Coeliac Disease & Malabsorption Flashcards
What is coeliac disease?
Inflammation of the mucosa of the upper small bowel when exposed to gluten
Unable to digest gluten - remain in intestinal lumen - trigger immune response
Where is gluten found and what is it?
Protein found in cereals
Microscopically what will happen in coeliac disease?
Villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia -> malabsorption
Coeliac disease is an autonimmune condition. True/false?
True
Dermatitis herpetiformis on extensor surface of elbows (outside of elbows) and angular chelitis is associated with what condition?
Coeliac disease
What signs and symtpoms would appear due to malabsoprtion
Anaemia - pallor
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Investigation for coeliac disease
- Serology
tTG antibodies - IgA - Biopsy - Endoscopy -scalloping of mucosal folds (due to inflammation)
How do you manage coeliac disease?
Gluten-free diet
Vitamin supplements - due to poor absorption
etc.
Define GI malabsorption
Defective mucosal absorption - does not have the function/enzymes to break down substances from diet
Signs and symptoms of malabsorption
Diarrhoea Weight loss Bloating Abdo pain Aneamia Oedema Steatorrhea Bleeding disorders Neuropathy
What is the difference between allergen and intolerance?
Intolerance = not enough enzyme -> build up of molecule -> diarrhoea and pain
Allergen = due to IgE and immune response
What is tropical sprue?
Rare digestive disease of unknown cause - perhaps linked to B12 and folic acid
What condition results from vit C deficency? What signs and symptoms?
Scurvy
- gum disease
- anorexia
- weakness
What results from Vit D deficency?
Osteomalacia
Rickets
What is malnutrition?
State of nutrition in which a deficency/imbabalance of energy and nutrients leads to adverse effects
