title: D-xylose testing: a review.
abstract: The efficacy of D-xylose testing in clinical situations has been reviewed in the light of recent kinetic studies. The standard 25-g D-xylose test in adults, based on analysis of 5-h urine collection and a 1-h serum sample, discriminates between normal subjects and patients with proximal small intestinal malabsorption with greater than 95% specificity and sensitivity. The 1-h serum level measured after administering this dose is also useful in evaluating malabsorption in patients with intermediate degrees of renal insufficiency and in the elderly. The 1-h serum test after administration of 5 g of D-xylose should be used in pediatrics and is greater than 91% sensitive and close to 100% specific. The [14C]D-xylose breath test with 1 g of D-xylose has been useful in identifying malabsorption caused by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Section, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Atkinson
mesh_terms: D001944:Breath Tests; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis; D014994:Xylose / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014994:Xylose