the children themselves, and beyond, in international research partnerships. This research marks a crucial step toward a life without guts, but with more glory!