Causes of GI malabsorption

Question 1

What are the causes of GI malabsorption?

Answer 1

Tropical sprue
Disaccharidase deficiency
Coeliac disease and Crohn's disease
A-beta-lipoproteinaemia
Pancreatic insufficiency
'These Definitely Cause Absorption Problems'

Question 2

Tropical sprue as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 2

Cause unknown.
Can affect all of the small intestine.
Treatment: folic acid and tetracycline.

Question 3

Coeliac disease as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 3

Cause: autoantibodies to gliadin.
Proximal small intestine mainly affected.
Treatment: gluten free diet.

Question 4

Whipple’s disease as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 4

Cause: Tropheryma whipplei.
This is a Gram-positive bacterium.
Treatment: antibiotics for 1-2 years.

Question 5

Disaccharidase deficiency as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 5

Cause: a deficiency in enzymes required for digestion and absorption, e.g. beta-glycosidase complex.
Treatment: restricted diet.

Question 6

Pancreatic insufficiency as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 6

Cause: diseases such as cyst fibrosis, cancer and pancreatitis.
Results in deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, K (fat soluble vitamins).
Treatment: pancrelipase (CREON).

Question 7

A-beta-lipoproteinaemia as a cause of GI malabsorption

Answer 7

Cause: autosomal recessive disorder.
Results in the inability to synthesis chylomicrons.
Treatment: vitamin E.