effective nutritional therapy for nonspecific multiple ulcers of the small intestine *
A 36-year-old woman suffered a relapse of nonspecific multiple ulcers of the small intestine accompanied by diarrhea, anemia and hypoproteinemia. She had undergone an ilecclomy 10 years before. X-ray examination of the small intestine revealed multiple irregular and sharp-edged ulcers, severe stenoses, pseudo-diverticular formations and rigidity of the lumen in the ileum. As a result of total parenteral nutrition therapy, the ulcers healed, the diarrhea improved and fecal occult blood became negative. Therefore, administration of enteral nutrients has been performed peros in the daytime and through a nasogastric tube during the night. Although the number of bowel movements increased and fecal occult blood became positive during this therapy, clinical symptoms seemed to be satisfactorily relieved as compared with prctreaimeni. By carrying out home enteral nutritional therapy, a good clinical course has been maintained, despite fecal occull blood, slight anemia and hypoproteinemia. The disease is rare and intractable, and is known to usually recur after surgical resection of the lesions. This case seems to prove that nutritional therapy is effective for long-term remission of the disease. (Accepted on December 1, 1999} Kawasaki Igakkaishi 25(4) : 307 - 312, 19.9.9
