Differential Diagnosis for 16 Month Old with White Grey Stool
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Giardiasis: This is a common cause of gastrointestinal infection in children, leading to malabsorption and potentially causing pale or grey stools due to the lack of bile salts.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Viral hepatitis: Although less common in this age group, viral hepatitis can cause a decrease in bile production, leading to pale or clay-colored stools.
- Biliary atresia (if not previously diagnosed): Although typically diagnosed earlier, biliary atresia can cause pale stools due to the obstruction of bile flow.
- Pancreatic insufficiency: Conditions like cystic fibrosis can lead to pancreatic insufficiency, causing malabsorption and potentially altering stool color.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Biliary obstruction (e.g., choledochal cyst): Obstruction of the bile ducts can lead to severe liver damage if not promptly treated, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
- Liver disease (e.g., Alagille syndrome): Certain liver diseases can present with pale stools and require early intervention to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition that can cause malabsorption and alter stool color, although it is exceedingly rare in children.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A rare disease causing inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts, potentially leading to changes in stool color.
- Abetalipoproteinemia: A rare genetic disorder affecting fat absorption, which can lead to pale, bulky stools.