Long-term outcomes in pediatric short bowel syndrome

Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) is a rare and complex condition in which the gastrointestinal tract cannot absorb sufficient nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes to support normal growth, development, and metabolic homeostasis, necessitating prolonged or lifelong parenteral nutrition (PN). Short bowel syndrome (SBS), most commonly resulting from extensive intestinal resection due to congenital or acquired disorders, is the leading cause of pediatric IF. The principal management goals are to promote intestinal adaptation, achieve enteral autonomy whenever possible, prevent complications, and optimize growth, neurodevelopment, and quality of life. Advances in multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation have markedly improved survival and increased the number of children who reach adulthood, creating a growing population requiring lifelong specialized follow-up. This narrative review summarizes current strategies for intestinal rehabilitation and reviews the long-term outcomes of children with SBS.