ESPEN reported a classification for intestinal failure in adults. This can help to clarify a pateint's specific diagnosis. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe.
Parameters:
(1) gut function
(2) intravenous nutritional supplementation
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Gut Function
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IV Nutritional Support
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Diagnosis
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greatly reduced
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required to maintain health and growth
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intestinal failure
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reduced
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not required to maintain health and growth
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intestinal insufficiency
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not reduced
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NA
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functional
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With intestinal failure the reduction in gut function is below the minimum necessary for the absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, and water.
Classification of intestinal failure:
(1) Type I: acute, short-term, self-limited
(2) Type II: acute (weeks or months), prolonged, requiring complex care
(3) Type III: chronic (months or years), may be reversible or irreversible
Causes:
(1) short bowel
(2) intestinal fistula
(3) mechanical obstruction
(4) extensive small bowel mucosal disease
(5) intestinal dysmotility
