Open AccessIntestinal mucosal adaptation
Author(s) -
Laurie Drozdowski,
A. B. R. Thomson
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v12.i29.4614
Subject(s) - short bowel syndrome , intestinal failure , enteral administration , digestion (alchemy) , intestinal resection , parenteral nutrition , adaptation (eye) , small intestine , gastroenterology , nutrient , malnutrition , absorption (acoustics) , medicine , biology , chemistry , resection , surgery , ecology , neuroscience , materials science , chromatography , composite material
Intestinal failure is a condition characterized by malnutrition and/or dehydration as a result of the inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. The most common cause of intestinal failure is short bowel syndrome, which occurs when the functional gut mass is reduced below the level necessary for adequate nutrient and water absorption. This condition may be congenital, or may be acquired as a result of a massive resection of the small bowel. Following resection, the intestine is capable of adaptation in response to enteral nutrients as well as other trophic stimuli. Identifying factors that may enhance the process of intestinal adaptation is an exciting area of research with important potential clinical applications.