Intestinal Rehabilitation and Nutritional Support Research and Innovation

By engaging in novel research to improve the health of children with intestinal failure, we are able to take care to the next level. As an academically based children’s hospital that’s closely connected to an adult hospital and a research university, we have unparalleled resources for conducting pioneering research. Our physician-scientists are involved in groundbreaking discoveries to improve the care and futures of children with intestinal conditions, or who are experiencing intestinal failure. Through our research, we enhance the function of the gut and provide solutions where none existed before. Research examples:

• By using a new frontier of medicine called enteroid technology, we grow cells of a patient’s bowel to design a definitive treatment for the patient’s underlying disease. For example, in children with congenital enteropathy, we can grow cells to discover the unique cause of their diarrhea and develop a mechanism-based treatment plan.
• We’ve transplanted cultured murine and human cells into the small intestine to replace intestinal epithelial cells, thereby improving the health and function of the intestine.
• By using a spring-mediated device, we’ve achieved intestinal lengthening and increased nutrient absorption.
• We’ve researched food as medicine to improve stool consistency in children with short bowel syndrome.
• We are involved in national and international databases, including the International Intestinal Failure Registry. Being involved in large databases helps us track treatments and outcomes in large numbers that, over time, inform and improve care.
• Through the years, we led the way for today’s standard of care and the compassionate use of groundbreaking medicines. Our current research is influencing the standard of care of tomorrow.

Your child has the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and to benefit from our research advances. Talk with your child’s provider about joining open studies. To peruse recently completed research, visit our physician web pages and click on publications.