Malabsorbtion

Question 1

What is malabsorption?

Answer 1

malfunction of the intestinal wall, resulting in insufficient absorption of breakdown products (eg. inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, lactose intolerance)

Question 2

What is maldigestion?

Answer 2

Insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes or bile, preventing the adequate breakdown of food in the intestinal lumen (eg. insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes or bile due to exocrine pancreas insufficiency or cholestasis)

Question 3

What is meant by “global malabsorption”?

Answer 3

In diseases causing widespread mucosal damage or reduction in absorptive surface (eg. coeliac disease) “Typically, a broad array of nutrients are not adequately absorbed”

Question 4

What is meant by “partial malabsorbtion?”

Answer 4

localised absorption impairment, resulting in deficiencies of specific nutrients (eg. vit B12 deficiency in patients with diseases affecting terminal ileum)

Question 5

What are the presenting symptoms/ signs of malabsorption?

Answer 5

• (Children) delayed or inadequate development
• Diarrhoea
• Steatorrhea → floating and foul smelling stool
• Abdominal Distension
• Weight Loss & Fatigue
• Partial Malabsorption → symptoms specific to individual nutrient deficiencies

Question 6

What investigations are used to diagnose/ monitor malabsorption?

Answer 6

1. Blood Tests → anaemia, vitamin defiecnies
2. D-Xylose Absorption Test → assesses absorptive function of the upper small intestine

Question 7

How is malabsorption managed?

Answer 7

1. Oral Supplementation of fluid, nutrients & vitamins
2. Calorie & protein-enriched diet
3. Severe Cases → IV Nutrition

Question 8

What complications may arise from malabsorption?

Answer 8

• Weight loss 
• Malnutrition 
• Infections 
• Osteoporosis 
• Failure to thrive