Tropical Sprue

Sheel Patel, Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

Tropical sprue, a chronic malabsorption syndrome prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, is characterized by small intestine mucosal inflammation leading to impaired nutrient absorption....

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Fatigue
Asthenia
Weight loss
Diarrhea (usually chronic)
Abdominal cramps
Flatulence
Borborygmi
Night blindness (vitamin A deficiency)
Anorexia
Steatorrhea
Paresthesias
Ecchymoses (vitamin K defi...

TREATMENT

The primary treatment for tropical sprue involves antibiotics to target bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Tetracycline and doxycycline are commonly used. Other medications may be ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

No restrictions, as tolerated

Patient Monitoring

As needed for symptoms

DIET

No special diet (gluten-free diets do not have an effect on this disease); restriction ...

REFERENCES

National Organization for Rare Disorders. Tropical Sprue. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tropical-sprue/. Accessed September 30, 2021.

Sharma P, Baloda V, Gahlot GP, et al. Clinica...

CODES

ICD10

K90.1 Tropical sprue

SNOMED

47384003 Tropical sprue (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

Tropical sprue is a chronic diarrheal disease endemic to certain areas, characterized by malabsorption of nutrients, particularly vitamin B12 and folate.
Endoscopic biopsy of the small ...

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