Etiological spectrum of sporadic malabsorption syndrome in northern Indian adults at a tertiary hospital.
Sleutelwoorden
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The etiology of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) may differ in different geographical regions. Limited data are available on the etiological spectrum of MAS among Indian adults.
METHODS
Ninety-nine consecutive adult patients with MAS (urine d-xylose <1 g/5 g/5 h with or without increased fecal fat (> or =7 g/24 h) were evaluated for cause of MAS using standard criteria. Past medical records were examined to know the nature of treatment received.
RESULTS
The etiology of MAS was: tropical sprue 39, celiac disease 9, Crohn's disease 9, giardiasis 8, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in absence of another cause of MAS 8, panhypogammaglobulinemia 2 (one with strongyloidiasis), intestinal lymphangiectasia 1, intestinal tuberculosis 4, idiopathic 15, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 2, and amyloidosis 2. Twenty-eight patients had received anti-tubercular treatment earlier.
CONCLUSIONS
Tropical sprue, celiac disease and Crohn's disease are common causes of MAS in Indian adults. Inappropriate anti-tubercular treatment is common in them and needs to be discouraged.
