The D-xylose Excretion Test in Coeliac Disease in Childhood

Abstract

The value of the d-xylose test in the investigation of malabsorption in children has recently been discussed (Clark, 1962; Jones and di Sant ' Agnese, 1963). Clark (1962) employed it in five untreated, and four treated, children suffering from coeliac disease, and Jones and di Sant ' Agnese (1963) reported its use in two patients with coeliac disease before and after treatment. These authors regarded it as a valuable and simple test in the diagnosis of malabsorption in childhood. We have used this test in the last two years in the diagnosis of malabsorption and coeliac disease and in the follow-up of patients in whom the diag-nosis of coeliac disease had been established. The criteria used for the diagnosis of coeliac disease were