The Outcomes of Treatment in Infants with Short Bowel Syndrome

Objective We reviewed 50 infant cases with short bowel syndrome (SBS) to examine the treatment outcome of SBS management in a tertiary hospital in Vietnam.

Material and Methods A case series was performed at the National Children's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 50 cases with SBS were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory characteristics before and after treatment were collected.

Results The most common cause of SBS was necrotizing enterocolitis. Common clinical symptoms included watery stools, dehydration, and malnutrition. After treatment, the patient's weight, albumin, and prothrombin improved markedly. There are 72% of children with good or fair treatment results. The rate of sepsis was high (18%). There was one case with complications of catheter infection and one case of liver failure. Three children died during treatment, one died from septic shock and multiple organ failure, and two died from respiratory failure.

Conclusion This study showed promising treatment outcomes in pediatrics.