A diagnostic approach to patients with suspected lactose malabsorption

Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Tsachi Tsadok PeretsRam Dickman

Abstract

The lactose breath test (LBT) is the standard technique for diagnosis of lactose malabsorption. However, it is time-consuming, strenuous for the patient and has been reported to have low sensitivity. The lactose intolerance quick test (LIQT) measures lactase activity in duodenal biopsies and may be performed as part of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the LBT and LIQT in the case management of suspected lactose malabsorption. The study group included 69 consecutive patients evaluated by the LBT followed by the LIQT. The test results were compared, and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the LBT were calculated. Mean age of the patients was 54.4 years, male/female ratio was 1:3, and mean body mass index was 25.2. None had celiac disease on duodenal biopsy. The LIQT was positive for hypolactasia in 55 patients (80 %): mild in 14 (25 %) and severe in 41 (75 %); 10 (18 %) were symptomatic during the LBT. The LBT was positive for lactose malabsorption in 32 patients (46 %). Of the 37 patients with normal findings on the LBT, 24 (65 %) had positive findings on the LIQT: 11 (30 %) mild hypolactasia, 13 (35 %) severe hypolactasia. In one case, the LBT was positive ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Sep 30, 2016·Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·I MarieP Ducrotte
Dec 22, 2017·Neurogastroenterology and Motility : the Official Journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society·C RojoG Arancibia
Apr 23, 2021·Nutrition Research·Roberto CatanzaroFrancesco Marotta

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