Description
Tropical sprue is a disease of the small intestines that results in the inability to absorb certain nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. Tropical sprue occurs in people who live in a specific geographic region from approximately thirty degrees south of the equator to thirty degrees north of the equator. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is likely secondary to an infection. Traveler's going to these regions can also be affected but usually only after a stay of a month or longer.
Symptoms
Symptoms include diarrhea, foul-smelling stool, nausea, cramps, gas and indigestion.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood, stool and imaging tests may be performed to exclude other causes of illness. Ultimately, a small intestine biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Brain CT scan
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood, stool and imaging tests may be performed to exclude other causes of illness. Ultimately, a small intestine biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Brain CT scan
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Treatment usually requires a prolonged course of the antibiotic tetracycline and folic acid replacement. Individuals with other vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin B12 are given replacement.