Malabsorption Syndrome

IN recent years the malabsorption syndrome in man has been more clearly defined and hence more easily recognized. Biochemical and histologic approaches to diagnosis and therapy, based on the physiology of breakdown and transport of foodstuffs, water and minerals, are increasingly used. This report will review the malabsorption syndrome with special reference to the pathophysiologic basis for signs, symptoms and treatment.Clinical PictureThe malabsorption syndrome is characterized by weight loss, anorexia, abdominal distention, borborygmi, muscle wasting and the passage of abnormal stools, which are usually light yellow to gray, greasy and soft and, in many cases, bulky, with a . . .