DIFFUSE WHITE DEPOSITS OF THE DUODENUM MAY SUGGEST DELAYED GLUCOSE ABSORPTION

Abstract

Background:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between white deposits observed in the duodenum and malabsorption of nutrients.
Methods:132 consecutive subjects presenting with diagnostic upper endoscopy were recruited in this study. ¹³C-acetate was given intraduodenally in 65 patients and ¹³C-glucose in 67 patients. At the end of endoscopy, the tip of the endoscopy was placed in the second part of the duodenum and 20 mL water containing 100 mg ¹³ C-substrate was sprayed onto the duodenal mucosa. Breath samples were taken at baseline and at 10 min intervals.
Results:There were no significant differences between ¹³CO₂ excretion and the grade of white deposits after giving intraduodenal ¹³C-acetate. A delay in the ¹³CO₂ excretion curve in patients with a body mass index of more than 26 was noted after giving ¹³C-glucose and there was a significant delay in ¹³CO₂ excretion in the ‘diffuse’group as compared with the other two groups. The mean values of ¹³CO₂ were significantly lower in obese patients than in non-obese subjects.
Conclusion:Results from the duodenal infusion study using stable isotopes demonstrate a close association between diffuse white deposits on the duodenal mucosa and delayed glucose absorption.