Short Bowel Syndrome in an Infant

Abstract

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorptive state that may occur either after surgical bowel resection or as the result of congenital bowel anomalies. SBS can incur significant morbidity and mortality including intestinal failure, cholestasis, sepsis, and death. For patients with SBS, management involves a multidisciplinary approach that begins with neonatology, pediatric surgery, nutritionists, pharmacists, and nurses in the NICU and also includes the transition to an intestinal rehabilitation program. The aim of this review is to provide the neonatologist with an overview of the common causes of neonatal SBS, anticipated nutritional deficiencies, complications associated with SBS, and the surgical and medical management of SBS to assist in counseling affected families.