Diagnosis and treatment of primary lactase deficiency in infants / 中国综合临床

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.