What is Pediatric Intestinal Failure? An ERNICA animation for parents and families

The small intestine is a muscular tube connecting the stomach and the colon

The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from food into the bloodstream for adequate growth and development

The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb fluid from food into the bloodstream

The large intestine promotes adequate hydration and absorption of electrolytes, which are minerals essential for bodily functioning

Intestinal failure is defined as the inability to absorb nutrients and/or fluids sufficiently through the intestines

Intestinal failure is a rare condition

There are three main causes of intestinal failure in children

Intestinal failure may occur as part of short bowel syndrome, which is most often caused by surgical reduction in the length of the small intestine

Surgical reduction of the small intestine may be required to treat conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis

Intestinal failure in children can arise from congenital disease of cells in the intestines, such as microvillous inclusion disease

Intestinal failure may be caused by neuromuscular intestinal disease, such as pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome

Children with intestinal failure require long-term intravenous nutrition because they cannot absorb nutrients and/or fluids sufficiently through their intestines

Intravenous nutrition administered through a vein is called parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition bypasses the need for intestinal absorption and supports children with intestinal failure to obtain vital nutrients

For most patients, parenteral nutrition can be administered at home

Following diagnosis, treatment focuses on providing support with parenteral nutrition to promote adequate growth, identifying complications or difficulties, and preventing hospitalization

Children with intestinal failure should be treated at a specialist center by a dedicated multidisciplinary team

Follow-up care is required for children with intestinal failure

Identifying complications or difficulties early in children with intestinal failure is very important

Peer support can be accessed through patient and family support groups