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Para-aminosalicylic acid-induced malabsorption

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Abstract

A patient developed a reversible syndrome of malabsorption secondary to the usual therapeutic dosage ofp-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), characterized by steatorrhea, deficiency pattern on small bowel roentgenogram and depressed serum folate and cholesterol. Steatorrhea usually occurs only with high doses of PAS and, except in rare cases, is also asymptomatic. Subclinical malabsorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid commonly occurs with PAS therapy. The hypocholesterolemic effect is variable and depends on the form and dose of PAS used. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 and hypocholesterolemia may be mediated through folic acid deficiency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minn.

    George F. Longstreth MD, Albert D. Newcomer MD & Philip R. Westbrook MD

Authors
  1. George F. Longstreth MD
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  2. Albert D. Newcomer MD
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  3. Philip R. Westbrook MD
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Additional information

Address for reprint requests: Section of Publications, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55901.

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Longstreth, G.F., Newcomer, A.D. & Westbrook, P.R. Para-aminosalicylic acid-induced malabsorption. Digest Dis Sci 17, 731–734 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231645

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231645

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