Intractable diarrhoea associated with continuation of cytotoxic chemotherapy during acute infective enteritis

Severe intractable diarrhoea which required prolonged parenteral nutrition is reported in a child with acute leukaemia. The enteropathy is likely to have been the consequence of continuing cytotoxic therapy during an episode of acute infective diarrhoea. It is postulated that the inhibition of crypt mitotic activity prevented the rapid recovery of small intestinal mucosa normally seen after viral infection and resulted in persisting small intestinal dysfunction. The inter-relationship between viral and cytoxic-induced enterocyte damage is discussed and the risks of continuing therapy under such conditions is considered.