Microvillus Inclusion Disease

Microvillus inclusion disease is an intestinal disorder characterized by severe, watery diarrhea and an inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. Symptoms typically develop in the first days (early-onset) or first months (late-onset) of life. Without adequate water and nutrients, children with this condition can become dehydrated, suffer from malnutrition, and fail to grow and develop normally. Management is difficult and relies on total parenteral nutrition. The advent of intestinal transplantation has improved the outlook for these patients. Microvillus inclusion disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.