Malabsorption Flashcards
define malabsorption
defective mucosal absorption due to defective luminal digestion, mucosal disease or structural disorders
list 5 common causes of malabsorption
coeliac disease chrons disease post infection biliary struction cirrhosis
list 5 uncommon causes of malabsorption
pancreatic cancer parasites bacterial overgrowth drugs short bowel syndrome (eg from surgery)
what are the 4 products which can be malabsorbed?
protein
fats
carbohydrates
vitamins/minerals
what are some digestive causes of protein malabsorption?
gastrectomy (poor mixing)
exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
trypsinogen insufficiency
congenital intestinal enterokinase deficiency
what are some absorptive causes of protein malabsorption?
coeliac disease and tropical sprue methionine malabsorption syndrome/blue diaper syndrome short bowel jejunoileal bypass Hartsnup disease Cystinuria I-III Oculocerebral syndrome of Lowe
what specific disease states can cause malabsorption?
coeliac disease
chrons disease
parasitic infections
small bowel bacterial overgrowth
what 5 histories must be taken in GI history taking?
Past medical history Travel history Social history Drug history Dietary history
Disease in which 3 organs can lead to malabsorption?
Liver
Pancreas
Small bowel
what are some common GI symptoms?
Diarrhoea (ask about character)
Abdominal swelling
Oedema
Non-specific = lassitude, poor concentration, psychiatric disturbance
what is acrodermatitis enteropathica?
autosomal recessive disorder which causes impaired zinc uptake
what are the symptoms of acrodermatitis enteropathica and how is it treated?
acral and perioral rash
alopecia
treated with lifelong zinc supplements
what might dermatitis herpetiformis indicate?
coeliac disease
what are the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis?
itchy blisters on extensor surfaces
sub-epithelial IgA deposition
what deficiencies can cause glossitis and angular symptoms?
B vitamins
Iron
