Problems and Solution of Malabsorption Syndrome in Indonesia

Suharjono Suharjono (Department of Child Health, Medical School University of Indonesia, Jakarta.)
Sunoto Sunoto (Department of Child Health, Medical School University of Indonesia, Jakarta.)
Aswitha Budiarso (Department of Child Health, Medical School University of Indonesia, Jakarta.)
Titut S. Pusponegoro (Department of Child Health, Medical School University of Indonesia, Jakarta.)
W.A.F.J. Tumbelaka (Department of Child Health, Medical School University of Indonesia, Jakarta.)

Paediatrica Indonesiana
Vol 18 No 1-2 (1978): January - February 1978

I. Problems of malabsorption syndrome in developing countries like lndonesia are associated especially with :(1) Protein Calorie Malnutrition(2) Low Birth Weight(3) Gastroenteritis(4) Post bowel surgery(5) Being unused to drink milk after weaning.They show a big difference with those in developed countries where they usually are correlated with a.o. coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, etc.II. Solving the problems :a. Since in diarrhoeal patients, with or without PCM, sugar intolerance and or fat malabsorption usually occur, a formula consisting of low or freelactose with easily absorbable fats i.e. MCT or UFA, might be the best solution as a refeeding regimen.b. Besides treating the malabsorption syndrome, other measures are much more important i.e correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance and treatment of predisposing condition.