BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to diagnose hypolactasia with a higher accuracy than with the traditional H2 breath test. METHODS: We used a combined 13C-lactose 13CO2/H2 breath test, which was performed in 33 patients in whom lactase activity was measured. RESULTS: Lactase activity was reduced in 13 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the H2 test were 54% and 90%; those of the 13CO2 test 69% and 70%. False-negative results did not always occur in the same patients. In five of six patients with both test results abnormal, lactase activity was low. In 13 of 15 patients with both test results normal, lactase activity was normal. In 6 of 12 cases with only 1 test abnormal, lactase activity was low. CONCLUSION: The combined H2/13CO2 breath test (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 65%) is more adequate for diagnosis of hypolactasia than the H2 breath test alone.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to diagnose hypolactasia with a higher accuracy than with the traditional H2 breath test. METHODS: We used a combined 13C-lactose13CO2/H2 breath test, which was performed in 33 patients in whom lactase activity was measured. RESULTS:Lactase activity was reduced in 13 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the H2 test were 54% and 90%; those of the 13CO2 test 69% and 70%. False-negative results did not always occur in the same patients. In five of six patients with both test results abnormal, lactase activity was low. In 13 of 15 patients with both test results normal, lactase activity was normal. In 6 of 12 cases with only 1 test abnormal, lactase activity was low. CONCLUSION: The combined H2/13CO2 breath test (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 65%) is more adequate for diagnosis of hypolactasia than the H2 breath test alone.
Authors: Ross N Butler; Margaret Kosek; Nancy F Krebs; Cornelia U Loechl; Alexander Loy; Victor O Owino; Michael B Zimmermann; Douglas J Morrison Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 2.839