RSS Feeds
Distribution of D-Xylose in Sequestered Fluid Resulting in False-Positive Tests for Malabsorption
- GEOBEL A. MARIN, M.D.;
- MICHAEL L. CLARK, M.B., M.R.C.P.; and
- JOHN R. SENIOR, M.D., F.A.C.P.
- Requests for reprints should be addressed to John R. Senior, M.D., Gastrointestinal Research Laboratories, Philadelphia General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104.
SUMMARY
Blood levels and urinary excretion of D-xylose, after a 25-g oral load, were determined in 20 patients with cirrhosis. In all patients blood levels of xylose were above normal, and in 15 patients without ascites the urinary excretion of xylose was normal. In the other five cirrhotic patients with ascites and in two additional patients with ascites due to tuberculous peritonitis, the urinary excretion of xylose was markedly reduced. All of these seven patients with ascites had xylose in the ascitic fluid up to 23 hr. These results indicate that low 5-hr urinary excretion of xylose occurs in subjects with ascites, leading to a false-positive test for malabsorption.
Article and Author Information
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From the Medical Services of the University of Pennsylvania at the Philadelphia General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
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This study was supported in part by grants AM 05415 and FR 0107, U. S. Public Health Service, Washington, D. C.
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- Received April 29, 1968.
- Accepted August 1, 1968.
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