New growth factor therapies aimed at improving intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome

Abstract

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is used to describe a condition of malabsorption and malnutrition resulting from the loss of absorptive area following massive small bowel resection. The key to improved clinical outcome after massive small bowel resection is the ability of the residual bowel to adapt. Although still in experimental stages, a major goal in the management of SBS may be the augmented use of growth factors to promote increased adaptation. A number of growth factors have been implicated in promoting the adaptation process. The best-described growth factors are reviewed: glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and growth hormone (GH). This article reviews the abi..