Lactose malabsorption during gastroenteritis, assessed by the hydrogen breath test

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Gastroenteritis is a common cause of illness in infants and young children.
• Lactose malabsorption can occur secondary to gastroenteritis.
• Accurate diagnosis of lactose intolerance is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of lactose malabsorption in children with gastroenteritis.
• To evaluate the utility of the hydrogen breath test in diagnosing lactose intolerance in this cohort.
• To assess the correlation between clinical symptoms and objective measures of lactose intolerance.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 38 infants and young children with gastroenteritis was studied.
• Participants received an oral lactose load (0.5 g/kg or 2 g/kg).
• Breath hydrogen excretion and clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance were monitored.

Main Results:

• Only one patient (given 2 g/kg lactose) exhibited clinical intolerance, with negative breath hydrogen results.
• Three of 18 patients (given 0.5 g/kg lactose) had positive breath hydrogen tests but remained asymptomatic.
• Lactose intolerance was found to be rare in this study population.

Conclusions:

• Lactose intolerance appears uncommon in pediatric gastroenteritis.
• The hydrogen breath test demonstrated limited appropriateness for detecting lactose intolerance in this context.
• Clinical assessment alongside objective testing is necessary for accurate diagnosis.