[Tropical sprue (author's transl)].

Abstract

Tropical sprue is a disease of the small intestine characterized by a malabsorption syndrome with a subtotal or partial mucosal atrophy. It is observed in Asia and Central America. It appears to be rare in Africa but its real frequency is unknown as small bowel biopsys are not routinely done. Bacterial overgrowth as well as giardiasis may be trigger factors of the disease the pathogenesis of which is still incompletely understood. The disease beginning as chronic diarrhea is later on characterized by an aphtoïd stomatitis and a macrocytic anemia. Treatment with antibiotics and folic acid is efficient and has a diagnostic value. If treatment is started lately, vitamin B 12 is then also necessary. In any intestinal syndrome observed in tropical areas without an ascertained etiologic diagnosis, peroral biopsie of the small intestine is requested. However, with the use of pediatric endoscope it will be possible to appreciate the respective incidence of tropical sprue and asymptomatic tropical sprue in Africa South of the Sahara.

• Authors: C Gras, P Chapoy, P Aubry
• Journal: Medecine tropicale : revue du Corps de sante colonial (Med Trop (Mars)) 1981 Jul-Aug Vol. 41 Issue 4 Pg. 449-54 ISSN: 0025-682X [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: La sprue tropicale.
• PMID: 7311759 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin B 12

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bacterial Infections (diagnosis)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Folic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Giardiasis (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Sprue, Tropical (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
• Vitamin B 12 (therapeutic use)