Differential Diagnosis for Pale Bowel Movements in Infants
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Breast milk or formula malabsorption: This is a common cause of pale stools in infants, as their digestive system is still developing and may not be able to fully absorb nutrients from breast milk or formula.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Infants with GERD may have pale, greasy stools due to the regurgitation of stomach contents into the intestines.
- Lactose intolerance: Some infants may be lactose intolerant, leading to pale, watery stools.
- Celiac disease: Although less common in infants, celiac disease can cause pale, fatty stools due to malabsorption of nutrients.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Biliary atresia: A rare but life-threatening condition where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to pale stools and jaundice. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent liver damage.
- Alagille syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the liver and bile ducts, causing pale stools, jaundice, and other symptoms.
- Pancreatic insufficiency: A condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption and pale stools.
Rare Diagnoses
- Abeta-lipoproteinemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to pale, fatty stools.
- Cholestasis: A condition where bile flow is reduced or blocked, causing pale stools and jaundice.
- Intestinal lymphangiectasia: A rare condition where the lymphatic vessels in the intestines are dilated, leading to malabsorption and pale stools.