| Whipple's disease is a malabsorption disease. It
interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. The
disease causes weight loss, irregular breakdown of carbohydrates and fats,
resistance to insulin, and malfunctions of the immune system. When
recognized and treated, Whipple's disease can be cured. Untreated, the
disease is usually fatal.
Whipple's disease is caused by bacteria. It can affect any system of
the body, but occurs most often in the small intestine. The disease causes
lesions on the wall of the small intestine and thickening of the tissue.
The villi--tiny, finger-like protrusions from the wall that help absorb
nutrients--are destroyed.
Symptoms include diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, abdominal bloating and
cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness. Arthritis
and fever often occur several years before intestinal symptoms develop.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and results of a biopsy of tissue from the
small intestine.
Whipple's disease is treated with antibiotics to destroy the bacteria
that cause the disease. The physician may use a number of different types,
doses, and schedules of antibiotics to find the best treatment. Depending
on the seriousness of the disease, treatment may also include fluid and
electrolyte replacement. Electrolytes are salts and other substances in
body fluid that the heart and brain need to function properly. Extra iron,
folate, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium may also be given to help
compensate for the vitamins and minerals the body is not absorbing on its
own.
Symptoms usually disappear after 1 to 3 months of treatment. Because
relapse is common even after successful treatment, the health care team
may continue to observe patients for some time.
More information is available from
National Organization for Rare Disorders Inc. (NORD)
55
Kenosia Avenue
P.O. Box 1968
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
Phone:
1-800-999-6673 or (203) 744-0100
Fax: (203) 798-2291
Email: orphan@rarediseases.org
Internet:
http://www.rarediseases.org/
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