Expanding the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of trichohepatoenteric syndrome: a report of eight patients from five unrelated families.

Background: Trichohepatoenteric syndrome (THES) is characterized by neonatal-onset intractable diarrhea. It often requires long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). In addition, other characteristic findings of the syndrome include growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, hair abnormalities, various immunological problems and other rare system findings.