A FAT ABSORPTION TEST USING IODIZED OIL, WITH PARTICULAR APPLICATION AS A SCREENING TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE OF THE PANCREAS

[摘要] A test is described for the evaluation of pancreatic function, particularly with respect to fat absorption, in fibrocystic disease of the pancreas. This test depends upon the fact that iodized fat (Lipiodol®) is digested and absorbed by normal children and the iodine is subsequently excreted in the urine in high concentration; whereas, in children with fibrocystic disease of the pancreas, the digestion of iodized fat is impaired and the amount of iodine excreted in the urine is greatly diminished. The test is a simple one, quantitation being accomplished by serial dilution of the urine; and the qualitative aspect is limited to a positive or a negative reaction for iodine with starch solution. Under the conditions used no proved case of fibrocystic disease of the pancreas has had a positive test for iodine in the urine in a dilution of greater than 1:2. A positive test for iodine after the ingestion of Lipiodol®, in a dilution of urine of 1:4 or greater, probably excludes fibrocystic disease of the pancreas as a diagnosis. Disturbed fat absorption from causes other than fibrocystic disease of the pancreas may also result in negative test, so that the test is better suited for exclusion than for final identification of fibrocystic disease of the pancreas.

[学科分类] 儿科学