Jejunal Disaccharidases in Children with Selective IgA Deficiency

Savilahti, E., Launiala, K. & Kuitunen, P. 1973. Jejunal Disaccharidases in Children with Selective IgA Deficiency. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8, 417-419. Jejunal maltase, sucrase, and lactase activities were determined in 18 biopsy specimens of IgA-deficient children. Generally depressed activities of these enzymes were found in two patients who had total villous atrophy of the jejunum and a diagnosis of coeliac disease. In the others maltase and sucrase activities were within the normal range. Low lactase activity was found in two patients with normal villous structure. Acquired selective deficiency of lactase is relatively common in Finnish children of school age, and its frequency does not seem to be higher in children with selective IgA deficiency.