Stool Osmolar/Osmotic Gap
Determines if chronic diarrhea is osmotic or secretory in nature.
Causes of osmotic diarrhea include:
- Bile salt deficiency
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Celiac/Tropical Sprue
- Whipple's Dz
- Intestinal Lymphoma
- Medications
- Lactose Intolerance
- Laxative abuse (depending on the type of laxative)
Causes of secretory diarrhea include:
- Laxative abuse (depending on the type of laxative)
- Hormonal, Endocrine Tumors
Stool Osmolal Gap = Stool Osm - (2 * (Na + K) )
Posted in: Endocrine/Metabolic • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal
