Pediatric GI, Liver and Nutrition Centers
Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition leads numerous centers that provide specialized, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex digestive and nutritional issues.
Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center
The nationally recognized Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center is one of a few in the U.S. dedicated to diagnosing and treating motility disorders —- conditions that affect the movement of food through the digestive tract. Untreated motility disorders prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrition and cause digestive issues that can become serious and sometimes life-threatening.
The center is involved in clinical research. Interests include esophageal motility disorders, refractory constipation, Hirschsprung’s disease, cystic fibrosis, anorectal disorders and endoflip.
Key Services and Strengths
- Full spectrum GI motility tests
- Pre-visit planning for customized care
- Collaborative team approach
- Numerous treatment options for a wide range of disorders, including:
- Neurostimulators for abdominal pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Non-surgical IBS procedures
- To date, 95% patient satisfaction rate among adolescents treated; 80% relief from symptoms
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
This acclaimed center offers treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease — a lifelong condition causing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Faculty and fellows specialize in IBD care, and each team member is attuned to the needs of patients and families affected by the disease.
Key Services and Strengths
- Patient volume that’s more than doubled over the past five years
- Remission rates as high as 85% — well above the national average
- Treatments that include the latest therapeutic medications and surgical options
- Active member:
- Improve Care Now, a quality improvement and research network
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation St. Louis Chapter
Explore the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
Childhood Nutritional Disorders Center
The world-renowned Childhood Nutritional Disorders Center treats nutritional deficiencies that are common in patients with conditions such as short bowel syndrome, intestinal failure, food allergies and liver diseases. It’s one of only a few childhood nutrition centers funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Notably, faculty here were the first in the country to begin a clinical trial focused on the identification of new medications to prevent long-term complications of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy in children.
Key Services and Strengths
- NIH-funded
- Weight and nutritional management
- Intestinal rehabilitation
- Bowel lengthening procedures
- Bariatric surgery for teens and young adults
- TPN therapy