Whipple's Disease
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 of Whipple's disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal bleeding
- Abdominal bloating and cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- 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.
Information provided by the
National Institutes of Health
Article Created: 1999-06-28
Article Updated: 1999-06-28
Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.
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