What is the role of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K in pediatric patients with cholestatic disease?

In pediatric patients with cholestatic disease, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K play a critical role in correcting fat malabsorption, which is a common complication of this condition. Cholestatic disease often leads to impaired bile flow, resulting in the malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, while vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, and vitamin K is important for blood coagulation. Administering these vitamins helps to ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition despite the malabsorption issues caused by their underlying condition. Restoration of these vitamins can lead to improved health outcomes, preventing deficiencies that may arise from the inability to absorb fats from the diet.

In contrast, the other answer choices represent functions that are important in pediatrics but are not the primary role of these vitamins in the context of cholestatic disease. While muscle growth, cognitive development, and immune function are vital, the urgency of addressing fat malabsorption in such patients makes the correction of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins the most pressing need.