Serum-β-Carotin: ein einfacher statischer Laborparameter für die Diagnostik der Steatorrhoe

Abstract

The value of serum beta-carotene concentration as an indicator of steatorrhoea was investigated in 50 patients with steatorrhoea (fecal fat greater than 7 g/day), 53 controls, and 22 patients with gastrointestinal disease without steatorrhoea. In the control group, beta-carotene concentrations were normally distributed when plotted logarithmically. The mean value was 131 micrograms/dl. The lower limit of normal, based on a 2-SD confidence interval, was 47 micrograms/dl. beta-Carotene concentrations and fecal fat excretion were correlated in a reciprocal, hyperbolic function (r = -0.66). Twenty-nine of the 50 patients with steatorrhoea had beta-carotene concentrations less than 47 micrograms/dl (sensitivity 58%; specificity 93%). Referring to an additional cut-off point of 100 micrograms/dl, beta-carotene concentration had a sensitivity of 88%. These data show that low plasma beta-carotene concentrations (less than 47 micrograms/dl) can be regarded a specific and useful indicator of steatorrhoea and thus obviate fecal fat analysis. Values greater than 47 micrograms/dl, however do not exclude steatorrhoea. Based on a two-step interpretation beta-carotene is thus both a useful screening test for steatorrhoea (with a cut-off point of 100 micrograms/dl) and, more important, a valid, simple, and clinically practical alternative for fecal fat analysis (if values are less than 47 micrograms/dl).

Effect of Fat-Soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K on Vitamin Status and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Fat Malabsorption with and without Urolithiasis

“…Another study in Crohn’s disease patients revealed no differences in BMI, lipid peroxidation indexes or plasma antioxidant concentrations between patients with and without small-bowel resection, except for beta-carotene [ 57 ]. It is suggested that the antioxidant beta-carotene could be a marker for steatorrhea and, therefore, for the severity of fat malabsorption [ 34 , 58 ].…”