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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

1
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Tropical Sprue. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tropical-sprue/. Accessed September 30, 2021.
2
Sharma P, Baloda V, Gahlot GP, et al. Clinica...

SEE ALSO

  • Celiac Disease; Diarrhea, Chronic

  • Algorithm: Diarrhea, Chronic

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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