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[Lactose intolerance in hospitalized infants with acute diarrhea due to classic enteropathogenic Escherichia coil
1Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina - EPM-UNIFESP.
Insights
Over half of hospitalized infants with acute diarrhea developed lactose intolerance. This condition was linked to younger age, lower birth weight, dehydration, and E. coli infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Acute diarrhea is a common cause of hospitalization in infants.
- Assessing secondary lactose intolerance is crucial for nutritional management in recovering infants.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the incidence of lactose intolerance in hospitalized weaned infants with acute diarrhea.
- To identify risk factors associated with lactose intolerance development.
Summary:
- This study investigated 311 hospitalized infants (<12 months) with acute diarrhea.
- Lactose intolerance was diagnosed in 52.1% of infants based on specific clinical and biochemical criteria.
- Significant associations were found with younger age (<6 months), low birth weight (<3000g), dehydration, and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) infection.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the high prevalence of lactose intolerance in this vulnerable population.
- Identifies key risk factors, enabling targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.
- Informs clinical practice regarding dietary management and monitoring of infants with acute diarrhea.
Abstract:
Three hundred and eleven hospitalized weaned infants with acute diarrhea, all under 12 months of age, were studied in order to evaluate the development of lactose intolerance and its association with age, nutritional status, birth weight, dehydration and enteropathogenic agents identified in fecal samples. After been rehydrated the infants received whole cow' milk assuring the intake of 100 kcal/kg per day. Lactose intolerance was defined according t the following criteria: 1) persistence of diarrhea associated with weight loss during 48 hours, 2) development of vomiting and/or abdominal distention associated with excretion of carbohydrate in feces and/or acids tools, 3) metabolic acidosis associated with abdominal distention at anytime of refeeding period. Lactose intolerance was detected in 52.1% (162/311) of the patients and it was significantly associated with age under 6 months (P < 0.01), birth weight under 3000 grams (P < 0.01), development of dehydration (P < 0.01) and with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) serotypes infection (P < 0.01).