Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Inflamm Bowel Dis 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2019 Apr 15. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Background: Sodium deficiency in patients with an ileostomy is associated with chronic dehydration and may be difficult to detect. We aimed to investigate if the sodium concentration in a single spot urine sample may be used as a proxy for 24-hour urine sodium excretion.

Methods: In a prospective observational study with 8 patients with an ileostomy and 8 volunteers with intact intestines, we investigated the correlations and agreements between spot urine sodium concentrations and 24-hour urine sodium excretions. Read More

Nutrition 2019 Feb 13;63-64:134-140. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Medizinische Klinik 1, Universitätsklinikum, Frankfurt, Germany.

Objective: Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at risk for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate dynamic changes of liver fibrosis and steatosis within 12 mo by transient elastography (TE), including controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in a cohort of patients with SBS receiving long-term PN.

Methods: Twenty-five adult patients with SBS and PN requirement for ≥3 mo consecutively were included and prospectively followed. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2019 ;90(3):167-172

Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecologic Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.

Cancer patients are at risk of developing malnutrition from underlying disease as well as from cancer treatment. Moreover, weight loss is considered as a predictive factor for disease progression and shorter survival time. As many as 10-20% of patients with cancer die from the results of malnutrition, instead of from the cancer itself. Read More

Clin Liver Dis 2019 May 21;23(2):279-291. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Centre for Chronic Intestinal Failure, University of Bologna, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Via Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is characterized by either liver steatosis or cholestasis and may develop in patients on long-term home parenteral nutrition for chronic intestinal failure. The pathogenesis of IFALD is multifactorial and includes gastrointestinal disease-related, parenteral nutrition-related, and systemic-related factors. Alteration of bile acid enterohepatic circulation, gut microbiome, and intestinal permeability, seem to be the main mechanisms. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2019 Apr 1. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Department of Pediatrics, Edmonton Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.

Background: There are no in vivo methods to measure adaptation in neonatal short bowel syndrome (SBS). We evaluated citrulline (Cit) levels in neonatal piglet surgical models of SBS.

Methods: Piglets underwent 75% mid-intestinal resection with jejunoileal anastomosis (JI), 75% distal resection of ileum with jejunocolic anastomosis (JC) or sham surgery. Read More

Complement Ther Med 2019 Apr 16;43:73-80. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia. Electronic address:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. While the pathogenesis is not clearly understood, current research points to the role of the gut microbiome and alterations in the diversity of the microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics, and low FODMAP diet are therapeutic means associated with modification of the gut microbiome for the alleviation of IBS symptoms. Read More

Nat Commun 2019 04 1;10(1):1477. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584, CX, The Netherlands.

Phenotypic and biochemical categorization of humans with detrimental variants can provide valuable information on gene function. We illustrate this with the identification of two different homozygous variants resulting in enzymatic loss-of-function in LDHD, encoding lactate dehydrogenase D, in two unrelated patients with elevated D-lactate urinary excretion and plasma concentrations. We establish the role of LDHD by demonstrating that LDHD loss-of-function in zebrafish results in increased concentrations of D-lactate. Read More

Am J Clin Nutr 2019 Apr;109(4):1112-1118

Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology-Nutrition, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.

Background: The main cause of intestinal failure is short bowel syndrome (SBS). The management goal for children with SBS is to promote intestinal adaptation while preserving growth and development with the use of parenteral nutrition (PN).

Objectives: This study evaluated the intestinal absorption rate in children with SBS, focusing on the role of the remnant colon. Read More

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019 Mar 28. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, United States.

Enteroendocrine L cells and GLP-2 secretion are activated in the intestinal adaptation process following bowel resection in short bowel patients. Our aim was to assess whether enteral activation of Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expressed in enteroendocrine L cells could augment endogenous GLP-2 secretion and the intestinal adaptation response in a piglet model. In study 1, parenterally-fed, neonatal pigs (n=6/group) were gavaged with vehicle, olive extract (OE) at 10 or 50 mg/kg, or ursolic acid (UA) 10 mg/kg and plasma GLP-2 were measured for 6 hr. Read More

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019 Mar 28. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.

Mortality associated with liver disease was observed in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS); however, its mechanism remains unclear. Bile acid (BA) dysmetabolism may be one of the putative mechanisms, and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the key regulator of BA synthesis. Here, we showed that in a rat model of small bowel resection associated with liver disease (SBR-ALD), BA composition of hepatic tissues reflected a larger proportion of primary and secondary unconjugated BAs, and those of colon contents and serum showed an increased ratio of secondary unconjugated BAs. Read More

Scand J Gastroenterol 2019 Mar 27:1-5. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

c Department of Gastroenterology , Abdominal Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.

Objectives: Parenteral support (PS) is the first-line therapy for intestinal failure (IF). Optimal patient outcomes require experienced multidisciplinary teams adhering to structured protocols. As practices to provide long-term PS for adult IF patients in Finland are unknown, this cross-sectional nationwide study aimed to evaluate current management of PS for adult IF across the country. Read More

Case Rep Pediatr 2019 19;2019:5354074. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.

Background: Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) defines acute mesenteric ischemia without occlusion of the mesenteric arteries. The most common cause of NOMI is vasoconstriction or vasospasm of a mesenteric artery. NOMI generally affects patients >50 years of age, and few cases have been reported in children. Read More

Cureus 2019 Jan 16;11(1):e3900. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Surgery, Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside, USA.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is the current standard of care in trauma patients. While most of the anticoagulation complications are obvious and can be promptly identified, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis to prevent a potentially fatal outcome. A 39-year-old female presented to our emergency room after sustaining a gunshot wound to her left flank and pelvis requiring a sigmoid colon and left fallopian tube and ovary resection with colostomy diversion. Read More

J Ethnopharmacol 2019 Mar 19;237:182-191. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China. Electronic address:

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiarrheal effect of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk roots (BHS), which are used by Chinese minorities to treat diarrhea, through regulation of intestinal flora and related signaling pathways.

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Control group (Con), Model group (Mod), three BHS groups (BHS-L (0.65 g/kg), BHS-M (1. Read More

Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2019 Mar 21;2019. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.

Reduced intestinal absorption of levothyroxine (LT4) is the most common cause of failure to achieve an adequate therapeutic target in hypothyroid patients under replacement therapy. We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with autoimmune hypothyroidism previously well-replaced with tablet LT4 who became unexpectedly no more euthyroid. At presentation, the patient reported the onset of acute gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by nausea, loss of appetite, flatulence, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, associated with increase of thyrotropin levels (TSH: 11 mIU/mL). Read More

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Surgery, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles/The Saban Research Institute, United States.

Introduction: Intestinal adaptation (IA) is a critical response to increase epithelial surface area after intestinal loss. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) may follow massive intestinal resection in human patients, particularly without adequate IA. We previously validated a model in zebrafish (ZF) that recapitulates key SBS pathophysiologic features. Read More

Nutrition 2019 Jan 2;62:146-151. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

Unité de nutrition clinique intensive, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.

Objectives: Some patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) develop hyperphagic behavior. Such an increase in food intake stimulates intestinal adaptation and limits dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to determine the factors modulating food consumption in patients with SBS. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Pediatric Surgery and the Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH. Electronic address:

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the accuracy of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) ultrasound elastography in assessing the degree of liver disease in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of patients with SBS who underwent a liver biopsy and ARFI elastography was performed. Mean shear wave speed (SWS) and stage of fibrosis was evaluated using t-tests. Read More

Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 May 15;4(5):354-363. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Background: Patients with short bowel syndrome might have impaired postprandial endogenous glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) secretion, which is required for optimal intestinal adaptation. We aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of glepaglutide, a novel long-acting GLP-2 analogue, for reducing faecal output and increasing intestinal absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome.

Methods: In this single-centre, double-blind, crossover, randomised phase 2 trial, adults (aged ≥18 to ≤90 years) with short bowel syndrome and with a faecal wet weight output of 1500 g/day or more were randomly assigned to receive one of six dose sequences of glepaglutide (10 mg, 1 mg; 10 mg, 0·1 mg; 1 mg, 10 mg; 1 mg, 0·1 mg; 0·1 mg, 10 mg; or 0·1 mg, 1 mg). Read More

Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 May 15;4(5):328-329. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation Center, and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases Metabolism and Ageing, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address:

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Feb 28. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Electronic address:

Background: Short gut syndrome (SGS) following massive small bowel resection (SBR) is a major cause of pediatric mortality and morbidity secondary to nutritional deficiencies and the sequelae of chronic total parenteral nutrition use, including liver steatosis. Despite the importance of lymphatic vasculature in fat absorption, lymphatic response after SBR has not been studied. We hypothesize that lymphatic vessel integrity is compromised in SGS, potentially contributing to the development of impaired lipid transport leading to liver steatosis and metabolic disease. Read More

Curr Pediatr Rev 2019 Mar 13. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Pediatric Department for the Treatment and Study of abdominal Disease and Abdominal Transplants, ISMETT-UPMC, Palermo . Italy.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial disorder that primarily affects premature infants. Several feeding practices, such as type of feeding (human milk versus formula feeding), timing of enteral feeding initiation and flux of enteral feeding have been investigated so far in order to prevent NEC. However, currently well-established and shared clinical nutritional practices are not available in preventing NEC. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2019 Mar 13. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.

Purpose: To review the effectiveness of the longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) and serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) operations in a cohort of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of children with SBS treated at our institution from 2004 until 2014. Children aged 0 days to 18 years with SBS who underwent autologous intestinal reconstruction were included in the study. Read More

Curr Pediatr Rev 2019 Mar 11. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

University of Florida Department of Pediatrics Division of Neonatology Address: 1600 SW Archer Road Gainesville, Florida. United States.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains the most threatening gastrointestinal complication of prematurity leading to a high mortality, morbidity and cost. Common complications of NEC include neurodevelopmental delay, failure to thrive, gastrointestinal problems including strictures and adhesions, cholestasis, short bowel syndrome with or without intestinal failure that can be difficult to manage. Infants who develop NEC benefit from close follow-up for early diagnosis and treatment of complications. Read More

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019 26;10:75. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Bone homeostasis displays a circadian rhythm with increased resorption during the night time as compared to day time, a difference that seems-at least partly-to be caused by food intake during the day. Thus, ingestion of a meal results in a decrease in bone resorption, but people suffering from short bowel syndrome lack this response. Gut hormones, released in response to a meal, contribute to this link between the gut and bone metabolism. Read More

BMC Pediatr 2019 Mar 11;19(1):78. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Background: Cholecystoduodenostomy is a surgical procedure that bypasses the extrahepatic biliary tree and connects the gallbladder directly to the duodenum. This case describes the successful use of this procedure in a novel situation.

Case Presentation: A premature (34 weeks gestation) female infant with cystic fibrosis required a laparotomy on day 1 of life due to an intrauterine small bowel perforation. Read More

Pediatr Surg Int 2019 May 7;35(5):547-550. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.

Purpose: Hirschsprung's disease-related short bowel syndrome (HDSBS) is characterized by aganglionosis that extends orally to 75 cm from Treitz's band. The condition is reported be associated with a high mortality rate of 50-80%. This retrospective study aimed to survey the current trends in HDSBS treatment in Japan. Read More

Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2019 May;35(3):223-234

Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK.

Purpose Of Review: The review discusses the roles of small bowel capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy in patients with Crohn's disease. It highlights recent advances in the field and identifies areas where evidence is lacking.

Recent Findings: Small bowel capsule endoscopy has an important role in the follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease after escalation of therapy and in the postoperative assessment period following surgical resection. Read More

Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019 Apr;31(4):e13547

Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

The epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in conjunction with the enteric nervous system (ENS) plays an important role in mediating solute absorption and secretion. A dysregulated ionic movement across the epithelium can result in GI diseases that manifest as either watery diarrhea or constipation. Hirschsprung disease is an example of an ENS disorder characterized by absence of enteric ganglia in distal gut resulting in obstructive phenotype. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Feb 18. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA. Electronic address:

Jejunoileal atresia (JIA) is a congenital defect that can result in significant loss of bowel length. The traditional classification of JIA was first proposed by Grosfeld and includes 4 subtypes. Among these, type IIIB, or apple-peel atresia, is characterized by a proximal atretic jejunum and a distal segment of spiraled bowel that terminates at the cecum. Read More

Acta Paediatr 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

Aim: Improved survival rates for premature infants have also increased the population at risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). This study evaluated the outcomes of surgically treated NEC and identified risk factors for mortality, intestinal failure (IF) and IF associated liver disease (IFALD).

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 131 infants with surgically treated NEC from 1976 to 2016 in a Swedish tertiary referral centre: 20 in 1976-1996, 33 in 1997-2006 and 78 in 2007-2016. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019 Feb 27;16(5). Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is prevalent within the general population. Studies have shown that stress and anxiety co-exist with IBS. Young Taiwanese women commonly exhibit physical and psychological health problems caused by academic stress. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

The Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA. Electronic address:

Purpose: The serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) tapers and lengthens the gut to improve adaptation. Mortality has decreased with multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRP) allowing more time to reach adaptive potential. We reviewed our STEP experience to compare surgical outcomes between early and late eras of our IRP. Read More

Med Sante Trop 2018 Nov;28(4):430-433

Service de chirurgie, Hôpital militaire de Ouakam BP 24175 Dakar, Sénégal.

Introduction: The causes of short bowel syndrome are multiple, but most often in sub-Saharan Africa they result from extensive surgical resection that leaves less than 200 cm. Intestinal failure appears rapidly with a major hydroelectrolytic deficiency and malabsorption. Management requires parenteral nutrition that can be life-long. Read More

Intern Med 2019 Feb 25. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

A 40-year-old man suffered from short bowel syndrome. Since a large amount of intestinal output and watery diarrhea hampered his quality of life, we tried to control the intestinal output by reducing the secretion of gastric acid with lansoprazole. Because the small intestine was only 10 cm in length and effective absorption of oral lansoprazole was doubtful, we monitored his intragastric pH for 24 hours and confirmed that the holding time above pH 3. Read More

Orv Hetil 2019 Mar;160(9):322-328

I. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Budapest, Korányi Sándor u. 2/a, 1083.

The diagnostics of gastrointestinal diseases have evolved significantly in the past few decades. Besides endoscopy and conventional imaging modalities, there is a growing interest for rapid point-of-care laboratory tests to help discriminate between diseases with similar clinical symptoms and/or help the follow-up of chronic conditions, predicting relapses. The fecal calprotectin testing is a routine diagnostic tool in many countries. Read More

Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Jan 31;13(1):55-70. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

b Gastroenterology Hepatology Nutrition Unit , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France.

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a dramatic clinical condition in both children and adults; the residual bowel length is not sufficient to avoid intestinal failure, with subsequent malnutrition and growth retardation, and intravenous support is required to provide the nutrients normally coming from the intestine. Apart from the primary disease, the medical status can be worsened by complications of intestinal failure: if there are irreversible, the prognosis is poor unless a successful intestinal rehabilitation is achieved. Areas covered: The rescue of the remnant small bowel requires a multidisciplinary expertise to achieve digestive autonomy. Read More

Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Mar 7;13(3):241-246. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

a Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition Support , APHP Beaujon Hospital , Clichy , France.

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the major cause of chronic intestinal failure (IF), defined as 'the reduction of gut function below the minimum necessary for the absorption of macronutrients and/or water and electrolytes, such that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth'. Areas covered: Spontaneous intestinal adaptation, including increased hormonal secretion, development of hyperphagia and gut microbiota dysbiosis, occurs 2 years after resection, improving intestinal absorption and decreasing PN dependency. Hormonal treatments, promoting intestinal hyperadaptation, have been proposed in patients with SBS with chronic IF. Read More

Am J Transl Res 2019 15;11(1):453-462. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine No. 1665, Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China.

Our previous study demonstrated that the proliferation of human intestinal smooth muscle (ISM) cells was stimulated by butyrate through the yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway , suggesting a valuable approach for intestinal adaption of short bowel syndrome (SBS). This study was conducted to confirm these findings . Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Sham group (bowel transection and reanastomosis), SB W group (80% small bowel resection/water ), and SB Bu group (80% small bowel resection/50 mM sodium butyrate ). Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

McMaster Pediatric Surgery Research Collaborative, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Purpose: Mucous fistula (MF) refeeding of proximal stoma effluent in neonates after small bowel resection can promote nutrient absorption and prevent atrophy of the unused distal bowel. This study aimed to assess the safety of this practice in neonates.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between 2009 and 2015 who underwent a laparotomy with creation of an enterostomy and mucous fistula was performed. Read More

Clin Perinatol 2019 03 12;46(1):89-100. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Section of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, 1540 East Hospital Drive, SPC 4211, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Electronic address:

Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs in 14% of infants less than 1000 g. Preoperative management varies widely, and the only absolute indication for surgery is pneumoperitoneum. Multiple biomarkers and scoring systems are under investigation, but clinical practice is still largely driven by surgeon judgment. Read More

Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019 May 14;31(5):e13559. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway.

Background: Gastroenteritis has been associated with complications such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic fatigue (CF). Little is known about the implications for quality of life (QoL) in this setting. The aims of this study were to evaluate the association between exposure to Giardia infection and QoL ten years after the infection, and how this related to IBS and CF. Read More

J Pediatr Surg 2019 Apr 19;54(4):712-717. Epub 2019 Jan 19.

Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.

Purpose: Quantify short-term outcomes associated with initial surgery [laparotomy (LAP) vs. peritoneal drain (PD)] for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants.

Methods: Using the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database, we identified ELBW infants <32 weeks' gestation with surgical NEC (sNEC). Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Feb;98(7):e14513

Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Garden Rd., Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.

Background: Recent studies indicate that gut microbiota disorders potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can be partly reflected by fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) generated from gut microbiota. Previous studies on SCFA alterations in patients with IBS have yielded conflicting results. No prior systematic review has been conducted on the alterations in fecal SCFAs in IBS patients. Read More

Indian J Pediatr 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi, Kami-Cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a fatal complication of short bowel syndrome managed with parenteral nutrition. A clinical cohort study reported the usefulness of parenteral administration of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids in improving IFALD; however, no biomarker has been developed as yet. The authors report the case of a preterm infant with IFALD complicated by extensive short bowel syndrome. Read More

Case Rep Surg 2019 13;2019:2548631. Epub 2019 Jan 13.

National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

Small bowel diverticulosis is an uncommon entity. Clinical presentation of small intestinal diverticulosis is variable. A high mortality is associated with complications such as chronic malnutrition, haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and perforation. Read More

Obes Surg 2019 Apr;29(4):1442-1444

Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Department of Digestive and Metabolic Surgery, Avicenne University Hospital, Centre intégré Nord Francilien de la prise en charge de l'Obésité (CINFO), Université Paris XIII-UFR SMBH « Léonard de Vinci », 125 route de Stalingrad, 93000, Bobigny, France.

Background: Severe post-operative malnutrition (SM) is a dreaded complication after gastric bypass often related to the short bowel syndrome consecutive limb length mismeasurement or intestinal resections. Patients with rapid weight loss or malnutrition can experience liver failure with cirrhosis and require liver transplantation (LT). Malnutrition can constitute a contraindication to LT since it negatively impacts on postoperative morbidity. Read More

J Visc Surg 2019 Feb 8. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is associated with a mortality of 60-80%. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment have a decisive influence on therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of AMI markers on mortality, in order to better anticipate the clinical course and to initiate therapeutic steps at an early stage. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S Wood St (M/C 716), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.

Background: Teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 2 analog, has demonstrated efficacy in treating adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN), but its role in chronic malabsorptive states that do not necessitate PN remains uncertain.

Aims: To evaluate teduglutide use beyond its approved indications and to discuss the results of this adjunctive treatment in patients resistant to established therapy.

Results: This series reports four patients treated with teduglutide off-label. Read More