DUMPING SYNDROME IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The Dumping Syndrome (DS) can affect the nutritional status and growth of small children with gastric surgery. The present work aims at establishing the prevalence of DS in children with Nissen fundoplication, to correlate symptoms with the oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) and with the mounth-colon transit time. 14 patients were studied (mean age 5,8 years, range 2 months to 13 years; 5 girls, 9 boys). 9 had symptoms compatible with DS; 5 were asymptomatic. Mouth to colon transit time was measured by breath H 2 excretion after a lactulose load. DS was defined by the presence of symptoms or an abnormal GTT. Out of 8 children submitted to Nissen's procedure, 5 (62%) had DS. An additional 6 patients were studied because of symptoms. Out of 14 patients, 9 had poor weight gain and anorexia, 2 with intermitent diarrheas with bloating and 7 with symptomatic hypoglycemia. Symptoms appeared 15 days to 2 years after surgery. GTT was abnormal in 11 cases. 5 children became hypoglycemic (under 50 mg%) between 60 and 180'. After the glucose load transit time showed no differences.DS in children with gastric surgical procedures may be more common than clinically suspected. GTT is a sensitive test for diagnosis.