Alpha chain disease in the Thai man.

A 61-year-old Thai man presented with a history of chronic diarrhoea of 1-2 years duration. Stool examination revealed a heavy parasitic infection. Several anthelminthics were given without benefit, despite disappearance of the intestinal parasites. Serum protein studies revealed abnormal alpha heavy chain. Two courses of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone were followed by a brief remission in his symptoms. A 21 day course of tetracycline was then given, resulting in an improvement in his condition. He is still symptom free nine months after confirmation of the diagnosis, without any further treatment. Serum protein studies should be included in laboratory investigations of a patient with chronic diarrhoea.