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Definition Return to top
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption syndrome of unknown cause that is prevalent in the tropics and subtropics.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of this disease is unknown, but it may be related to an infectious organism. The condition affects residents of or visitors to the tropics. The main symptom is diarrhea, which may improve on leaving tropical areas, or may reappear years after leaving the tropics. Risk factors are residence in the tropics or prolonged travel to tropical destinations.
Symptoms Return to top
In children, sprue most often presents with growth failure and delayed skeletal maturation.
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Treatment begins with rehydration with fluids and electrolytes. Replacement of folate, iron, vitamin B12, and others may also be needed. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline is given at the beginning of treatment.
Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all permanent teeth have erupted. It can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.
Complications Return to top
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your provider if you experience prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms of this disorder, especially after spending time in the tropics.
Call your provider if tropical sprue symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
Prevention Return to top
Other than avoiding living in or traveling to tropical climates, there is no known prevention for tropical sprue.
Update Date: 5/14/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |