Sprue syndrome encompasses a group of malabsorption disorders affecting the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients. The hallmark symptom is chronic diarrhea, accompanied by weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. There are different types of sprue, with the most well-known being tropical sprue and nontropical sprue (celiac disease).
Tropical Sprue
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption syndrome prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It's characterized by:
- Chronic diarrhea: Persistent loose stools.
- Weight loss: Significant decrease in body mass due to poor nutrient absorption.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
- Inflammation of the small intestine: Leading to impaired nutrient absorption. This inflammation causes flattening of the villi (tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption). [Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567742/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_sprue, https://www.healthline.com/health/tropical-sprue]
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications. [Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567742/]
Nontropical Sprue (Celiac Disease)
Nontropical sprue, also known as celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, damages the lining of the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption. Symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain [Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220]
Celiac disease involves multiple organs and has several autoimmune features. [Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3228242/]
Both tropical and nontropical sprue share similar morphological features in the small intestine. [Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3909813/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002962915370531] However, they differ significantly in their underlying causes and responses to treatment.
The term "sprue" itself refers to a disorder where the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients properly from food. This can lead to various symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle cramps, and pale skin. [Source: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=sts15458&]
