Gastrointestinal dysfunction and disaccharide intolerance in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

R. H. Yolken, W. Hart, I. Oung, C. Shiff, J. Greenson, J. A. Perman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because gastrointestinal dysfunction is a major problem in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we utilized breath hydrogen measurements to determine the relationship between disaccharide malabsorption and gastrointestinal dysfunction in HIV-infected children. We found a strong association between lactose intolerance and persistent diarrheal disease in this population (p<0.007, Mann-Whitney U test). We also found evidence of sucrose malabsorption and persistent diarrheal disease in three of the children. Extensive microbiologic evaluations failed to reveal an etiologic agent related to the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Our findings indicate that disaccharide intolerance is a common occurrence in HIV-infected children with persistent diarrheal disease. Careful attention to dietary intake may be required to ameliorate clinical symptoms and to maintain adequate nutrition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)359-363
Number of pages5
JournalThe Journal of pediatrics
Volume118
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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