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Intractable diarrhea in children with VIP-secreting ganglioneuroblastomas
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 1, 1983
Summary
This study links Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) to diarrhea in children with specific tumors. Measuring VIP levels is recommended for pediatric patients with unexplained intractable diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intractable diarrhea is an occasional feature of neuroblastoma and related tumors.
- Catecholamines were previously suspected as the cause of frequent stools in these cases.
Observation:
- The study describes two children with diarrhea, hypokalemia, and VIP-secreting ganglioneuroblastomas.
- These symptoms suggest a link between tumor secretions and gastrointestinal distress.
Findings:
- Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is identified as the likely cause of loose stools in patients with these specific tumors.
- New radioimmunoassay methods facilitated the identification of VIP's role.
Implications:
- Measuring VIP levels is suggested for pediatric patients with intractable diarrhea of unknown origin.
- This finding aids in diagnosing and understanding the pathophysiology of tumor-induced diarrhea.