Malabsorption Flashcards
What is malabsorption?
Inadequate absorption of nutrients from GI tract
What is Crohns?
Malabsorption linked to inflammation
Mucosal absorption
Abnormal epithelium
Iron deficiency anaemia
B12/ folate deficiency
Vitamin D/ calcium deficiency
What is coeliac?
Autoimmune condition
Mucosal absorption- gluten activated
Fatigue, GI symptoms, weight loss
Complications include anaemia, osteoporosis
Treatment is elimination gluten
What is short bowel syndrome?
Mucosal absorption
Secondary to surgery or congenital
Can require parenteral nutrition
Less surface area available for absorption
Osteoporosis and vitamin deficiences
Levothyroxine, warfarin, oral contraceptive may require higher doses
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Pre- mucosal absorption
Leads to impaired function
Affects males more than females
Decreases pancreatic enzymes
Associated with long term alcohol abuse
What is cystic fibrosis?
Pre- mucosal absorption
Inherited
Decreased chloride secretion
Increased sodium absorption
Pancreatic insufficiency
Steatorrhea
Osteoporosis
Malnutrition, weight loss
What is lactase deficiency?
Pre- mucosal absorption
Primary, secondary, congenital, developmental
Reduce or eliminate dietary lactose intake
Alternative calcium source may be required
What is bacterial overgrowth?
Mucosal and pre- mucosal absorption
Increases with age
Chronic pancreatitis and motility disorders
Reduce gastric acid
Impaired motlity
What is fat malabsorption?
Problems with digestion or absorption
More common in coeliac and crohns
Deficiencies of fat soluble vitamins
Treatment- creon
What is vitamin malabsorption?
Impacting vitamins ADEK
Vitamin D- osteomalacia/ osteoporosis
Vitamin K- clotting problems
What is iron malabsorption?
Anaemia associated with coeliac, crohns and small bowel resection
Oral iron replacement
