Atypical presentation of childhood acquired immune deficiency syndrome mimicking Crohn's disease: nutritional considerations and management
Benkov, K.J.; Stawski, C.; Sirlin, S.M.; Klapholz, M.B.; Siegal, F.; LeLeiko, N.S.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 80(4): 260-265
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 3920900 Document Number: 260500
A child with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) became severely malnourished presumably as a result of multiple gastrointestinal infections, with numerous organisms including campylobacter, giardia and cryptosporidium. Those opportunistic infections preceded laboratory evidence of immune deficiency. Despite severe diarrhoea and weight loss, there was no laboratory evidence of significant malabsorption. By using nasogastric feedings, successful promotion of 60% weight gain and an increase in serum albumin from 1.2 to 4.3 g/100 ml were achieved; eventual outcome was not affected and the patient's clinical course was improved. It is suggested that malnutrition should not be accepted as inevitable and that malabsorption should not be assumed in similar AIDS patients. Appropriate studies for malabsorption should be made and high-energy enteral feedings should be used whenever feasible.