Absorption Studies in Regional Enterocolitis (Mb. Crohn)

Abstract

The absorption of carbohydrate, vitamin B₁₂ and fat was studied in 30 patients with regional enterocolitis (Mb. Crohn). The level of vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid in serum and folic acid in whole blood was also measured. The absorption of d-xylose was normal in 23 patients (77%) and abnormal in only one patient (3%). Borderline values were seen in six subjects (20%). Nine patients had normal Schilling test (31%), borderline values were seen in eleven patients (38%), and abnormal values in nine patients (31%). The absorption of fat was normal in ten patients (40%), abnormal in eight (32%), and borderline values were found in seven patients (28%). The absorption pattern was correlated to the anatomical distribution of the disease as judged by macroscopical findings at operation and or/ by radiological examination.

Key-words:

• Intestines
• enteritis, regional
• mala bsorption syndromes
• intestinal absorption