Since this is an extremely rare condition, the exact survival rate is poorly understood, and survival rates vary. An older study from 2009 determined that individuals with CIPO who have treatment with parenteral nutrition, which is nutrition delivered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract, have survival rates of 94% at 1 year, 78% at 5 years, 75% at 10 years, and 68% at 15 years.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a condition in which the digestive tract does not function, causing a condition similar to an intestinal blockage, but no blockage is present. The condition may develop before birth in children and result from other health conditions in adults.
CIPO may lead to:
- malnutrition
- weight loss
- slow or no growth in infants
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- intestinal failure
The outlook may be poor for individuals with CIPO. The condition is especially difficult for children. CIPO may improve with treatment such as parenteral nutrition or intestinal transplant.
Many factors may determine the life expectancy of individuals with CIPO.
Life expectancy may improve if:
- oral feeding is possible
- an individual can maintain adequate nutrition
- an individual is diagnosed early
- an intestinal transplant is an option
Life expectancy may be negatively affected if an individual:
- is a young child or infant
- develops an infection
- has other health conditions
- develops treatment complications like liver disease
There is no cure for CIPO, but treatment may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
CIPO is a rare but very serious condition that affects the digestive tract, making it difficult for an individual to absorb nutrients from the food they eat.
The condition is more common in infants and children, but older children and adults can have it, too. Treatment may relieve symptoms and improve the outlook for individuals with CIPO.