A disease of the small intestine that causes failure to absorb nutrients from food. It occurs mainly in India, the Far East, and the Caribbean. Sprue leads to malnutrition and megaloblastic anaemia. It may be due to an intestinal infection. Symptoms include appetite and weight loss, an inflamed mouth, and fatty diarrhoea. Diagnosis is confirmed by jejunal biopsy. Sprue responds well to antibiotic drug treatment and vitamin and mineral supplements.
Sprue, tropical |
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