Lactose Breath Test in Children: Relationship Between Symptoms During the Test and Test Results.

BACKGROUND: Lactose malabsorption affects 70% of the world population. The hydrogen breath test (HBT) is used clinically to test for this condition. The aim of our study was to describe the relationship between symptoms experienced before and during the HBT and test results. METHODS: We included children who underwent the HBT in the pediatric gastroenterology unit at Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital during a 6-month period. Previous symptoms and those experienced before and after the HBT were assessed using a questionnaire and a validated pain scale. RESULTS: Ninety-five children were included in the study, and 66.3% had a positive HBT. Diarrhea and flatulence during the test were significantly more frequent in the group with a positive HBT compared to those with a negative test (31.7% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.016 and 69.8% vs. 40.6%, P = 0.006, respectively). The frequency of abdominal pain and bloating was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea and flatulence during the HBT are the most specific symptoms of lactose intolerance. Abdominal pain should not be automatically attributed to lactose intolerance even in the presence of lactose malabsorption. Coupling the HBT with a real-time questionnaire facilitates interpretation of results and subsequent recommendations.

Propofol for pediatric colonoscopy: the experience of a large, tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Successful colonoscopy includes full visualization of the terminal ileum, especially in inflammatory bowel disease when ileal biopsy is essential. In children, higher levels of anxiety and lack of cooperation often necessitate a deeper level of sedation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of propofol compared with midazolam and fentanyl for colonoscopy, and in accomplishing ileal and cecal intubation in particular. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the rates of successful colonoscopy in patients receiving propofol with those receiving midazolam/fentanyl. Complete, successful, colonoscopy to the terminal ileum was achieved in 78% of propofol patients compared with 66% of the midazolam/fentanyl group (P=0.004). Endoscopy reaching the cecum, but not the terminal ileum, was achieved in 78% of propofol patients and 66% of midazolam/fentanyl patients. The use of propofol was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of successful colonoscopy reaching the terminal ileum.