47Ca Studies in Adult Coeliac Disease and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions with Particular Reference to Osteomalacia

Abstract

Harris, O. D., Philip, Helen M., Cooke, W. T. & Pover, W. F. R. 1970. 47Ca Studies in Adult Coeliac Disease and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions with Particular Reference to Osteomalacia. Scand. J. Gastroent. 5, 169-175.

Following oral administration of 47Ca the early plasma levels and, using a whole body counter, the 6-day retention of the isotope were studied in 31 patients: 17 with adult coeliac disease and 14 with other gastrointestinal disorders. Osteomalacia was present in 19. Though there was significant correlation between 120-minute plasma levels and 6-day retention of 47Ca, the percentage retention at any given plasma level might range between 40 and 70, which precluded the use of the method as a measure of calcium absorption. No correlation between the percentage retention and the presence or absence of osteomalacia was found.

Key-words:

• Coeliac disease
• calcium absorption
• gastrointestinal diseases
• osteomalacia
• radiometry