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Spectrum of malabsorption syndrome in north Indian children
S K Yachha1, S Misra, A K Malik
1Department of Gastroenterology, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh.
Insights
Malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in Indian children presents differently by age. Younger children often have protracted diarrhea or milk protein intolerance, while older children are more commonly affected by celiac disease, parasites, or intestinal tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Malabsorption syndrome (MAS) is a significant cause of pediatric morbidity, characterized by impaired nutrient absorption.
- Understanding the specific etiological spectrum and age-related variations is crucial for effective diagnosis and management in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in infants and children.
- To identify age-specific differences in the causes of MAS among different pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 137 children with symptoms of malabsorption, including prolonged diarrhea and/or growth failure.
- Etiological diagnosis of MAS was established through investigations tailored to potential causes.
Main Results:
- Common causes of MAS included protracted diarrhea (33%), celiac disease (26%), parasitic infestations (9%), milk protein intolerance (6%), and intestinal tuberculosis (5%).
- In children under 2 years, protracted diarrhea (73%) and milk protein intolerance (13%) were predominant.
- In children over 2 years, celiac disease (43%), parasitic infestations (15%), and intestinal tuberculosis (9%) were the leading causes.
Conclusions:
- The etiological profile of malabsorption syndrome in Indian children exhibits distinct age-related patterns.
- These findings differ significantly from those reported in developed countries, highlighting regional variations in pediatric MAS.
Aims:
To know the spectrum of malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in infants and children and highlight agewise differences in etiology in different age groups.
Methods:
137 children presenting with diarrhea of more than 3 weeks' duration and/or growth failure and abnormality of one of more tests of malabsorption were studied. Etiology of MAS was determined using investigations specific for each of the causes.
Results:
Sixty two (45%) children were below 2 years of age and 75 (55%) above. Common causes of MAS were: protracted diarrhea 45 (33%), celiac disease 35 (26%), parasitic infestations 13 (9%), milk protein intolerance 8 (6%), intestinal tuberculosis 7 (5%). In 18 (13%) patients, cause of MAS could not be determined. Protracted diarrhea (73%) and milk protein intolerance (13%) constituted the major etiology of MAS in children below 2 years of age, whereas celiac disease (43%), parasitic infestations (15%) and intestinal tuberculosis (9%) were the common causes in children above 2 years of age.
Conclusion:
The spectrum of MAS in Indian children in different age groups is distinctly different from that seen in developed countries.