Gastrointestinal dysmotility is common in children and young people with neurodisabling conditions. In this article we seek to highlight the increasing difficulties faced by paediatricians in managing intestinal failure in this patient group. It is becoming clear that, as the median age for survival increases, intestinal failure is a significant problem, and can in some cases become life-limiting. The ethical issues around starting children with life-limiting conditions on parenteral nutrition (PN) are extremely complicated, not least because we are ignorant of the mechanism of intestinal failure in these children, and indeed, which of these children might be able to return to enteral feeding after a period of PN. Our article highlights these issues, drawing on our experience of a particularly difficult case, which we hope will stimulate further discussion among paediatricians providing care for children with neurodisabling conditions.

No abstract

Our results provide a useful initial reference point against which other tertiary units can assess their own practice, with all striving to provide appropriate, efficient and cost-effective endoscopy services for children.

No abstract

Bleeding per rectum in children is an infrequent presentation associated with a wide range of differential diagnoses, from benign to life-threatening. Irrespective of the underlying aetiology, it is typically a worrisome symptom for caregivers. Published data are limited, particularly for the UK population, from which to provide clear evidence-based guidance for assessment and management of infants, children and young people presenting with bleeding per rectum. In this Fifteen-Minute Consultation, we therefore explore the common aetiologies and combine opinions from acute paediatrics, paediatric gastroenterology and paediatric surgery to offer a structure for a diagnostic approach and initial management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children and young people.