The practical value of comprehensive stool analysis in detecting the cause of idiopathic chronic diarrhea.
The practical diagnostic value of fecal analysis in the evaluation of patients with chronic nonbloody diarrhea is controversial. It is possible that variations in its value depend on how it is done and how the results are interpreted rather than on its intrinsic value. In the authors' city, stool analysis has been made easily accessible, with a commitment to quality assurance and interpretation. To evaluate its practical value, the results of stool analysis obtained on stool specimens submitted by gastroenterologists were retrospectively reviewed. The results indicate that stool analysis has substantial practical diagnostic value in patients with chronic diarrhea.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
Karen J
KJ
Steffer
Carol A
CA
Santa Ana
Jason A
JA
Cole
John S
JS
Fordtran
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002712:Chlorides / Q000032:analysis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D054368:Laxatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D008274:Magnesium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis; D045602:Steatorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis
D002712:Chlorides; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D054368:Laxatives; D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium