What is Short Bowel Syndrome?

 

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complex disease that occurs due to the physical loss or the loss of function of a portion of the small and/or large intestine. SBS is generally broken down into individuals in whom the disorder is acquired during life and newborns in which the disorder is present at birth (congenital).

Acquired short bowel syndrome is more common than the congenital form of the disorder. The specific symptoms and severity of SBS vary from one person to another. Diarrhea is common, often severe, and can cause dehydration, which can even be life-threatening. SBS can lead to malnutrition, unintended weight loss, and additional symptoms may be due to the loss of essential vitamins and minerals. SBS is most commonly associated with surgical removal (resection) of half or more of the small intestine.

View Short bowel syndrome Market

Such surgery is performed to treat intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, injury or trauma to the small bowel, or congenital birth defects. In some cases, newborns can be born with a shortened bowel that is present at birth (congenital short bowel syndrome). The exact cause of short bowel in these cases is not fully understood and several different theories have been proposed.

More research is necessary to determine what factors ultimately lead to congenital short bowel syndrome. The disease also increases the chances of developing kidney stones, electrolyte abnormalities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, acidosis, and gastric hypersecretion.

The manifestations of intestinal resection and SBS are a result of; the loss of intestinal absorption surface; the loss of specific sites of absorption; a decrease in the production of intestinal hormones; and the loss of the ileocecal valve.

Short bowel syndrome may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how well the small intestine is working. It is considered a rare disease, and it affects about three out of every million people. A diagnosis of SBS is made based upon detailed patient history, a thorough clinical evaluation, and a variety of specialized tests, including laboratory tests and X-ray studies. It is also found that most of the cases are undiagnosed in areas with a lack of intestinal rehabilitation centers and weak home PN/IV programs.

The treatment of SBS is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. It includes nutritional support, medications, surgery, and intestinal transplant. The specific therapeutic procedures and interventions for individuals with a short bowel syndrome might vary, depending upon numerous factors, including the specific symptoms, the site, and extent of the affected portion of the small intestine, whether the colon is involved, an individual’s age and overall health, tolerance of certain medications or procedures, personal preference, and other factors.

In mild cases, slowly increasing the oral intake of food and taking certain supplements or medications for diarrhea may be all that is required. However, in many severe cases, TPN might be necessary, wherein short bowel syndrome may potentially require a small bowel transplant. In In recent years, advances in therapy, including new options like recombinant growth hormone and glucagon-like peptide analogs and improvements in surgical techniques have lessened the length of time that individuals need to remain on TPN.

Original Source:- Short bowel syndrome Market Report