Chronic Diarrhoea
The HIV wasting syndrome is an AIDS-defining condition comprising 10% weight loss and either chronic diarrhoea or chronic weakness with unexplained fever.
What our notes say
- The HIV wasting syndrome is an AIDS-defining condition comprising 10% weight loss and either chronic diarrhoea or chronic weakness with unexplained fever. (Davidson's Essentials of Medicine - 2nd)
- The causes of chronic diarrhoea in malnutrition include all of the following EXCEPT: (Paediatrics end of 2nd semester exam (MBPE 4300): 5 October 2021, 50 MCQs)
- Red flags in a child with chronic diarrhoea include all of the above EXCEPT: (Paediatrics end of 2nd semester exam (MBPE 4300): 5 October 2021, 50 MCQs)
- A woman has chronic diarrhoea, iron-deficiency anaemia, weight loss and an itchy blistering rash on her elbows. (Endocrinology and Gastroenterology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- Hyponatraemia: Excess free water intake, SIADH, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, thiazide diuretics, adrenal insufficiency — Severe malaria (SIADH), TB meningitis (SIADH), HIV‑associated adrenal disease, chronic diarrhoea from dysentery (Sodium, potassium and calcium disorders)
- Hypocalcaemia: Vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, renal failure, acute pancreatitis, massive transfusion — HIV‑related malabsorption, TB meningitis (calcitonin dysregulation), chronic diarrhoea, malaria‑induced hypomagnesaemia (Sodium, potassium and calcium disorders)
Study material on Chronic Diarrhoea
- ACUTE AND CHRONIC DIARRHOEA
- Malabsorption
- MCQ: GASTROINTESTINAL PATHOLOGY — 60 MCQs (Redistributed Answers)
Practice questions on Chronic Diarrhoea
A 40-year-old female presents with chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Biopsy of the small intestine shows villous atrophy and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. She is positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies. What is the diagnosis?
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Tropical sprue
Answer: A. Chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, villous atrophy, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, and positive anti-tTG antibodies are diagnostic of celiac disease.
A 50-year-old male presents with a history of chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Small bowel biopsy shows villous atrophy, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, and positive anti-tTG antibodies. What is the most appropriate long-term management?
- Low-fat diet
- Antibiotic therapy
- Gluten-free diet
- Prokinetic agents
Answer: C. The diagnosis of celiac disease, confirmed by biopsy and serology, requires a lifelong gluten-free diet to manage symptoms and prevent complications.