Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
Congenital short bowel syndrome: Clinical aspects by systematic review
Barblin Remund1, Susanne Schibli1, Christiane Sokollik1
1Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Bern University Hospital, University of Bern Bern Switzerland.
Insights
Congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS) is a rare genetic disorder. Most infants achieve enteral autonomy, but complications from parenteral nutrition pose the greatest risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Genetics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS) is a rare intestinal disorder.
- Mutations in CLMP and FLNA genes are primary causes.
- Clinical features and prognostic factors require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diagnostic approaches for CSBS.
- To identify prognostic factors for improved patient care.
- To analyze published cases for clinical insights.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published CSBS cases (2000-2024).
- Analysis of genetic mutations, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
- Evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- CLMP mutations found in 57.1% and FLNA in 25.7% of genetically analyzed cases.
- High incidence of malrotation (87.2%) and need for parenteral nutrition (PN).
- 60% achieved enteral autonomy; mortality primarily due to sepsis.
Conclusions:
- CSBS diagnosis requires imaging and genetic testing for prognosis.
- Early enteral autonomy may lead to underestimation of incidence.
- PN complications are the main risk for adverse outcomes.
Objectives:
Congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS) is a rare intestinal disorder characterized by inborn shortening of the bowel with mainly mutations in Coxsackie and Adenovirus receptor-like membrane protein (CLMP) and Filamin A (FLNA) genes. Clinical features are not well described; therefore, we aim to improve patient care by evaluating diagnostic approaches and identifying prognostic factors through the analysis of published cases.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review of cases published between 2000 and 2024.
Results:
Genetic analysis in 35 of the 61 CSBS cases revealed a CLMP mutation in 57.1%, FLNA in 25.7%, and others in 17.1%. Consanguinity was common with 42.4%. Nine families had affected siblings. Most cases were term births with normal birth weight. The first symptoms occurred after a median of 0.6 weeks, mostly vomiting and diarrhea. Median (range) small bowel length was 50.0 (20-85) cm. Comorbidities included malrotation in 87.2%. Nearly all cases required parenteral nutrition (PN), with 60% achieving enteral autonomy after a median follow-up of 15 months. Nine children died before the age of 2 years, six due to sepsis. No intestinal malignancy was reported.
Conclusions:
CSBS presents shortly after birth with the majority of affected cases achieving enteral autonomy in infancy, which may lead to an underestimation of incidence rates. Radiological imaging can be used to determine bowel length for diagnostic purposes and to initiate genetic counseling. Genetic testing is essential for mutation-specific prognosis and patient management. Complications associated with PN pose the greatest risk for adverse outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...