title: Neonatal intestinal physiology and failure.
abstract: The neonatal intestine is a complex organ that regulates the absorption of nutrients essential for growth and development. Intestinal failure results from insufficient or functionally inadequate bowel and can lead to failure of neonatal growth and development. Current literature on neonatal intestinal physiology and failure was reviewed and summarized. A homeostatic interplay of electrolytes, enzymes, and hormonal regulators is essential to achieve the physiologic balance needed for adequate intestinal performance. Physiologic consequences of intestinal failure are dependent on the length and anatomic location of the diseased or surgically resected bowel. Intestinal failure leads to disruption of normal intestinal physiology and may have long-term consequences for growth and development if inadequately treated. Parenteral nutrition remains the mainstay of treatment for neonatal intestinal failure.
authors: Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Fegan 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors: Sarah J
authors: SJ
authors: Carlson
authors: Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Fegan 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors: Melissa I
authors: MI
authors: Chang
authors: Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Fegan 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors: Prathima
authors: P
authors: Nandivada
authors: Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Fegan 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Cowan
authors: Department of Surgery and the Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Fegan 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. Electronic address: mark.puder@childrens.harvard.edu.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Puder
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition
keywords: Duodenum; Ileum; Intestinal failure; Intestine; Jejunum; Neonate; Parenteral nutrition; Short bowel syndrome