Bile acids in radiation-induced diarrhea

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · South. Med. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-198710000-00015· OSTI ID:5716354

Arlow, F L; Dekovich, A A; Priest, R J; Beher, W T

Radiation-induced bowel disease manifested by debilitating diarrhea is an unfortunate consequence of therapeutic irradiation for pelvic malignancies. Although the mechanism for this diarrhea is not well understood, many believe it is the result of damage to small bowel mucosa and subsequent bile acid malabsorption. Excess amounts of bile acids, especially the dihydroxy components, are known to induce water and electrolyte secretion and increase bowel motility. We have directly measured individual and total bile acids in the stool samples of 11 patients with radiation-induced diarrhea and have found bile acids elevated two to six times normal in eight of them. Our patients with diarrhea and increased bile acids in their stools had prompt improvement when given cholestyramine. They had fewer stools and returned to a more normal life-style.

• Research Organization: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
• OSTI ID: 5716354
• Journal Information: South. Med. J.; (United States), Vol. 80:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BILE ACIDS
INTESTINAL ABSORPTION
DIARRHEA
RADIOINDUCTION
INTESTINES
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
ENTERITIS
FECES
PATIENTS
RADIATION INJURIES
ABSORPTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BODY
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
DISEASES
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INJURIES
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
STEROIDS
STEROLS
SYMPTOMS
THERAPY
UPTAKE
WASTES
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man