Fatty Diarrhœa. A Report on 26 Cases

These patients were admitted to a malnutrition ward of an Indian military hospital. Twenty-three of them were relieved of their symptoms; three died. All the 23 patients except one were Muslims and non-vegetarians. They had stayed in the forward areas for a period varying from 4 to 36 months when the symptoms commenced. The majority developed diarrhoea within the first year of their stay. Seven gave a history of being cut off by the enemy, during which period diarrhoea or dysentery first made its appearance. The diarrhoea lasted from 1 to 5 months but they did not seek admission to hospital and subsequently went on leave. Their condition became worse during their stay at home which varied from 10 days to 2^ months. On admission they had the following complaints 1. Frequency of motions varying from 3 to 13 in 24 hours, occasionally with mucus. 2. Distension of the abdomen after meal*, and gurgling sounds. 3. Vomiting and retching after meals in 9