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Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Clinical problem-solving: Short bowel syndrome in an infant
Claude C Roy1, Véronique Groleau1, Mona Beaunoyer2
1Services de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition, Département de pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec.
Insights
This case report details the successful management of a neonate with severe short bowel syndrome, jejunal atresia, and midgut volvulus. Intestinal rehabilitation and surgical interventions led to normal growth and development at 40 months of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Jejunal atresia, extensive midgut volvulus, and microcolon present significant challenges in neonates.
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) requires multidisciplinary management to ensure adequate growth and development.
- Intestinal rehabilitation programs have improved outcomes for infants with SBS.
Abstract:
The present case report describes the clinical problems encountered over a five-month period in an infant born with jejunal atresia, extensive midgut volvulus and a microcolon. After an initial surgical resection, the patient had no remaining ileum and his ileocecal valve was also removed. The patient had 35 cm of jejunum, which was successfully lengthened to 60 cm using enteral nutrition and two bowel-lengthening procedures (serial transverse enteropathy procedures). Bouts of cholestatic liver disease, sepsis and small bowel bacterial overgrowth were vigorously treated. The patient was discharged at 5.5 months of age and is now 40 months of age. He is at the 50th percentile for both height and weight, and is developing normally. The outcome for infants with short bowel syndrome has improved significantly in the past few years due to intestinal rehabilitation programs, which integrate nutritional, surgical and pharmacological approaches tailored to individual needs.
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