The Xylose Absorption Test in Infancy.

In recent years the d-xylose test has become a standard technique in the investigation of small bowel absorptive function. It has proved to be a simple and reliable procedure of particular value in distinguishing primary small bowel disease from other causes of malabsorption where the defect is essentially one of intraluminal digestion. The test is therefore potentially of value in the paediatric age-group in the differential diagnosis of disorders that produce the 'coeliac syndrome'. It might also provide a useful screening test for primary malabsorption in such other contexts as anaemia and failure to thrive. The successful use of the test has been reported in children (Clark, 1962; Jones and di Sant'Agnese, 1963). Experience has shown, however, that technical difficulties, especially in the accurate collection of a five-hour specimen of urine, limit the usefulness of the test in infancy. Since this is an age at which the 'coeliac syndrome' frequently presents, special modification of the test has been found necessary for these patients.