diagnostic value of the indirect methods in detection of lactose malabsorption

ABSTRACT

Sixty-one lactose tolerance teste [L.T.T.] and breath hydrogen tests [B.H.T.] along with symptoms responses following 2 g/Kg body weight oral lactose load. In addition to small intestinal biopsy, were performed on patients suffering from chroic diarrhoea and/or malabsorption. Poor correlation was found between the small intestinal morphology and lactase activity on one hand, and the results of both LTT arid BHT on the other hand; nor was there any correlation between these and the clinical lactose intolerance. However, the mean maximum rise in breath hydrogen above the baseline values [20 ppm or 0.2 ml/min] by 90-120 mm correlates well [r= + 0.43] with the lactase activity with an 80% sensitivity and a confidence limit of +0.52 to +0.23, though poor correlation was noted with LTT which gave only 40% sensitivity