5.2. Intestinal Disease - Tropical Sprue

Question 1

What is the Aetiology of Tropical Sprue?

Answer 1

This is unknown but it is likely to be infective

Question 2

Why is the Aetiology of Tropical Sprue suspected to be infective?

Answer 2

As it occurs in Epidemics and Patients improve on Antibiotics

Question 3

What Aetiological agent is the most common?

Answer 3

There isn’t one - it varies depending where in the world you are

Question 4

What is the Pathology of Tropical Sprue?

Answer 4

The pathology, is also not fully known

Question 5

Who does Tropical Sprue effect?

Answer 5

Residents or Visitors to Tropical Areas where there has been an Epidemic

Question 6

What occurs due to Tropical Sprue?

Answer 6

1. Malabsorption

2. Diarrhoea

Question 7

What is the Clinical Presentation of Tropical Sprue?

Answer 7

1. Malabsorption
2. Diarrhoea
3. Weight Loss and Anorexia
4. Abdominal Distension
5. Nausea and Vomiting

Question 8

Why does the Weight Loss and Anorexia occur?

Answer 8

Due to the Malabsorption

Question 9

Why does Nausea and Vomiting occur?

Answer 9

Due to the suspected inefction

Question 10

What investigations are necessary in Tropical Sprue?

Answer 10

1. The Exclusion of other causes
2. Malabsorption (Especially Fat and Vitamin B12) Demonstration
3. Biopsy

Question 11

What other cause must be excluded?

Answer 11

Acute Infective causes of Diarrhoea

Question 12

What will be visible on Biopsy?

Answer 12

Slight Abnormal Villous Atrophy (Not as bad as Coeliac Disease) which appears throughout the whole Bowel

Question 13

What is the Treatment of Tropical Sprue?

Answer 13

1. Leaving the Sprue area (instantly provide mild relief)
2. Folic Acid
3. Antibiotics
4. Vitamin B12 Supplements (In Severe Cases)
5. Rehydration Resuscitation