Lactose digestion and maldigestion : measurement and clinical consequences
Year: 2003
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The aim of the study was to diagnose hypolactasia with a higher accuracy than with the traditional H 2 breath test. We used a combined C-lactose CO 2 /H 2 breath test, which was performed in 33 patients in whom lactase activity was measured. Lactase activity was reduced in 13 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the H 2 test were 54% and 90%;those of the CO 2 test 69% and 70%. Falsenegative results did not always occur in the same patients. In five of six patients with both tests results abnormal, lactase activity was low. In 13 of 15 patients with both tests results normal, lactase activity was normal. In 6 of 12 cases with only one test abnormal, lactase activity was low. Conclusion: The combined H 2 /CO 2 breath test (sensitivity 85%, specificity 65%) is more adequate for diagnosis of hypolactasia than the H 2 breath test alone.
Author: Harmanna Antje Koetse
Language: English
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1580842663