Medical update and potential advances in the treatment of pediatric intestinal failure

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) and intestinal failure are chronic malabsorption disorders with considerable nutritional and growth consequences in children. Intestinal failure occurs when the functional gastrointestinal mass is reduced even if there is normal anatomical gastrointestinal length. A number of management strategies are often utilized to achieve successful intestinal rehabilitation and maintain adequate nutrition to avoid intestinal transplant. These strategies include minimizing the effect of parenteral associated liver disease, limiting catheter complications, and treating bacterial overgrowth in the remaining small intestine. In addition, there continues to be significant research interest in enhancing intestinal adaptation with targeted therapies. The purpose of this review is to discuss current perspectives and to highlight recent medical advances in novel investigational therapies.