Profile of chronic small-bowel diarrhea in adults in Western India: a hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND

Small-bowel diarrhea is reported to account for 10% of all cases of chronic diarrhea. Data on the etiology and clinical presentation of chronic small-bowel diarrhea in adult Indians is scarce.

METHODS

50 patients (mean age 32.8 years; 26 men) with chronic small bowel diarrhea were evaluated clinically, and investigated to determine etiology. The diagnosis of small-bowel diarrhea was based on history, stool volume and associated symptoms.

RESULTS

Abdominal pain (n=22, 44%) and weight loss (n=37, 74%) were the most common symptoms, apart from diarrhea. Anemia (70%) and hypoalbuminemia (48%) were other important biochemical abnormalities. Intestinal tuberculosis (26%) and celiac disease (26%) were the most common causes of chronic small-bowel diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis of intestine and celiac disease are common causes of small-bowel diarrhea in our population. Tropical sprue seems to be a rare cause.