The intestinal permeability to lactulose in preterm infants

Intestinal permeability to a disaccharide in preterm infants was investigated by urinary excretion of lactulose after oral administration of solution containing sugar. Urine samples were analysed for sugar content by quantitative thin-layer chromatography. The lactulose urinary excretion was negatively correlated with gestational age and decreased significantly during the first month of life. In preterm infants with sepsis the intestinal permeability was highest.