MONITORING STEATORRHEA IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the relationship between ch emical fat analysis and some more rapid tests proposed to estimate ste atorrhoea. Stool collections (72 h) were obtained on 32 occasions in 2 2 patients with cystic fibrosis and in seven healthy children. A very close relationship was found between faecal fat, as measured by standa rd chemical methods, and faecal energy (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). We concl ude that the determination of faecal energy, easier to measure than fa ecal fat, can provide reliable information about the extent of steator rhoea in cystic fibrosis.