English

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of transient lactose intolerance in children below 24 months and to determine the need of discontinuation of breast feeding and necessity of lactose free formula. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomly selected 100 children below 24 months of age, who were admitted in department of pediatrics, S.S. Medical College and Associated G.M. Hospital Rewa, 70 of them were grouped as cases with diarrhea, abdominal distention, vomiting, perianal excoriation and 30 were age and sex matched control. After collection of stool, pH, reducing substances in stool was determined and osazone test was performed to identify the types of reducing substances. RESULT: Out of 70 cases with diarrhoea, 22 (31.4%) were found to have evidence of lactose intolerance. Besides loose motion, in lactose intolerance positive cases, most common presenting symptoms were abdominal distention, perianal excoriation and vomiting. Incidence of lactose intolerance was less in children who were on exclusive breast feeding till 6 months. In lactose intolerance positive as well as negative group duration of diarrhea after admission was same inspite of continuation of breast feeding. CONCLUSION: Presence of abdominal distention, frothy character of stool, and perianal excoriation are suggestive of lactose intolerance. Lactose free formula and withdrawal of breast milk are not necessary in children with acute diarrhea and persistent diarrhea having transient lactose intolerance.