Chronic intestinal failure

Chronic intestinal failure (CIF) is a rare and serious condition where the intestines cannot absorb enough nutrients, water, and electrolytes to keep the body healthy. This means the gut is unable to do its main job of digesting food and delivering what the body needs to survive and grow. People with this condition cannot maintain their nutrition through eating alone and typically need long-term intravenous (IV) nutrition, called parenteral nutrition, to stay alive and healthy. Chronic intestinal failure can happen for several reasons. It may result from short bowel syndrome (when a large portion of the small intestine has been surgically removed), motility disorders (where the intestines do not move food along properly), or conditions that damage the lining of the intestines so they cannot absorb nutrients. In children, it is often caused by birth defects of the gut, necrotizing enterocolitis, or conditions like Hirschsprung disease. In adults, common causes include Crohn's disease, blood vessel problems affecting the gut, radiation damage, or surgical complications. Key symptoms include severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Treatment centers on providing adequate nutrition through IV feeding, managing the underlying cause, and preventing complications such as liver disease and bloodstream infections related to IV lines. In some cases, intestinal transplantation may be considered. Advances in parenteral nutrition and multidisciplinary care have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What is the underlying cause of my intestinal failure, and can it be treated?,How long will I need parenteral nutrition, and is there a chance I can reduce or stop it over time?,Am I a candidate for teduglutide (Gattex/Revestive) or other medications to help my gut absorb more?,What are the risks of long-term parenteral nutrition, and how will you monitor for complications like liver disease?,Should I be referred to a specialized intestinal rehabilitation center?,What dietary changes can help maximize what my intestines can absorb?,Under what circumstances would intestinal transplantation be considered for me?

Common questions about Chronic intestinal failure

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Chronic intestinal failure.

• Congenital tufting enteropathy→
• Microvillus inclusion disease→
• Short bowel syndrome→