European Journal of Pediatrics

, Volume 153, Issue 6, pp 416–418 | Cite as

Monitoring steatorrhoea in cystic fibrosis

  • M. De Curtis
  • F. Santamaria
  • P. Ercolini
  • G. Sica
  • V. Bianco
  • F. Ciccimarra
Gastroenterology/Hepatology
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the relationship between chemical fat analysis and some more rapid tests proposed to estimate steatorrhoea. Stool collections (72 h) were obtained on 32 occasions in 22 patients with cystic fibrosis and in seven healthy children. A very close relationship was found between faecal fat, as measured by standard chemical methods, and faecal energy (r=0.95,P<0.001). We conclude that the determination of faecal energy, easier to measure than faecal fat, can provide reliable information about the extent of steatorrhoea in cystic fibrosis.

Key words

Steatorrhoea Faecal energy Cystic fibrosis 

Abbreviations

CF

cystic fibrosis

SEE

standard error of estimate

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1994

Authors and Affiliations

  • M. De Curtis
    • 1
    • 2
  • F. Santamaria
    • 1
    • 2
  • P. Ercolini
    • 1
    • 2
  • G. Sica
    • 1
    • 2
  • V. Bianco
    • 1
    • 2
  • F. Ciccimarra
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Paediatrics, Second School of MedicineUniversity of NaplesNaplesItaly
  2. 2.Istituto di Scienze dell'AlimentazioneCNR-AvellinoItaly

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