The Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption Syndrome in a 23-Year-Old Woman

Abstract

for evaluation of a lifelong history of diarrhea. As an infant she had had severe diarrhea which was relieved when she was treated with a formula of protein milk,o saccharin, and water. Since infancy she had three to four loose bowel movements a day, and at times had as many as 12. The diarrhea was occasionally associated with lower abdominal cramping pains. There were no other intestinal complaints and she was in general good health. The family history revealed that neither of the patient's parents had diarrhea, nor did her two half-brothers, who had a different mother. On physical exami­ nation, the patient was well developed, weighed 130 Ib, and was 5 feet 4 inches tall. There were no significant abnormal physical findings.