Normal colon transit time in healthy Chinese adults in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
Colon transit study with radio-opaque markers is helpful in the evaluation of chronic constipation. Normal reference values, based on radio-opaque markers, have not been reported from Chinese adults in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Fifty-one healthy Chinese (27 men, age 42 +/- 12 years) were enrolled through a newspaper advertisement. They were requested to fill in detailed dietary records and a gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire. Each subject swallowed, under supervision, a total of three Sitzmarks capsules, one capsule at the same time on each of day 1, 2 and 3. Abdominal films were taken on days 4 and 7, also at the same time of the day. Total and segmental transit times were calculated using Metcalf's method.


RESULTS
The upper limit of normal total colonic transit time (CTT) was 62 h, while right, left and rectosigmoid CTT were 16 h, 31 h and 32 h, respectively. Women of age 18-35 years had a longer rectosigmoid and total CTT compared with their male counterparts (mean total CTT: 39 h vs 18 h, P = 0.05). The CTT appeared to be unaffected by the usual dietary components.


CONCLUSIONS
A single normal reference value for CTT appeared to be applicable to Chinese adults in Hong Kong, irrespective of age, sex and dietary content. However, young Chinese women (age 18-35 years) appeared to have longer total and rectosigmoid CTT.
The Hong Kong Society of Gastrointestinal Motility, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong.
Yiu-Kay
YK
Chan
Ambrose Chi-Pong
AC
Kwan
Hon
H
Yuen
Yat-Wah
YW
Yeung
Kam-Chuen
KC
Lai
Justin
J
Wu
Grace Sau-Wai
GS
Wong
Chi-Man
CM
Leung
Wai-Ching
WC
Cheung
Chi-Kin
CK
Wong
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000502:physiology*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors