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Steatorrhea in patients with liver disease
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|December 4, 1971
Summary
Steatorrhea, or fatty stools, is a common issue in liver disease patients. This study found it affects nearly 80% of patients, indicating a link to liver conditions, not small intestine problems.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Liver disease can impact various bodily functions.
- Intestinal dysfunction is a potential complication of liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal function in patients with acute and chronic liver disease.
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of steatorrhea in liver disease.
Main Methods:
- Studied 26 patients with seven types of liver disease.
- Assessed intestinal function via stool fat analysis, jejunal biopsy, and specific vitamin/carbohydrate absorption tests.
- Analyzed data from 23 consecutive patients and two additional cases.
Main Results:
- Steatorrhea (stool fat > 6 g/day) was observed in 78.3% of patients (18/23).
- Malabsorption was limited to fats and fat-soluble vitamins, with daily excretion ranging from 6.1 to 22 g.
- Jejunal biopsies, vitamin B12, D-xylose, Schilling tests, and small bowel imaging showed no abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Steatorrhea is a frequent complication across diverse acute and chronic liver diseases.
- The observed malabsorption is secondary to liver disease, not a primary small intestinal defect.