The sugar absorption test: clinico-pathophysiological considerations

After studying intestinal permeability in immunologic disorders, we studied intestinal permeability in a nonimmunologic disorder, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.(chapter 5) In childhood, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs mainly in patients with cystic fibrosis. We measured intestinal permeability in cystic fibrosis- and non cystic fibrosis patients with pancreatic insufficiency and found that intestinal permeability was increased in both groups. In cystic fibrosis patients, we found that intestinal permeability did not change by increasing pancreatic enzymes supplementation y 30-50o/o for 2 weeks, nor by decreasing the osmolarity of the test solution of the SAT by 75o/oW. e conclude that an increased intestinal permeability in cystic fibrosisis probably a consequence of pancreatic insufficienry, and is not related to the dose of pancreatic enzyme supplementation nor the osmolarity of the test solution. The increase is due to an increased permeability for lactulose which might point towards a defect in the tight junctions of the villi and/or the crypts. ... Zie: Summary