ILOs:

• discuss the role of the gut in maintaining fluid balance
• describe fluid and electrolyte absorption and its manipulation in the GI system
• discuss the effects of diarrhoeal fluid loss on IC and EC compartmental volumes and content
• discuss the types and functions of the normal gut bacteria of the GI tract
• discuss the factors determining the normal microbiota of the GI tract and the consequences of disruption
• describe the specific and non specific defence mechanisms in the gut and how some micro organisms can overcome these defences
• list common causes of infective diarrhoea and outline their pathogenic mechanisms

<aside> 👩🏻‍🔬 Clinical Biochemistry of Diarrhoea

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Part 1: Discuss the effects of dirrhoeal fluid loss on IC and EC compartmental volumes and content

• What are the major fluid compartments and what do they contain?
• What is the water tank model and its relevance?
• What are the most important electrolytes in the body? Which is the most important in maintaining osmolarity?
• What is osmolality?
• What are body fluid shifts? What compartment is typically affected first?
• What are the consequences of secretory diarrhoea? What is an iso-osmotic contraction?
• What are the clinical consequences of secretory diarrhoea? What is isotonic dehydration?
• What does dehydration mean? Important - how do we assess this?
• What are the clinical findings of dehydration?