No abstract

The process of digestion involve many organs that include the small intestine, pancreas, gall bladder, related blood vessels and lymphatics. The small intestine which constitutes a large surface area of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The presence of the villi, absorptive spaces and enzymes directly contribute to the absorption of almost all elements. On the contrary, malabsorption syndromes is a condition that prevent the absorption of certain nutrients and fluids. Our present literature review mainly aimed to discuss the common malabsorption syndromes and their related etiologies in pediatric patients. We have classified our discussion based on the deficient nutrients for easy delivery and based on the specification of the etiology per each nutrient. Many studies have shown that some disease have been previously commonly reported with the development of different malabsorption syndromes such as inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, autoimmune enteropathies and other congenital disorders. Furthermore, patients with malabsorption syndromes usually present with diarrhoea, steatorrhea and other GIT symptoms such as idiopathic pain and flatulence, but there are no specific symptoms associated with any of these syndromes. Efforts should be directed to understand more about the pathophysiology of some disorders, especially the congenital and idiopathic ones in order to achieve a better management and to enhance the prognosis of the affected patients.