Short Bowel Syndrome Flashcards
What defines short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults?
Malabsorption and malnutrition generally occurring when less than 180 cm of functional intestine remains.
What factors determine the severity of SBS?
Extent and site of resection
underlying intestinal disease
presence of the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve, functional status of remaining organs
and adaptive capacity of the intestinal remnant.
What are the main pathophysiologic changes seen in SBS?
Loss of intestinal absorptive surface and more rapid intestinal transit
What are common complications associated with SBS?
Malnutrition
weight loss
diarrhea
steatorrhea
vitamin deficiency
electrolyte imbalance
nephrolithiasis
cholelithiasis
transient gastric hypersecretion
and bacterial overgrowth.
Why is liver disease a concern in patients with SBS on parenteral nutrition (PN)?
It remains an important factor in mortality due to long-term PN dependence.
What type of adaptation occurs in the intestine after massive resection?
Functional and structural adaptation
improving nutrient absorption and decreasing diarrhea within the first few months post-resection.
What are the primary management goals for patients with SBS beyond the early critical phase?
Maintain adequate nutritional status
maximize absorptive capacity of the remaining intestine, and prevent complications related to SBS and nutritional therapy
What are the key elements of surgical approaches in managing SBS?
Preserving and maximizing the function of the intestinal remnant, and augmenting intestinal length via transplantation.
What is the most important therapeutic objective in managing short bowel syndrome (SBS)?
Maintaining the patient’s nutritional status
How is nutritional status initially maintained in SBS patients postoperatively?
Primarily through parenteral nutrition (PN) support
When can enteral nutrition support be started in SBS patients?
Early after the operation, once ileus has resolved
Why is early initiation of enteral nutrition important in SBS management?
It maximizes intestinal adaptation and helps prevent complications related to PN
What determines the likelihood of a patient requiring long-term PN in SBS?
The length of the remaining small intestine.
How does the length of the remaining intestine affect PN dependency?
180 cm: No PN generally needed.
90 cm (with colon present): PN required for less than 1 year.
<60 cm: Likely require permanent PN
What is a sign that increased enteral feeding is not tolerated in SBS patients?
A marked increase in gastrointestinal fluid loss
What are the primary objectives during the transition from PN to enteral nutrition in SBS?
Maintaining stable body weight and preventing large fluctuations in fluid balance.
What should be done as parenteral nutrition requirements decrease in SBS management?
Intermittent PN can be introduced, reducing therapy hours and eventually alternating days
What type of monitoring is essential during the transition to enteral nutrition in SBS patients?
Metabolic monitoring to detect and correct any metabolic abnormalities and micronutrient deficiencies
Why might some SBS patients require ongoing fluid supplementation?
To maintain hydration and support nutrient absorption as part of long-term management
What factors influence dietary management in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS)?
Intestinal remnant length and location
underlying intestinal disease
status of remaining digestive organs
and the existence of a stoma
Why might patients with SBS develop hyperphagia?
To compensate for their inefficient nutrient absorption
What type of feeding may allow greater nutrient absorption in patients with less than 90 cm of intestinal remnant?
Continuous enteral feeding.
What type of diet is initially appropriate for SBS patients, especially if the colon is in continuity?
A high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet
How should fat intake be managed in SBS patients with colon in continuity?
Fat should be restricted to 20% to 30% of caloric intake to prevent steatorrhea and nephrolithiasis
Why are isotonic feedings important for patients with jejunal remnants?
Because the jejunal mucosa is relatively permeable and isotonic feedings optimize water and sodium absorption
What is the role of glucose-electrolyte oral rehydration solutions in SBS?
To optimize water and sodium absorption in the proximal jejunum and prevent secretion into the lumen
Which nutrient’s role remains controversial in SBS management, but may have trophic effects on the gut?
Glutamine.
What agents are used for their antisecretory and antimotility effects in SBS?
Codeine
diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil)
loperamide,
octreotide
Why should octreotide not be routinely used for chronic diarrhea in SBS?
It may cause deleterious effects, such as steatorrhea, inhibition of intestinal adaptation, and increased incidence of cholelithiasis.
Which medications are effective for controlling gastric hypersecretion in SBS?
H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.
What is cholestyramine used for in SBS?
It is beneficial when diarrhea is related to unabsorbed bile salts in the colon, especially if less than 100 cm of ileum has been resected
What is teduglutide, and how is it used in SBS?
A GLP-2 analogue approved for promoting intestinal absorption and adaptation, reducing the need for supplemental fluids and nutrients
How are GLP-1 analogues like liraglutide used off-label in SBS?
To slow gastric emptying and intestinal motility.
Medical Treatment of Short Bowel
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Medical Treatment of Short Bowel
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What are common metabolic complications in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS)?
Dehydration
renal dysfunction
hypocalcemia
hyperglycemia
hypoglycemia
metabolic acidosis/alkalosis
and nutrient deficiencies
Why is hypocalcemia a common issue in SBS?
Due to poor calcium absorption and binding by intraluminal fat.
What supplementation is important to minimize bone disease in SBS patients?
Adequate calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D
What are common causes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in SBS patients?
Receiving a significant portion of their calories parenterally
Which micronutrient deficiencies need to be monitored in SBS patients?
Iron, selenium, zinc, and copper
Why are SBS patients at risk for fatty acid deficiency
Due to poor fat absorption
What is an important preventative measure against catheter-related sepsis in SBS patients?
Meticulous technique and patient education
Ethanol and antibiotic lock therapy
How can catheter thrombosis impact SBS patients requiring permanent PN?
It can become a critical factor affecting patient survival due to limited vascular access
What long-term complication is associated with parenteral nutrition (PN) in SBS patients?
liver disease, potentially leading to steatosis, cholestasis, or cirrhosis
What measures can help prevent PN-induced liver disease?
Providing as much enteral nutrition as possible
avoiding overfeeding
and minimizing lipid intake, especially soy-based