tropical sprue Flashcards
presents with
- chronic diarrhoea
- malabsorption
who gets it
those who live in tropical areas e.g. Asia, Caribbean, Puerto Rico
how does the disease occur
in epidemics
symptoms
- diarrhoea
- anorexia
- abdominal distension
- weight loss
when can symptoms occur
few weeks or years after being in tropics
what else produces symptoms similar
Giardia
what should be demonstrated to confirm tropical sprue.
malabsorption of fat and vitamin B12
what is jejunal mucosa look like
shows villous atrophy
similar to coeliac disease but not so severe
where does it affect
whole of small bowel
treatment
leave sprue area and take folic acid
what else can patients need for treatment
antibiotics to ensure complete recovery
what can severe ill patients require as treatment
resuscitation with fluids an electrolytes
what is given to all acute cases
vitamin B12
is the prognosis good or bad
good
what do people die of the disease
water and electrolyte depletion
