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Five Arab children with glucose-galactose malabsorption

Asaad Assiri1, Anjum Saeed, Abdulrehman Alnimri

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. prof-asaad@hotmail.com

Paediatrics and International Child Health
|August 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Glucose-galactose malabsorption (GGM) is a rare condition causing chronic diarrhea in infants. Early diagnosis and fructose-based formulas are crucial for managing this glucose malabsorption disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Glucose-galactose malabsorption (GGM) is an inherited disorder affecting nutrient absorption.
  • It presents in infancy with severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Observation:

  • Five infants with GGM from diverse origins were studied.
  • All infants exhibited chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and reducing substances in stools.
  • Sugar chromatography confirmed glucose and galactose malabsorption, with normal small bowel biopsies.

Findings:

  • Complications included dehydration, hypernatremia, gangrene requiring amputation, and nephrolithiasis.
  • All infants showed significant improvement with fructose-based formulas.
  • This highlights the critical role of dietary management.

Implications:

  • GGM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant chronic diarrhea.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management with fructose-based diets can prevent severe complications.
  • Genetic counseling may be beneficial for affected families.

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