Beta-galactosidase tablets in the treatment of lactose intolerance in pediatrics
M. S. Medow, K. D. Thek, L. J. Newman, S. Berezin, M. S. Glassman and S. M. Schwarz
Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, New York Medical College, Valhalla 10595.
Lactose-intolerant children manifest diminished or nonexistent intestinal
lactase activity, resulting in flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. To
assess the hydrolytic capability of lactase-containing tablets taken
immediately before oral lactose challenge, we studied 18 children
previously identified as being lactose intolerant and having no underlying
organic gastrointestinal disease. Subjects had a mean (+/- SEM) age of 11.4
+/- 3.4 years; 72% were male. At time of the study, lactase-containing
tablets or placebo tablets were ingested (double-blind) immediately before
drinking a solution of lactose. Breath samples were obtained for hydrogen
analysis at 30-minute intervals during a 2-hour period, and clinical
symptoms were monitored. In lactose-intolerant patients, hydrogen
production was significantly greater following placebo (maximum hydrogen
excretion, approximately 60 ppm) compared with lactase-containing tablets
(maximum hydrogen excretion, 7 ppm). Increased hydrogen production was
associated with clinical symptoms including abdominal pain (89% of subjects
following placebo ingestion), bloating (83%), diarrhea (61%), and
flatulence (44%). These results indicate, therefore, that coingestion of
lactose and lactase-containing tablets significantly reduces both breath
hydrogen excretion and clinical symptoms associated with lactose
intolerance.
