[Breath tests in children with suspected lactose intolerance]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Lactose intolerance is highly prevalent globally, affecting up to 70% of the population.
• No prior epidemiological studies exist for lactose intolerance in the Chilean pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clinically characterize Chilean children undergoing lactose intolerance breath testing.
• Determine frequencies of lactose malabsorption and intolerance.
• Identify common symptoms and assess test performance based on patient origin.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 194 pediatric patients (ages 1-17) suspected of lactose intolerance was analyzed.
• Lactose intolerance breath tests were conducted, with malabsorption defined by specific hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) level increases.
• Intolerance was confirmed when malabsorption was accompanied by a symptom intensity score of ≥7.

Main Results:

• 53% of patients exhibited lactose malabsorption, while 27% were diagnosed with lactose intolerance.
• The prevalence of lactose intolerance ranged from 7.1% to 45.4%, increasing with age.
• Abdominal pain, bloating, and rumbling were the most frequently reported symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The lactose breath test combined with a symptom questionnaire is effective for diagnosing lactose malabsorption and intolerance in children.
• Intolerance frequency increases with age, and testing is more conclusive when requested by a gastroenterologist.