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Recent Progress in Congenital Diarrheal Disorders

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Abstract

Congenital diarrheal disorders (CDD) are a group of rare enteropathies related to specific genetic defects. Infants with these disorders have chronic diarrhea, frequently requiring parenteral nutrition support. Etiologies and prognoses are variable. We propose a new classification of CDD into four groups, taking into account the specific etiology and genetic defect: 1) defects in digestion, absorption, and transport of nutrients and electrolytes; 2) disorders of enterocyte differentiation and polarization; 3) defects of enteroendocrine cell differentiation; and 4) dysregulation of the intestinal immune response. The present review focuses on the recent advances made in understanding the pathophysiology of CDD that could potentially improve the clinical approach to these conditions.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: R.B. Canani—none; G. Terrin—none.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics and European Laboratory for the Investigation on Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Roberto Berni Canani

  2. Department of Women Health and Perinatal Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy

    Gianluca Terrin

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  1. Roberto Berni Canani
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  2. Gianluca Terrin
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Correspondence to Roberto Berni Canani.

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Canani, R.B., Terrin, G. Recent Progress in Congenital Diarrheal Disorders. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 257–264 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-011-0188-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-011-0188-6

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