Enteric Syndromes Leading to Malnutrition and Infections

Malnutrition is an important risk factor contributing to the high mortality rate of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. In case-control studies, malnutrition, infections, and prolonged duration of diarrhea 1,2 are associated with fatal outcomes in children. As malnutrition in these children is also associated with other infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis. Persistent diarrhea is a key determinant of prolonged illness. Absorption of nutrients may also be impaired as a consequence of altered mucosal structure of the small intestine in the malnourished host. It is frequently difficult to distinguish what comes first, the persistent diarrhea or the malnutrition. While prolonged childhood diarrheal illnesses are common in the developing world, there are a host of enteric syndromes that also are associated with malnutrition. In this chapter, we will discuss the common gastrointestinal syndromes that cause nutritional deficiencies and also predispose patients to infections.