Etiology and prognosis of pediatric short bowel syndrome.

Pediatric intestinal failure is a complex and devastating condition defined as the inability of the intestine to absorb an adequate amount of fluid and nutrients to sustain life. The primary goal of intestinal failure treatment is to achieve enteral autonomy with a customized treatment plan. Although recent improvements in intestinal failure patient care have led to significant improvements in the morbidity and mortality rate, children with intestinal failure are at risk for multiple complications such as intestinal failure associated liver disease, recurrent septic episodes, central line complications, metabolic bone disease, impaired kidney function, and failure to thrive. In this article, we review the current literature on the etiology and factors affecting prognosis of pediatric IF.