ABSTRACT
Lactose is one of the important nutrients in milk.It is decomposed by the lactase enzyme and plays an important role in the life activities of cells in human health.Due to the lack of lactase,the symptoms of lactose intolerance occur highly in Chinese population,thus limiting the large part of the people to drink milk.Milk is a good source of high-quality protein,minerals and vitamins for the human,so the problem of lactase deficiency also seems particularly severe.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of primary lactase deficiency in infants.Methods The clinical data of 26 infants with primary lactase deficiency in Shenzhen Chidlren's hospital from October 2009 to February 2011 were analyzed retrospectively and the diagnoses were confirmed by dietary therapy.Results The patients were consisted of 19 males and 7 females,whose ages of onset ranged from 1 to 2 months,persisting 1 to 4 months.Breast feeding,mixed feeding and formula feeding were given in 10 cases,8 cases and 8 cases,respectively.The main clinical manifestations were persistent or chronic diarrhea,with watery and or foamy stools,4 to 8 times per day.Nineteen patients had received antibiotics but without improvement.Lactose free formula and oral probiotics improved the symptoms within 1 week in all 26 cases,but recurrence of symptoms followed reintroduction of dairy foods.Conclusion The clinical manifestations of primary lactase deficiency in infants are persistent or chronic diarrhea.Lactose free formula can be used to confirm the diagnosis and to improve the symptoms.