Related Experiment Videos
Salt-losing diarrhoea in idiopathic proctocolitis
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Patients with active idiopathic proctocolitis exhibit excessive fecal chloride and sodium loss, contributing to salt-losing diarrhea and metabolic alkalosis. This indicates impaired colonic absorption of these electrolytes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- Idiopathic proctocolitis is associated with electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances.
- Understanding fecal electrolyte excretion is crucial for managing proctocolitis complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fecal electrolyte output (chloride, sodium, potassium) and acid-base balance in active idiopathic proctocolitis.
- To compare electrolyte excretion in proctocolitis patients with healthy volunteers and ileostomy patients.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 14 patients with active idiopathic proctocolitis.
- Electrolyte output was measured and compared to 7 ileostomy patients and 8 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Proctocolitis patients showed significantly higher daily fecal excretion of chloride and sodium compared to controls.
- Fecal potassium excretion was within the normal range in proctocolitis patients.
- Colitic colon demonstrated impaired chloride and sodium absorption but retained potassium secretion capacity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated intestinal loss of chloride and sodium in proctocolitis constitutes salt-losing diarrhea.
- This electrolyte loss likely accounts for the metabolic alkalosis frequently observed in proctocolitis patients.