Tropical Sprue

Question 1

What is tropical sprue?

Answer 1

Severe malabsorption of 2 or more substances accompanied by diarrhoea and malnutrition
Likely an infective condition

Question 2

Who gets tropical sprue?

Answer 2

Residents and visitors to tropical areas where the disease is endemic

Question 3

How does tropical sprue present?

Answer 3

Chronic diarrhoea 
Malabsorption 
Anorexia 
Weight loss 
Abdominal distension

Question 4

How is tropical sprue diagnosed?

Answer 4

Rule out acute infective causes of diarrhoea
Malabsorption of fat & Vit B12 should be demonstrated
Abnormal jejunal mucosa

Question 5

How is the mucosa abnormal in tropical sprue and in which part of SI?

Answer 5

Jejunal mucosa

Villus atrophy affecting the whole small bowel

Question 6

How is tropical sprue treated?

Answer 6

Leaving the sprue area and taking follate
Antibiotic (tetracycline up to 6 months 1mg daily)
Fluids and electrolytes for dehydration
Supplements to correct all nutritional deficiencies

Question 7

Complications of tropical sprue?

Answer 7

Water and electrolyte depletion is main cause for mortality