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Intestinal inflammation measured by fecal neopterin in Gambian children with enteropathy: Association with growth failure, Giardia lamblia, and intestinal permeability

Lookup NU author(s): Dr David Campbell

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Abstract

Objectives: Investigate whether fecal neopterin concentration (a potential marker of gut inflammation) in Gambian children with enteropathy was associated with growth failure. Secondary outcome measures tested the associations between Giardia lamblia infestation, fecal neopterin and lactulose mannitol absorption ratio(L:M), a measure of intestinal permeability. Methods: Seventy-two children had height and weight measured every 6 to 8 weeks until 15 months of age in a rural Gambian village. L:M ratio, a measure of small intestinal permeability and fecal neopterin were measured at these times. Stool was examined by immunoflorescence and light microscope for Giardia cysts. Results: Long-term height and weight gains were negatively associated with mean subject fecal neopterin concentration (r = -0.29 and -0.36, respectively; P < 0.001). There was no correlation between fecal neopterin and intestinal permeability or history of diarrhea. Of 72 children studied, 19 had Giardia cysts in stool and 38 had negative stool examinations. Infected children had a mean of 0.7 days of diarrhea/week (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-1.03) versus 0.8 days/week (95% CI, 0.71-0.85) in uninfected children. No difference in growth was detected between those with positive or negative fecal smears. Mean L:M ratio was the same in both groups (0.31; 95% CI, 0.26-0.34). Conclusions: Consistent with the theory that intestinal inflammation in tropical infants may impair growth, fecal neopterin concentrations were inversely associated with growth. Factors other than Giardia are causing enteropathy and growth failure in Gambian infants. (C) 2004 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Campbell DI, McPhail G, Lunn PG, Elia M, Jeffries DJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Year: 2004

Volume: 39

Issue: 2

Pages: 153-157

ISSN (print): 0277-2116

ISSN (electronic): 1536-4801

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00005176-200408000-00005

DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200408000-00005


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