Short Intestine Condition: Symptoms, Causes, and Further Details
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complex health condition that affects both children and adults, primarily due to the surgical removal or malfunctioning of a significant portion of the small intestine. This results in malabsorption and intestinal failure.
Common causes of SBS include congenital defects such as Hirschsprung disease, gastroschisis, and intestinal atresia, or acquired conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis, volvulus, Crohn's disease, and multiple surgeries.
The symptoms of SBS are varied and can be severe. Chronic diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal cramps, bloating, and skin issues like dryness are common. In children, growth problems may also occur due to malnutrition.
Treatment for SBS focuses on managing symptoms, optimizing nutrition, and promoting intestinal adaptation. Dietary recommendations often involve a low-fiber, high-energy, high-protein, and salt-rich diet to enhance nutrient absorption. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is frequently needed, sometimes long-term, especially in severe cases.
Newer therapies include glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogues, such as teduglutide, which stimulate intestinal growth and absorption. In some situations, intestinal transplantation may be considered if PN fails or causes life-threatening complications.
Children with SBS may eventually wean off PN more commonly than adults, but about 30% remain dependent on it indefinitely. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatric or adult gastroenterologists experienced in intestinal failure, to tailor treatment and monitor for complications such as infections, liver disease, and metabolic problems.
It's important to note that SBS is a rare condition, affecting approximately 10,000 to 20,000 people in the United States. However, the number of cases continues to rise.
For those living with SBS, the main aim is to balance their body's nutrient intake as carefully as possible. Consulting a registered dietitian is crucial to find the most suitable nutritional treatment. Factors that influence the length of treatment include age and overall health, the amount of remaining small intestine, presence of an inflammatory disease in the small intestine, presence or removal of the large intestine, and the working status of the ileocecal valve.
While there is currently no cure for SBS, treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and help individuals live a full and active life.
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are examples of chronic inflammatory digestive medical-conditions, such as short bowel syndrome, that can lead to surgical intervention and intestinal failure.
- A pediatric gastroenterologist experienced in intestinal failure may be involved in the management of short bowel syndrome in children, helping them potentially wean off parenteral nutrition (PN) over time.
- In some situations, chronic kidney disease might be a complication that needs to be monitored closely for individuals with short bowel syndrome, due to potential associated metabolic problems.
- Science and health-and-wellness advancements have provided newer therapies to treat chronic diseases like short bowel syndrome, such as GLP-2 analogues, which stimulate intestinal growth and absorption.
- To maintain a balanced nutrient intake and effectively manage symptoms, individuals with short bowel syndrome may need to consult a registered dietitian, whose guidance will help tailor the best nutritional treatment.
- Despite being a rare condition, the number of short bowel syndrome cases continues to increase, highlighting the importance of understanding the various therapies and treatments available to help individuals lead full and active lives with this chronic-disease.
