Neurointestinal Dysplasia (NID): Symptoms, Causes & Management

Neurointestinal dysplasia is also called neuronal intestinal dysplasia (NID) or slow transit constipation (STC). NID is caused by abnormalities in the enteric nerves. These abnormalities cause reduced motility in the large intestine. The resulting symptoms can greatly affect quality of life.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of neurointestinal dysplasia are a delay in passage of the meconium stool in a newborn, distention of the abdomen, chronic constipation, intestinal blockage, uncontrolled soiling and vomiting.

Newborns

• Diagnosis of neurointestinal dysplasia can often be made shortly after birth. Newborns who do not pass their meconium stool until 24 hours or more after they are born may have NID.

Diagnostic Tests

• A health care provider will look for a distended abdomen to aid in diagnosis. Also, a colonic nuclear transit study may be performed. In this study, the child swallows a radioactive liquid dose that is tracked in the body for three days. A biopsy of the bowel wall may also be performed.

Treatments

• There is no cure for neurointestinal dysplasia, but treatments exist that can help. Improved bowel motility through the use of laxatives, enemas and electrical stimulation may be used.

Surgery

• When less invasive treatments do not help severe symptoms, a colostomy surgery may be performed. Another surgical option is a stoma, where an enema can be given directly through an opening made in the patient's body.