Short bowel syndrome in children.

Short bowel syndrome is defined as malabsorption following small intestinal resection. There are many causes in children, most of whom present during infancy. The clinical presentation and physiologic consequences depend heavily on the segment of bowel removed and the extent of resection. The remaining intestine has the capacity to adapt anatomically and functionally, and stimulating the adaptation process is a major component of therapy. Clinical management of long-term complications, such as bacterial overgrowth, nutrient deficiency states, and parenteral nutrition-induced liver disease, are often key outcome determinants. The recent availability of intestinal transplantation now provides an additional therapeutic option for patients in whom all other forms of therapy fail.