Malassimilation Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Malassimilation syndrome is understood to mean insufficient absorption and storage of nutrients, the causes of which are manifold. Usually, symptom relief is supplemented by individual therapy to treat causative factors.

What is malassimilation syndrome?

Malassimilation syndrome in affected individuals is based on the fact that ingested nutrients cannot be utilized to a sufficient degree. Usually, malassimilation syndrome is expressed by characteristic symptoms such as severe diarrhea and loss of body weight. The diarrhea typical of malassimilation syndrome is also referred to in medicine as so-called fatty stools; these stools have a clay-like, shiny consistency and are usually characterized by their characteristic pungent odor. Since people affected by malassimilation syndrome usually excrete large quantities of stool several times a day, they often develop deficiency symptoms as a result; for example, the organism lacks the minerals, vitamins and/or proteins it needs. Corresponding deficiency symptoms caused by malassimilation syndrome often lead to a drop in performance and fatigue in affected patients.

Causes

An existing malassimilation syndrome can have various causes. For example, the affected person may lack digestive enzymes that are needed to utilize ingested food; if, as a result, only limited digestion is possible, this is also referred to in medicine as maldigestion. In this context, limited production of digestive juices may be due to inflammation or removal of the pancreas. Finally, a lack of bile acid (needed for digestion) can also lead to malassimilation syndrome as a result of liver disease or gallstones as well as small intestine diseases. Malassimilation syndrome can also occur if the organism of an affected person is able to break down nutrients but is unable to absorb them. This is possible, for example, due to infections or chronic inflammation of the intestines, malignant diseases of the small intestine, disturbed intestinal blood circulation, or food intolerances such as gluten intolerance.

Symptoms, complaints and signs

The symptoms of malassimilation syndrome are varied and nonspecific. The way in which it manifests itself depends primarily on the specific cause. Basically, malassimilation syndrome is mostly noticeable through disturbances in the area of digestion. The stool is often particularly conspicuous. This can be foul-smelling and voluminous. Some affected persons suffer from chronic diarrhea. In some cases, so-called fatty stools occur, which are light-colored, greasy and foul-smelling. Frequently, flatulence occurs. More rarely, constipation occurs. Especially in the case of an incipient malassimilation syndrome, a variety of diffuse digestive complaints may occur. These include abdominal pain, stomach ache, heartburn, nausea and vomiting. The complaints may become apparent either immediately after eating or later. In some cases, they occur only after eating certain foods. In the case of an advanced malassimilation syndrome, other symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tiredness or a general drop in performance are also present. Due to the digestive disorders, weight loss is usually noticeable. The disturbed food intake also leads to deficiency symptoms. Common symptoms include hair loss, wound healing disorders, anemia, mouth corner rhagades muscle atrophy, tetany (overexcitability of muscles and nerves), neurological disorders, edema, coagulation disorders, bleeding tendencies, night blindness, and dry skin and mucous membranes.

Diagnosis and course

Because of the comparatively nonspecific symptoms of malassimilation syndrome and the diverse causes that can be hidden behind the syndrome, it usually requires various examinations to make an appropriate diagnosis. Possible examination methods here include, for example, sonography (colloquially also referred to as ultrasound examination) or computer tomography in order to visualize areas of the abdominal cavity. Examinations of the stool and blood of an affected person can also provide indications of a malassimilation syndrome.Depending on the suspected cause of the disease, tissue samples can also provide more specific diagnostic information. The course a malassimilation syndrome takes in an individual depends above all on the causes of the disease and on the possibilities of treating a corresponding cause medically. If it is not possible to eliminate the causative factors of a malassimilation syndrome, the course of the syndrome depends, among other things, on the success of symptomatic treatment.

Complications

First and foremost, those affected by malassimilation syndrome suffer from digestive disorders and thus discomfort in the stomach and intestines. This results in severe diarrhea and usually also flatulence. Furthermore, patients also suffer from severe weight loss, which generally has a very negative effect on the patient’s health. Malassimilation syndrome also leads to fatigue, which causes the patient to be constantly tired. The resilience of the affected person is also significantly reduced by this disease, so that there are various restrictions in everyday life. Furthermore, the malassimilation syndrome also leads to a lack of vitamins and minerals. This can result in various complications and complaints, which have a very negative effect on the health of the patient. As a rule, there is always a causal treatment of malassimilation syndrome. Furthermore, the lack of nutrients can also be compensated by various solutions. Complications usually do not occur. However, the course of the disease is not positive in every case. Furthermore, the life expectancy of the patient may also be limited by this complaint.

When should one go to the doctor?

People suffering from unexplained weight loss should consult a doctor. If there are disturbances in digestion, a noise in the intestines or diarrhea, a doctor is needed to determine the cause. If there is fatty stool, constipation or pain when going to the toilet, a doctor should be consulted. A feeling of pain in the abdomen should also be examined and treated by a doctor. If the discomfort persists for several days, there is a health condition that requires medical attention. Pain medication should always be taken only in consultation with a physician to prevent possible complications. If the usual muscular strength begins to deteriorate, performance becomes weak or the patient suffers from fatigue, a doctor should be consulted. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting are indications of an irregularity. If, in addition, complaints such as heartburn, disturbances in wound healing or diffuse deficiency symptoms occur, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Loss of hair, changes in vision or skin appearance should be clarified by a doctor. In case of tearing of the corners of the mouth, development of edema as well as a tendency to heavy bleeding in case of minor injuries, a doctor is needed. Symptoms such as malaise, a feeling of illness and an inner restlessness should be presented to a doctor as soon as they persist for several days or weeks.

Treatment and therapy

Therapeutic measures to counteract malassimilation syndrome must first be distinguished between interventions that combat the cause of the syndrome and those that serve to alleviate symptoms that occur. In the context of combating the symptoms of malassimilation syndrome, for example, the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance is often regulated (electrolytes are substances required by the organism, such as salts and minerals); the aim of this therapeutic component is to counteract the losses that occur in the patient as a result of the severe diarrhea typical of the disease. In addition, the supplementary administration of nutrients such as vitamins serves to compensate for symptomatic deficiencies in patients affected by malassimilation syndrome. Symptomatic treatment of the syndrome is usually accompanied by causal treatment steps; the therapeutic steps taken are based on the individual symptoms that have led to malassimilation syndrome. If a syndrome is caused by gallstones, for example, these can be removed in various ways. Inflammatory bowel diseases or circulatory disorders of the bowel may need to be controlled medically, depending on the individual case and medical assessment.

Outlook and prognosis

The prognosis of malassimilation syndrome depends on the causative disorder. If this can be cured, there is also a regression of the syndrome’s symptoms. In some cases, the change of diet can already provide significant relief of symptoms. Deficiencies in nutrients can be compensated and thus already contribute to an improvement in health. Cooperation with a physician should take place so that the causative irregularities can be found and treated. Often the otherwise remain unexplained. In addition, there may be an increase in symptoms and thus a reduced quality of life. If the trigger of the disorder is the presence of foreign bodies in the organism, these must be completely removed. In a surgical procedure, gallstones or similar foreign bodies are removed from the organism. The treatment method is associated with risks, but is normally completed without any disturbances. Following the wound healing process, freedom from symptoms can be expected. Nevertheless, it must be taken into account that at any time in the course of life, foreign bodies can re-emerge and the symptoms can regress. If inflammatory developments are present in the body, they must be completely healed for the malassimilation syndrome to have a good prognosis. In the case of intestinal inflammation, the healing paths are often lengthy.

Prevention

Factors such as food intolerances or chronic intestinal diseases that can lead to malassimilation syndrome are usually difficult to prevent. However, if an affected person has corresponding underlying diseases, early and expert treatment or intervention steps can in many cases help prevent malassimilation syndrome from occurring; if malassimilation syndrome is already present, appropriate treatment steps can counteract symptom exacerbation.

Follow-up

Because malassimilation syndrome cannot self-heal, aftercare focuses on safe management of the condition. Affected individuals should try to focus on a positive healing process despite the adversity. To build the appropriate mindset, relaxation exercises and meditation can help to calm the mind and focus mentally. Sufferers of malassimilation syndrome primarily suffer from a disturbed digestive system. This can be well addressed with an appropriate diet that avoids fatty and acidic foods. The stomach complaints and abdominal pain limit the quality of life of those affected, so that it is not uncommon for psychological upsets to occur. The malassimilation syndrome also has a negative effect on the wound healing of the affected person, this should be controlled in a close-meshed aftercare to prevent complications if necessary. The further course depends strongly on the cause and also on the exact time of diagnosis of the disease, so that no universal prediction can be made in this regard.

What you can do yourself

Patients with malassimilation syndrome suffer from the diffuse symptoms of the disease and, consequently, a reduced quality of life. Self-help measures are not sufficient, as the disease urgently requires professional medical therapy. Therefore, patients turn to a doctor in their own health interest. Diagnosis often takes a long time, since the symptoms are relatively unspecific and the disease also follows a specific underlying disease. It is therefore important that patients exercise patience and have further examinations carried out until an exact diagnosis has been made. The doctor prescribes different nutrients, medications or electrolytes to take, depending on the individual case. In doing so, the patient follows the medical instructions to successfully complete the therapy. In general, a healthy lifestyle supports the physical condition as well as the well-being of the affected person. This includes, in particular, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, as these stimulants deprive the organism of further nutrients. To improve the patient’s performance, he or she consults a professional nutritionist. Based closely on the individual diagnosis, he or she develops a diet plan for the patient. The aim of this plan is to ensure the best possible supply of relevant nutrients through the daily diet.Light athletic activities support the patient’s physical well-being and mental stability.