ABSTRACT
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a clinical definition used to describe those complications caused by the loss of at least 50% of the small intestine either congenitally or acquired. If severe, SBS can cause intestinal failure which occurs when nutrition/fluid must be supplied using parenteral nutrition (PN). Clinical manifestations of SBS in children are as follows: Diarrhea and steatorrhea; Anemia related to iron and/or vitamin B12 malabsorption; Bleeding diathesis related to vitamin K malabsorption; Hyponatremia, hypokalemia; Hypovolemia; and Macronutrient or micronutrient deficiency states. Complications of SBS are related to the degree of shortened bowel as well as the need for PN and adaptation of the remaining bowel. SBS is a clinical diagnosis dependent on the history and nature of intestinal loss coupled with symptoms suggestive of malabsorption. Fiber supplementation may be helpful in preventing high fluid losses in SBS patients with a remaining colon, as fiber can decrease stool volume and can be useful in infants with perianal skin breakdown.
