A disease occurring most commonly in patients in or from the tropics, causing diarrhoea with large, fatty stools; ANAEMIA; sore tongue; and weight loss. It has similar characteristics to gluten enteropathy (see COELIAC DISEASE).
An inborn error of metabolism which leads to inability to absorb fats from the intestines following an acute infection such as DYSENTERY. Subsequently there is interference with the absorption of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, leading to anaemia and HYPOCALCAEMIA.
Gradual or rapid onset of weakness, sore tongue, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, diarrhoea and poor appetite. Anaemia is typically macrocytic, and mild HYPOGLYCAEMIA may occur. Untreated, the patient steadily loses weight and, unless appropriate treatment is started early, death may be expected because of exhaustion and some intercurrent infection.
A high-protein diet, vitamin supplements and treatment of the anaemia and any other deficiencies present. Non-tropical sprue is the result of GLUTEN hypersensitivity and is treated with a gluten-free diet.