Intestinal Failure - Week 2 Flashcards
What is meant by intestinal failure?
Results from an inability to maintain adequate nutrition or fluid status via the intestines. Characterised by the inability to maintain protein-energy, fluid, electrolyte, or micronutrient balance
Give some causes of intestinal failure.
obstruction, dysmotility, surgical resection, congenital defect, or disease associated loss of absorption
What is meant by Type I intestinal failure?
Short-term & self-limiting eg. post-operative or paralytic ileus
What is meant by Type II intestinal failure?
Prolonged, associated with sepsis and metabolic complications
What is meant by Type III intestinal failure?
Prolonged but stable - home parenteral nutrition often given
What is the treatment of Type I intestinal failure?
Replace fluid, correct electrolytes
Parenteral Nutrition if unable to tolerate oral food/fluids > 7days post op
Acid Suppression: proton pump inhibitors
Parenteral nutrition is often given through a…
Tunnelled catheter (Hickmann line)
Where should patients with Type II intestinal failure be treated?
HDU/ICU
Give some treatments for Type III intestinal failure.
Home Parenteral Nutrition/intestinal lengthening or transplant
Give examples of 2 conditions which may result in Type III intestinal failure.
Chron’s disease & short gut syndrome
What is the normal range for small intestine length?
250-850cm
What is meant by short gut syndrome?
< 200 cm = Short Bowel
Insufficient length of small bowel to meet nutritional needs without artificial nutritional support
When is small bowel transplantation indicated?
Loss of venous access/liver disease main indications
Small intestine transport is usually combined with…
Liver transplant
Which assessment is used to gauge nutritional status?
MUST
