Regional ileitis (Crohn's disease). II. Electrolyte and water movement in the ileum during perfusion with bile acids.

Electrolyte and water movement was studied by steady state perfusion technique in the ileum of 11 patients with regional ileitis (Crohn's disease). Six patients who at the time of investigation had diarrhoea showed a constant secretion of salts and fluid during perfusion with control perfusate. Per 24 hours, the ileal effluents to colon would exceed the normal amount by 1-2 litres. In the 5 patients without diarrhoea the absorption patterns were normal. Electrolytes and water moved in parallel. Dihydroxy bile acids enhanced secretion or decreased absorption respectively, in the two groups of patients. It is concluded that functional disturbances of salt and water absorption in the inflamed ileum may be of significant physiological importance in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea observed in patients with regional ileitis.