Correction of the Anemia of Malabsorption Syndrome (Nontropical Sprue?) by Oral Administration of Cortisone and Iron

Abstract

THE use of ACTH and cortisone in the treatment of nontropical sprue was prompted by evidence that adrenocortical insufficiency may be implicated as a factor in the etiology of the disease.1 2 3 4 5 Although the role of adrenocortical hormones in intestinal absorption and in the etiology of sprue has not been established, the clinical response to corticosteroids of patients refractory to all other types of therapy has been excellent. Adlersberg et al.6 suggest that "a functional insufficiency of the adrenal gland in patients with intractable sprue may explain the observed therapeutic effects of cortisone, hydrocortisone, and corticotrophin, while patients with Addison's disease . . .