Bile acid diarrhoea is common and usually responds to medicines

What is it about?

Diarrhoea due to excess production of or reduced absorption of bile acids is very common. We show that even although we check for it much more commonly now, the likelihood of a positive test is still high. Gallbladder surgery, Crohn's disease and surgery to remove the end of the small bowel (right hemicolectomy) all significantly increase the risks. HIV probably does too (but small sample size). It usually responds to treatment eg colestyramine.

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Why is it important?

Large single centre study showing that increasing interest in bile acid diarrhoea and testing for it has not reduced likelihood of positive result. Confirmation that patients with right hemicolectomy or terminal ileal Crohn's should be treated not tested.