Paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction: a scoping review

Paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO) encompasses a group of rare disorders in which patients present with the clinical features of bowel obstruction in the absence of mechanical occlusion. The management of PIPO presents a challenge as evidence remains limited on available medical and surgical therapy. Parenteral nutrition is often the mainstay of therapy. Long-term therapy may culminate in life-threatening complications including intestinal failure-related liver disease, central line thrombosis and sepsis. Intestinal transplantation remains the only definitive cure in PIPO but is a complex and resource-limited solution associated with its own morbidity and mortality. We conducted a scoping review to present a contemporary summary of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and complications of PIPO.Conclusion: PIPO represents a rare disorder that is difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat, with significant morbitity and mortality. The only known cure is intestinal transplantation. What is Known: • Paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare, heterogeneous disorder that confers a high rate of morbidity and mortality • Complications of paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction include chronic pain, small intestine bacterial overgrowth and malrotation. Other complications can occur related to its management, such as line infections with parenteral nutrition or cardiac side effects of prokinetic medications What is New: • Progress in medical and surgical therapy in recent years has led to improved patient outcomes • Enteral autonomy has been reported in most patients at as early as 1 month post-transplantation.