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Published on: May 26, 2021
Congenital chloride diarrhoea
Aisha Sajid1, Sohaib Riaz2, Aqsa Riaz2
1Department of Pediatrics, Madina Teaching Hospital, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan draisha_tanvir@hotmail.com.
Insights
Congenital chloride diarrhoea is a rare genetic disorder causing infant diarrhoea. Diagnosis involves elevated stool chloride, requiring electrolyte management for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder.
- It presents with severe, watery diarrhoea from infancy, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Observation:
- A 7.5-month-old boy with a history of neonatal-onset diarrhoea and consanguineous parents presented with abdominal distension, hypotonia, and hyporeflexia.
- Biochemical analysis revealed hypochloremic hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis with normal urinary electrolytes.
Findings:
- Elevated stool chloride excretion confirmed the diagnosis of congenital chloride diarrhoea.
- The patient's condition improved with intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and supportive oral therapies.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt electrolyte management are crucial for improving outcomes in congenital chloride diarrhoea.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare genetic disorders in infants with persistent diarrhoea and electrolyte disturbances.
Abstract:
Congenital chloride diarrhoea is one of the rare causes of diarrhoea during infancy and it is infrequently reported throughout the world. It is an autosomal recessive condition which is more prevalent in Poland, Finland, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait while rarely reported in Pakistan. Our patient was 7.5-month-old baby boy who presented with diarrhoea since neonatal period. He had consanguineous parents. On examination, baby had distended abdomen, hypotonia and hyporeflexia. Investigations revealed hypochloremic hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Urinary electrolytes were normal. Stool electrolytes revealed increased stool chloride excretion that confirmed our diagnosis of congenital chloride diarrhoea. Patient was treated with intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement, followed by oral potassium and sodium replacement. He was also started on butyrate, cholestyramine and proton-pump inhibitors. He started gaining weight during his hospital admission and is being followed up in clinic.
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