WHAT IS SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME (SBS)?
DENISE
Living with SBS
SBS is a rare, serious, and chronic malabsorption disorder
SBS is generally caused by the physical or functional loss of the intestines, usually the small intestine due to resection surgery. When you lose or damage part of your intestines, they may not work properly. This can create problems with your nutrition and hydration and can change the way your body absorbs electrolytes and nutrients. SBS prevents your body from absorbing nutrients, water, and electrolytes effectively.
As a result, your doctor may have started you on parenteral support (PS). Although PS helps you maintain essential nutrients and hydration, parenteral support does not help your remaining intestine absorb nutrients, which is an important treatment goal in SBS.
What are causes and results of short bowel syndrome in adults?
SBS occurs when parts of the intestine are removed, and the remaining intestine may not be able to absorb enough nutrients from food and drink. In adults, SBS develops from a loss of function and surgical removal of parts of the intestine due to:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease
- Vascular events
- Traumatic injury to the small bowel
- Twisting of the intestine (volvulus)
SBS results in malabsorption and puts people at risk for:
- Nutrient deficiency, which can cause weight loss or the inability to maintain weight
- Dehydration, which can present as dark-colored or infrequent urine and excessive thirst
- Imbalances of electrolytes, which can cause muscle weakness
- Diarrhea/increased outputs
Talk to your care team to learn more about other conditions or risks associated with SBS.
What are causes and results of short bowel syndrome in children?
Different from SBS in adults, SBS in children most often develops from conditions at birth that lead to the removal of the intestine. These conditions can include:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common cause in premature infants; it can occur when the lining of the intestinal wall dies
- Abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis)
- Blockage or a missing section in the intestine (intestinal atresia)
- Twisting of the intestine (volvulus)
- Missing nerve cells in the intestine (Hirschsprung’s disease)
- Other congenital (birth) defects
SBS results in malabsorption and puts children at risk for:
- Nutrient deficiencies, which can cause growth and developmental delays
- Deficiencies in fluid and electrolytes
- Diarrhea/increased outputs
Talk to your child’s care team to learn more about other conditions or risks associated with SBS.
Experiencing symptoms but not sure where to begin?
Create talking points based on your or your child’s symptoms. To start, simply answer a few questions using the Gut Check Questionnaire and create symptom-related topics—made just for you or your child.
How is short bowel syndrome diagnosed?
There are a few ways doctors can diagnose SBS. They may reference medical history or use imaging tests to assess the intestines. And while there is no specific blood test for SBS, a doctor may use it to assess vitamins, nutrients, and electrolytes. People living with SBS can be prone to deficiencies. SBS may also be diagnosed when the remaining intestine has a hard time absorbing nutrients and fluids.