Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5718457 Journal of Pediatric Surgery 2017 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

Background & AimsGlucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogues are approved for adults with intestinal failure (IF), but no studies have included infants. This study examined the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and nutritional effects of GLP-2 in infants with IF.MethodsWith parental consent (Health Canada Protocol:150,979), parenteral nutrition (PN)-dependent infants were treated with 5-20-μg/kg/day GLP-2 for 3 days (phase 1), and if tolerated continued for 42 days (phase 2). Nutritional therapy was by primary caregivers, and follow-up was to one year.ResultsSix patients were enrolled, age 5.4 ± 3.2 months, bowel length: 27 ± 12% of predicted, PN dependent (67 ± 18% of calories). GLP-2 did not affect vital signs, nor were there significant adverse events during the trial. Dosing 5 μg/kg/day gave GLP-2 levels of 52-57 pmol/L, with no change in half-life or endogenous GLP-2 levels. Enteral feeds, weight, Z scores, stooling frequency, and citrulline levels improved numerically. The trial was discontinued early because of a drop in potency.ConclusionsGLP-2 was well tolerated in infants, and pK was similar to children with no changes in endogenous GLP-2 release. The findings suggest that GLP-2 ligands may be safely used in infants and may have beneficial effects on nutritional status. Further study is required.Level of evidence2b Prospective Interventional Study.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
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