Evaluation of the nutritional condition and absorptive capacity of nine infants with short bowel syndrome.

Nutritional conditions and absorptive capacity of nine infants with short bowel syndrome were investigated during a long follow-up period from 1.5 years to 14 years and 7 months. The length of the residual small intestine ranged between 13-90 cm. The nine infants had normal meals at home and most of them did not suffer from persistent diarrhea. Most of the infants were thin. Nutritional parameters were kept relatively normal. The results of D-xylose absorption test had gradually improved, but the absorptive capacity of sugars and amino acids, observed by potential differences, were within the normal limits or slightly subnormal except for one infant. This indicated that the absorptive capacity of sugars and amino acids per a given area of the residual small intestine did not increase. Severe steatorrhea continued for several years in infants with less than 50 cm of small intestine. In these infants the concentration of serum vitamin D and total cholesterol were below the normal limits and the absorption of bile acids was disrupted. From our examination, infants with less than 50 cm of small intestine must be followed up for a long period and nutritional supplements are necessary.