CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SUGAR ABSORPTION TEST - INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY TEST TO ASSESS MUCOSAL BARRIER FUNCTION

Background: Functional integrity as an aspect of the mucosal barrier f unction of the small bowel can be estimated by the intestinal permeabi lity for macromolecules. In the first part of this paper, an overview of intestinal permeability and its measurement is given. Methods: In t he second part of the paper our own experience with the Sugar Absorpti on Test using lactulose and mannitol to assess mucosal barrier functio n of gastric, small and large bowel, respectively, is described. Resul ts and conclusion: The Sugar Absorption Test is not recommended as a p redictor of NSAID-related upper gastrointestinal damage nor as a marke r of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases. The Sugar Absorp tion Test is very useful in screening for small intestinal disease, in assessing the response to treatment, and in predicting the prognosis, especially in coeliac disease. In our opinion, the D-xylose test is o bsolete.