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Intestinal permeability to 51Cr-EDTA and orocecal transit time in cystic fibrosis
H Escobar1, M Perdomo, F Vasconez
1Department of Pediatrics, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, University of Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Children with cystic fibrosis exhibit increased intestinal permeability and prolonged orocecal transit time. These findings highlight gut dysfunction in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients, impacting nutrient absorption and overall health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract.
- Altered intestinal permeability and gut motility are suspected in CF, but require further investigation.
- Understanding these physiological changes is crucial for managing CF complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal permeability in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- To evaluate orocecal transit time in pediatric CF patients.
- To explore the relationship between gut permeability and transit time in CF.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 51Cr-EDTA as a probe molecule to measure intestinal permeability.
- Assessed orocecal transit time using the lactulose/hydrogen breath test.
- Compared measurements between 16 children with CF and 14 age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased intestinal permeability to 51Cr-EDTA in CF patients (13.62%) versus controls (1.08%).
- Prolonged orocecal transit time observed in CF patients compared to controls.
- Elevated fasting breath hydrogen concentrations in CF patients (13 ppm) versus controls (3 ppm).
- No correlation found between 51Cr-EDTA excretion and orocecal transit time in either group.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cystic fibrosis is associated with significantly increased intestinal permeability.
- Gut transit time is delayed in children with cystic fibrosis.
- These gastrointestinal alterations may contribute to CF pathophysiology and warrant further clinical consideration.
Abstract:
Intestinal permeability was investigated in 16 children with cystic fibrosis and 14 age-matched controls, making use of 51Cr-EDTA as probe molecule. Orocecal transit time was also evaluated using the lactulose/hydrogen breath test. There was an increase in permeability to 51Cr-EDTA in patients with cystic fibrosis (mean 13.62%) compared with the control group (mean 1.08%). The orocecal transit time was prolonged in patients with cystic fibrosis compared with controls. Mean fasting breath hydrogen concentration was significantly greater in cystic fibrosis patients (13 ppm) compared with control patients (3 ppm). There was no correlation between the percentage of 51Cr-EDTA excreted and the orocecal transit time in either control or cystic fibrosis patients.