Background: Intestinal permeability, as measured by the sugar absorption test (SAT), reflects the functional integrity of the small bowel. It is unknown if intestinal permeability is related to gestional age or birth weight in preterm neonates.

Subjects: 33 preterm neonates, gestational age 27+3-36+3 wks (mean 31+6 ± wks), birth weight 730-2535 g (mean 1534 ± 455 g).

Interventions: The SAT, measuring the Lactulose/Mannitol (L/M) ratio in 6h urine after oral ingestion, was performed in all neonates within 48 hours after birth.

Results: The L/M ratio was not related to gestational age(r=0.16, p=0.38) or birth weight (r=0.21, p=0.24)

Conclusions: Intestinal permeability as measured by the SAT is not related to gestational age or birth weight in preterm neonates. Intestinal permeability in preterm neonates is 6 times higher than reference values in older children.