Turner J M, Zhu J H, Huynh H Q
Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.
Minerva Pediatr. 2009 Jun;61(3):253-62.
Intestinal failure (IF) is a complex, chronic illness, of increasing importance in the pediatric critical care setting. We can expect an increase in pediatric IF given an increase in the survivors of extreme prematurity and complex congenital heart disease. Overall priorities for management of this condition include surgical and medical strategies to promote intestinal adaptation and to reduce complications, particularly related to malnutrition, liver disease and sepsis. In this review the authors propose that the optimal care for children with IF are multidisciplinary teams abreast of the newest strategies for intestinal rehabilitation. Early listing for intestinal transplantation for children at greatest risk of long-term parenteral nutrition dependency and its life threatening complications is appropriate.
