Jejunal transport of electrolytes and water in intestinal diseases.

The role of decreased absorption of electrolytes and water by the jejunum in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea was examined in patients with intestinal scleroderma, ileocolitis, gastric hypersecretion, or extensive ileal resection. Absorption of electrolytes and water from a 20-cm segment of jejunum was compared in 10 patients and six healthy volunteers. Malabsorption of electrolytes and water by the jejunum may contribute to diarrhoea in scleroderma, regional enteritis, and gastric hypersecretion. After ileal resection, jejunal absorption was normal.