Case study involving a 38-year-old male who suffered from idiopathic gastrointestinal pain of unknown origin. Through an integrative and functional medicine approach, including the use of Metametrix laboratory testing, key pieces of his case were brought to light, including the presence of parasites, food sensitivities, leaky gut and oxidative stress. The patient experienced full resolution.

Source: Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine (CSIFM)
by Kara Fitzgerald & J. Alexander Bralley

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Case Study: 38-Year-Old Male
with Idiopathic Gastrointestinal Pain

Key Facts: The CDC calculates approximately 13 million cases of parasitic infections annually within the U.S. Chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal complaints related to parasitosis and other causes represent a common and expensive public health concern. Integrative approaches including integrative and functional medicine laboratory evaluations hold tremendous potential in combating this growing problem.

Symptoms and Conditions

• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Weight loss
• Severe bloating
• Reflux
• Flatulence

Laboratory Tests Used

• Microbial Stool Analysis using DNA identification
• Food specific IgG4 food sensitivities
• Oxidative stress

Treatments

• Metronidazole
• Anti-inflammatory GI medicinal food
• Probiotics
• Deglycyrrhized licorice
• Cabbage juice
• Elimination diet

Outcome

• Three month follow-up visit; significant improvement in, or resolution of, all symptoms

Discussion/Significance

In this case, the appropriate battery of testing allowed the correct diagnosis to be made. The insensitivity of current technology may limit the positive identification of parasites, resulting in an underreporting of their true prevalence. Mucosal damage from chronic parasitosis may result in intestinal hyperpermeability, food sensitivities and the systemic oxidative stress seen in this case. Microbial stool analysis using DNA identification and testing of IgG4 food-specific antibodies in cases of idiopathic gastrointestinal complaints may aid in identification of causal factors.

~ Dr. Rachel Marynowski

Resources

• GI Effects Complete Profile - Stool
• Allergix IgG4 Food Antibodies
• Organix Compreshensive Profile
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Parasites
• IFFGD. Reporter’s Guide to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; 2009.