Intractable diarrhea of infancy (generic term) (medical condition)

A group of disorder characterized by severe, difficult to treat, chronic diarrhea that starts during infancy. There a number of different disorders that can cause this condition - autoimmune enteropathy, congenital villous atrophy and syndromic diarrhea. The disorders may have different disease processes but they all involve severe diarrhea that starts during infancy and cannot be treated easily. Parenteral nutrition is usually required for months or even years which can have a serious impact on the quality of life. Intestinal transplant is a possible treatment option for serious cases. See also Intractable diarrhea of infancy (generic term)