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Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Case report: Congenital short bowel syndrome
1Department of Radiology, Focus Diagnostic Center, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, India.
Insights
Congenital short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare infant condition causing failure to thrive. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes in neonates with this gastrointestinal disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Neonatology
Background:
- Congenital short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare but serious condition in infants, distinct from acquired SBS.
- It presents significant challenges regarding infant mortality and morbidity.
- Early recognition is key for timely intervention and improved prognosis.
Observation:
- A 26-day-old infant presented with failure to thrive, recurrent vomiting, and weight loss.
- Clinical presentation suggested a significant gastrointestinal issue.
- Diagnostic imaging was essential for identifying the underlying pathology.
Findings:
- Gastrointestinal contrast study revealed a significantly shortened small bowel.
- The study also identified malrotation of the bowel.
- These findings are consistent with congenital short bowel syndrome.
Implications:
- Early initiation of parenteral nutrition or surgical intervention can improve outcomes.
- Despite prompt management, severe disseminated sepsis led to a fatal outcome in this case.
- This case underscores the critical need for rapid diagnosis and management strategies for congenital SBS in neonates.
Abstract:
Congenital short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a relatively rare condition as compared to acquired SBS. It is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Infants usually present with failure to thrive, recurrent vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to suspect and diagnose this condition promptly, as early initiation of parenteral nutrition or surgery, if necessary, may result in a favorable outcome. We discuss a case of an infant aged 26 days, who presented with failure to thrive, recurrent vomiting, and weight loss. A contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract revealed a short small bowel, with malrotation. The infant was started on parenteral nutrition, but succumbed shortly thereafter to severe disseminated sepsis.
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