MEDIA INFORMATION from
BAPEN the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Registered Charity No.1023927
Issued 2nd September 2002
INTESTINAL FAILURE PATIENTS NOW SURVIVE AND ENJOY A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
Science and Surgery promise even greater progress
"Twenty years ago patients with intestinal failure(1) died," says Professor Agostino Pierro in his opening address as Chairman of the BAPEN Symposium(2) on Intestinal Failure (Wednesday 4 September at ESPEN, SECC, Glasgow(3)).
"Today, thanks to the introduction of parenteral nutrition(4) and improved surgery and techniques, intestinal failure has become manageable, with more adults surviving with good nutritional status, and children able to grow and thrive."
In the UK, there are 500 patients receiving total parenteral nutrition support (with no or very little nourishment taken by mouth). Each year, around 140 new referrals for Intestinal Failure (IF) (adults and children) are reported to the two nationally funded centres in Harrow and Salford. 55% of these referrals receive parenteral nutrition (fed straight into a major vein). More than 17,500 people (adults and children) are receiving artificial nutrition support of some kind.
Whilst some will require such support for only short periods of time, to allow the digestive system to recover after surgery for example, many require artificial support for the rest of the lives.
The numbers of patients receiving such treatment is growing year on year by approximately 20 per cent. The vast majority of patients live at home, supported in England by the two nationally-funded centres, together with a number of unfunded centres, local hospitals which have varying degrees of expertise, and support services provided by the manufacturers of the artificial feed. Many go out to work, enjoy family lives and holidays abroad.
Professor Pierro, of the Institute of Child Health, London continues: "However, the introduction of parenteral nutrition, improved management of treatments and surgery over the last twenty years, has not solved the problem entirely as patients succumb to infections and some to liver failure."
Recent innovations in surgery and science hold out the prospect of a quantum leap in the long-term prospects for patients - and this is why BAPEN has chosen Intestinal Failure as its Symposium topic for 2002. BAPEN is hosting eminent speakers from the UK and USA.
"For a few selected patients, intestinal transplant is a last resort. Although initial results for this major surgery have been poor, recent improvements in techniques demonstrated in Pittsburgh may result in this becoming a valid option for more patients. Dr Kareem Abu-Elmagd from Pittsburgh will be sharing his knowledge at the Symposium."
"Advances in tissue engineering which can create a new bowel for patients from various cells, using a technique known as scaffolding, has a great future and the potential to transform lives. Dr Tracy Grikscheit from Massachussets General Hospital, Boston will discuss recent evaluation of work in this exciting area."
Professor Pierro concludes: "BAPEN's aim through this Symposium is to share the achievements already achieved in improving patient outcomes provided by multi-professional teams via management, surgery and care, and to look forward to the exciting developments in progress for patients with intestinal failure."
Notes:
1. Intestinal failure is caused by Crohn's disease, vascular disorders, radiation enteritis and cancers.
2. BAPEN the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition is a multi-professional association and registered charity committed to improving clinical practice with regard to nutrition and nutritional treatment and to improving outcomes for patients. Through its multi professional membership - physicians, gastroenterologists, pharmacists, anaesthetists, researchers, patients, nurses, nutritionalists and dietitians - it encourages wide ranging dialogue, exchange and interaction. BAPEN offers members a newsletter, website, regional activities, national meetings and publications. Log onto www.bapen.org.uk for more information.
3. The BAPEN Symposium 'Intestinal Failure' is being held on Wednesday 4 September on the last day of the ESPEN (European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) meeting at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow (31 August to 4 September). The Symposium is being chaired by Professor Agostino Pierro, Chairman of the Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Group of BAPEN.
4. Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) - Patients on HPN are receiving total artificial nutrition support via a tube delivering nutrients direct into the bloodstream. About 500 patients at any one time receive HPN, 70 in Scotland, with approximately 10% being children. The age distribution peaks at 40 - 60 years of age. Most HPN patients live at home, the vast majority with good quality of life and are able to take part in many activities for daily living. More than 17,500 patients in the UK are receiving artificial nutrition support at any one time, either through enteral nutrition (fed via a tube into the stomach or lower digestive tract) or parenteral nutrition (directly into the bloodstream - see above).
Interviews available with the Chair and all speakers at the BAPEN Symposium.
For further information, please contact:
Rhonda Smith - e-mail at rsmith@gciuk.com or
Nicky Parnell 020-7072 4171. e-mail at nparnell@gciuk.com.
Out of hours alternative number 01264-710428.