Prolonged alteration in gut permeability following nonthermal injury

Abstract To assess the extent of intestinal permeability following nonthermal injury ratios of lactulose and mannitol (L-M) concentrations in urine following enteral administration were determined simultaneously by a gas-liquid chromatography assay on days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 13 in 15 patients with an Injury Severity Score >20. Thirteen of 15 patients recovered uneventfully and two developed minor infections. L-M ratios were significantly increased on days 3–10 (P