Malabsorption after Small Bowel Resection: Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests in short bowel syndrome.

  • Small blood count
  • Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
  • Urine status (rapid test for: Nitrite, protein, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, urobilinogen) incl. sediment, if necessary urine culture (pathogen detection and resistogram, that is, testing of suitable antibiotics for sensitivity / resistance).
  • Electrolytescalcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphate.
  • Ferritin
  • Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose), if necessary oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT).
  • HbA1c,
  • Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT).
  • Bilirubin
  • Amylase
  • Renal parameters – urea, creatinine, possibly cystatin C or creatinine clearance; if necessary, also evidence of microalbuminuria.
  • Uric acid
  • Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
  • Total protein, albumin
  • Quick or INR (Vit. K)
  • Blood gas analysis (ABG), venous
  • Vitamins – D, B12, folic acid
  • Parathyroid hormone
  • Trace elements – copper, selenium, zinc
  • Test for occult (not visible) blood in the stool.

Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • Creatinine coefficient (amount of creatinine excreted in urine in 24h/kg body mass; men: 20-26, women: 14-22) – for evaluation of nutritional status.

Note: Not all of these parameters need to be collected at each patient presentation.