Incomplete lactose absorption from breast milk during acute gastroenteritis

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Acute gastroenteritis (GE) is common in infants and young children.
• Lactose malabsorption can occur secondary to GE, impacting nutrition.
• Breastfeeding is often a concern during acute illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and severity of incomplete lactose absorption in breastfed infants during acute GE.
• To compare the diagnostic utility of hydrogen breath test (HBT) versus stool analysis for lactose malabsorption and intolerance.
• To assess the transient nature of lactose malabsorption post-GE.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogen breath test (HBT) used to assess lactose absorption in 50 infants with GE.
• Stool analysis (pH and reducing substances) employed for comparison.
• Retesting performed after hospital discharge to evaluate transient effects.

Main Results:

• HBT identified marked lactose malabsorption in 8 and mild in 6 patients during GE.
• Incomplete lactose absorption was transient in all retested patients.
• HBT missed 8 cases of lactose intolerance, accurately detected by stool analysis.
• Control group showed minimal lactose malabsorption/intolerance, primarily detected by stool analysis.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen breath test (HBT) is suitable for detecting milder forms of incomplete lactose absorption during GE.
• Stool analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosing lactose intolerance.
• Findings support the continuation of breastfeeding during acute GE.