Determination of intestinal enzymes in the diagnosis of chronic enterocolitis and intestinal enzymopathy
Valenkevich, L.N.
Klinicheskaia Meditsina 58(7): 88-91
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-2149 PMID: 6169872 Document Number: 161930
Determination of the content of intestinal enzymes is essential for the differential diagnosis of chronic enterocolitis and intestinal enzymopathy. A selective enzymatic defect which causes specific clinical pictures, is revealed in intestinal enzymopathy in the presence of the normal mucosa of the small intestine. Removal from the diet of the intolerant substance leads to clinical recovery. In aggravation of the disease in patients with chronic enterocolitis there is a decrease in the content of intestinal enzymes which carry out hydrolysis of carbohydrates (.gamma.-amylase, saccharase, trehalase, cellobiase, lactase), proteins (glycyl-leucine dipeptidase, glycyl-valine dipeptidase) and fats (pancreatic and intestinal lipase). These enzymatic changes develop in the presence of abnormalities in the intestinal mucosa. At the same time the activity of trypsin and amylase in the duodenal contents remains normal.