Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Apr 2. doi: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1913052.Online ahead of print.

Beatrice E Rosete ^1 2, Danielle Wendel ^2 3, Simon P Horslen ^2 4

Author information

• ¹Department of Pharmacy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.
• ²School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
• ³Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.
• ⁴Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.

Abstract

Introduction: The goal for pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients is intestinal adaptation. Until recently, the medical management of pediatric SBS has centered on the prevention and treatment of complications in order to allow time for adaptation. Teduglutide, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogue has recently been approved for use in pediatric SBS patients greater than 1 year of age as a novel agent to augment intestinal adaptation. This article reviews and educates the reader on this novel pharmacologic therapy and its use in pediatrics.Areas covered: This article reviews the pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and tolerability of GLP-2 analogue teduglutide in pediatric patients greater than 1 year of age. We review all current studies and discuss teduglutide's place in pediatric SBS therapy.Expert opinion: Teduglutide marks the first successful pharmacological intervention that augments the natural process of adaptation safely and effectively in SBS pediatric patients. More studies and further development are needed to optimize its potential in other pediatric patients.