The term, 'intestinal failure', signifies the inability of the body to meet the digestive, absorptive and nutritive needs of the body. As such, these individuals require parenteral nutrition (PN) for survival. The subsequent nutritional, medical and surgical facets to the care are complex. Improved care has resulted in decreased need for intestinal transplantation. This review will examine the unique etiologies and management strategies in pediatric patients with intestinal failure.
Keywords: catheter related blood stream infections; enteral nutrition; ethanol lock; intestinal failure associated liver disease; parenteral nutrition; pediatric intestinal failure; short bowel syndrome.