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Glucose-galactose malabsorption in an adult: Perfusion studies of sugar, electrolyte, and water transport

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Abstract

Glucose-galactose malabsorption, a rare congenital impairment of monosaccharide absorption which causes severe diarrhea, is described in an otherwise normal 21-year-old man. The diagnosis was made by sugar tolerance tests and confirmed by jejunal perfusion studies. Treatment by restriction of dietary sugars and by caloric supplements with fructose controlled the diarrhea effectively and resulted in weight gain. Perfusion studies of the jejunum documented decreased absorption of glucose and galactose and normal absorption of fructose. The basal potential difference of the jejunal mucosa was normal, but potential difference was unresponsive to the addition of intraluminal glucose. The jejunal mucosa secreted electrolytes and fluid, suggesting that a coupled glucose-sodium-water absorptive process may be defective in this condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 55901, Rochester, Minnesota

    Sidney F. Phillips MD & Douglas B. McGill MD

  2. Gastroenterology Unit, Mayo Clinic, 55901, Rochester, Minnesota

    Sidney F. Phillips MD & Douglas B. McGill MD

  3. Mayo Foundation, 55901, Rochester, Minnesota

    Sidney F. Phillips MD & Douglas B. McGill MD

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  1. Sidney F. Phillips MD
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  2. Douglas B. McGill MD
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Additional information

This investigation was supported in part by Research Grant AM-6908 from the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service.

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Phillips, S.F., McGill, D.B. Glucose-galactose malabsorption in an adult: Perfusion studies of sugar, electrolyte, and water transport. Digest Dis Sci 18, 1017–1024 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01076515

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