Aryan, a 14-year-old boy presented with chronic diarrhea and weight loss. History reveals that he has repeated attacks of respiratory tract infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. His younger brother died from a severe respiratory infection at the age of 7. Which of the following agents is most likely to improve this patient's condition?
Octreotide
Pancreatic lipase
Metronidazole
Loperamide
- In a young male, a history of recurrent respiratory infections with P. aeruginosa, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and death of a sibling due to respiratory infection suggests a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). - Chronic diarrhea and weight loss in patients with CF are typically caused by malabsorption secondary to pancreatic insufficiency and can be corrected by pancreatic enzyme supplementation.
Gastro-Intestinal Tract