Complications of Short Bowel Syndrome

Short Bowel Syndrome or Small Intestine Insufficiency is a group of problems that affects those who have had half or more than half of the small intestine removed. When this much of the small intestine is removed there is not enough of it to maintain normal nutrition by eating because the absorption of most of the water, salt, vitamins and all of the other important nutrients occur in the small intestine. A typical Short Bowel Syndrome patient is a child that is born with an abnormality such as omphalocele, gastroschisis or intestinal atresia. All of these conditions require a small bowel resection.

SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS

Signs and symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome include Malabsorption, diarrhea, steatorrhea, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, malnutrition, pale greasy stools, stools that smell worse than usual, edema, weight loss fatigue, bacterial infections, depression and food sensitivities.

Complications that are associated with Short Bowel Syndrome include malabsorptive diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, failure to thrive, drug toxicities, kidney stones, gallstones, bacterial overgrowth, combine system disease, weakened bones and metabolic acidosis.

CAUSES

Short Bowel Syndrome can be caused by Necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal atresia, intestinal volvulus, intestinal malrotation, surgical removal of small bowel and Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is the most common cause of the disease in the United States.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Tests used to help diagnosis Short Bowel Syndrome include Chem 20 which shows signs of Malabsorption, a CBC that will show Anemia and a Fecal Fat Test. Treatment usually begins with a diet that provides the essential vitamins and minerals. It is also important to follow a low-residue or low fiber diet to make absorption and digestion easier. B-12, Folic Acid and dietary iron is used to treat the Anemia that is associated with Short Bowel Syndrome. Other medications that may be used include Imodium, Lomtil, Questran, Tagamet, Prilosec and Zantac. More severe cases may need to be treated with Parenteral nutrition (feeding tube in veins or stomach) if normal feeding is not providing enough nutrients or a small bowel transplant.

Short Bowel Syndrome can range from mild to life threatening. It depends on how much of the small intestine was removed. Short Bowel Syndrome is more devastating when it occurs in infants and children because they require more calories to grow and develop. It is unknown exactly how many people are affected by Short Bowel Syndrome. Risk factors for developing Short Bowel Syndrome include Crohn's Disease, vascular problems and premature birth.