Short Bowel Syndrome

What is short bowel syndrome?

Short bowel syndrome is a rare condition where the small intestine is too short or does not work as it should. Children may be born with this condition or develop it after having surgery to remove some of the intestine. Short bowel syndrome can affect how your child is able to absorb nutrients from food. If not treated, it can cause malnutrition and dehydration and affect your child's ability to grow. Children with short bowel syndrome may need to have total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which is nutrition given through an IV, or a feeding tube to make sure they get enough nutrition to grow.

What are the signs and symptoms of short bowel syndrome?

The symptoms of short bowel syndrome in children may include:

• Weight loss or not gaining weight
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Stomach pain or bloating

What causes short bowel syndrome?

Short bowel syndrome can be a condition your baby is born with if their intestine does not develop properly, such as intestinal atresia or gastroschisis. It can also occur after surgery, if your child needs to have some of their intestine removed due to a medical condition. Some of the most common conditions that can lead to intestinal surgery in children include:

• Necrotizing enterocolitisl
• Crohn’s disease
• Hirschsprung’s disease
• Vasculitis

How is short bowel syndrome treated?

Your child's treatment for short bowel syndrome will depend on how severe their condition is. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating all short bowel syndrome in children and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child's specific needs. Some treatment options may include:

• Dietary changes: Your child’s doctor or nutritionist may suggest a specific diet for your child to help ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
• Total parenteral nutrition: TPN is a solution of nutrients given through a vein.
• Feeding tube: This flexible tube is placed directly into the stomach or small intestine to supply your child with extra nutrition.
• Surgery: In some cases, your child may need surgery to increase the length of the small intestine or prevent blockages in the intestine.