Etiology, Assessment and Management of WDHA (Watery Diarrhea, Hypokalemia, and Achlorhydria) and VIPoma

Abstract

The syndrome of watery diarrhoea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria (WDHA syndrome) is an uncommon disorder marked by severe, watery diarrhoea caused by non–beta pancreatic islet cell oversecretion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The onset of the disease is gradual, and diagnosis is often months or years later. Long-term dehydration, electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities, and chronic renal failure are all linked to morbidity. Pancreatic endocrine tumours are extremely rare, with less than 10 incidences per million people. VIPomas are uncommon tumours that affect between 0.05 and 2.0 percent of people. The most prevalent symptom is diarrhoea, which affects at least 89 percent of patients. VIPoma is treated with a combination of medicine and surgery The goal of first medical treatment is to reduce symptoms and restore fluids and electrolytes as quickly as possible

Chronic Diarrhea Caused by Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-Secreting Tumor

“…Healthcare providers need to recognize these additional symptoms when evaluating patients with VIPoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of VIPoma can help alleviate symptoms and prevent potentially life-threatening complications [18].…”