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Background: Glucose breath test (GBT) is used for the diagnosis of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. A restrictive diet without fibers and/or fermentable food is recommended on the day before the test. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of two different restrictive diets on the results of GBT. Methods: A change of the pretest restrictive diet was applied in our lab on September 1, 2020. The recommended diet was a fiber‐free diet before this date, and a fiber‐free diet plus restriction of all fermentable food afterward. We thus compared the results of GBT performed before (group A) and after (group B) this pretest diet modification. Demographics, reasons to perform GBT, digestive symptoms, and hydrogen and methane baseline values and variations after glucose ingestion were compared between the two groups. Key Results: 269 patients underwent GBT in group A, and 316 patients in group B. The two groups were comparable in terms of demographics. Methane and hydrogen baseline values were significantly higher in group A (respectively 14 [18] vs. 8 [14] ppm, p < 0.01 and 11 [14] vs. 6 [8] ppm, p < 0.01). The percentage of positive tests was higher in group A for methane (43% vs. 28%, p < 0.05), and for hydrogen (18% vs. 12%, p = 0.03). Conclusion & Inferences: This retrospective study suggests the importance of the restrictive diet prior to GBT. A strict limitation of fibers and fermentable food decreased hydrogen and methane baseline values, and the prevalence of positive GBT. Thus a strict restrictive diet should be recommended on the day before the test, in order to limit the impact of food on hydrogen and methane breath levels, and possibly improve the diagnosis quality of GBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aim The prevalence and the role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain unclear, as the literature provides heterogeneous information on the subject. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SIBO in IBS and to assess the correlation between methane and hydrogen levels measured during breath tests and the severity of IBS. Method Two‐hundred and forty‐seven patients with IBS were prospectively included. A glucose breath test (GBT) measured H2 and CH4 production to diagnose SIBO. A test was positive when H2 values exceeded 12 ppm in the first 90 min and/or when a CH4 value exceeded 10 ppm at any time. IBS severity (IBS‐SSS), quality of life (GIQLI), and anxiety and depression (HAD) were assessed to investigate the correlation with H2 and CH4 production. Results The prevalence of SIBO in IBS was 36.4% (9.7% with H2, 26.7% with CH4). CH4 levels were significantly higher in the predominantly constipated patients (P = 0.00), while H2 levels were significantly higher within the diarrheal phenotype (P = 0.01). IBS severity was not correlated with either H2 levels (r = 0.02; P = 0.84) or CH4 levels (r = 0.05; P = 0.64). H2 production was inversely correlated with the quality of life (r = −0.24; P = 0.03) and significantly correlated with the HAD scale (r = 0.22; P = 0.03). The pain and discomfort experienced during GBT was not correlated with methane levels (r = −0.09, P = 0.40), hydrogen levels (r = −0.01, P = 0.93), or sum of both (r = 0.06, P = 0.58), but significantly associated with IBS severity (r = 0.50, P

Background and Aim: The prevalence and the role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain unclear, as the literature provides heterogeneous information on the subject. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SIBO in IBS and to assess the correlation between methane and hydrogen levels measured during breath tests and the severity of IBS. Method: Two‐hundred and forty‐seven patients with IBS were prospectively included. A glucose breath test (GBT) measured H2 and CH4 production to diagnose SIBO. A test was positive when H2 values exceeded 12 ppm in the first 90 min and/or when a CH4 value exceeded 10 ppm at any time. IBS severity (IBS‐SSS), quality of life (GIQLI), and anxiety and depression (HAD) were assessed to investigate the correlation with H2 and CH4 production. Results: The prevalence of SIBO in IBS was 36.4% (9.7% with H2, 26.7% with CH4). CH4 levels were significantly higher in the predominantly constipated patients (P = 0.00), while H2 levels were significantly higher within the diarrheal phenotype (P = 0.01). IBS severity was not correlated with either H2 levels (r = 0.02; P = 0.84) or CH4 levels (r = 0.05; P = 0.64). H2 production was inversely correlated with the quality of life (r = −0.24; P = 0.03) and significantly correlated with the HAD scale (r = 0.22; P = 0.03). The pain and discomfort experienced during GBT was not correlated with methane levels (r = −0.09, P = 0.40), hydrogen levels (r = −0.01, P = 0.93), or sum of both (r = 0.06, P = 0.58), but significantly associated with IBS severity (r = 0.50, P <0.00). Conclusion: SIBO has a high prevalence in IBS but does not increase its severity. Individual susceptibility to pain may have a greater influence on the severity of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breath testing is the most widely utilized modality to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and/or intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). Although SIBO can be diagnosed with small bowel aspiration and breath testing, IMO can only be diagnosed with breath testing in clinical practice. Breath testing can tailor antibiotic therapy and predict response to treatment; however, the test is limited by its indirect method of measurement and concerns about the variability of orocecal transit time. Like any clinical test, breath testing has inherent strengths and limitations, and results must be interpreted with consideration of the clinical context and influencing factors. Recent studies have demonstrated the expanding clinical utility of breath testing in the diagnosis, management, and prediction of treatment response in SIBO and particularly in IMO along with the identification of distinct breath test patterns such as flat-line and high baseline hydrogen. This article reviews the strengths and limitations of breath testing in diagnosing SIBO and IMO as well as its expanding utility in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Dysbiosis has been associated with the pathogenesis, treatment response, and prognosis of several malignant diseases. We investigated the prevalence and clinical importance of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancies. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for 319 patients diagnosed with pancreaticobiliary malignancies between 2014 and 2023. A glucose breath test (GBT) was performed within 7 days before or after the cancer diagnosis. SIBO diagnosed through GBT and its association with clinical variables were investigated. Results There were 154 cases of pancreatic cancer (48.3%) and 165 cases of biliary tract cancer (51.7%). 122 (38.2%) exhibited GBT positivity, which was higher compared to historical control data of healthy adults (13.3%). A GBT positivity, indicating the presence of SIBO, was higher in patients with pancreatic malignancy compared to those with biliary tract cancer (44.2% vs. 32.7%, p=0.047). Hydrogen levels in exhaled breath of patients with pancreatic cancer were also higher than those with biliary tract cancer, while methane levels did not show a significant difference between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, ascites at the time of diagnosis showed significant associations with SIBO (odds ratio 2.20, p=0.033). Conclusion SIBO was more frequent in pancreaticobiliary malignancies compared to healthy adults.Patients with pancreatic malignancies showed higher SIBO prevalence and hydrogen levels compared to biliary tract cancer. Ascites present at the time of diagnosis may serve as an indicator of concurrent SIBO in pancreaticobiliary malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as an excessive growth and/or changed composition of bacteria in the small bowel. Obese patients are at increased risk of SIBO and related complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of SIBO after bariatric bypass procedures, connection between SIBO, symptoms, comorbidities, and liver pathology. Methods: Patients underwent a hydrogen breath test with glucose substrate (25 g/200 ml of water). The demographic, anthropometric data, comorbidities, and symptoms were analysed with a questionnaire. In 45 patients, the NAFLD Activity Score was evaluated in liver biopsies. Results: Glucose breath test was positive in 24/56 (43%) of patients and was associated with higher frequency of defecation (p = 0.022), lactose intolerance (p = 0.047), scleroderma (p = 0.042), irritable bowel syndrome (p = 0.018), and diabetes (p = 0.002). Mean NAFLD Activity Score in SIBO patients (n = 18) was 3.33 and 3.00 in non-SIBO patients (n = 27). In SIBO-positive cohort of patients, a statistically important trend in difference between NAS and difference to range value anti-Xa 4 h after subtherapeutic dose application was calculated. Conclusions: The incidence of SIBO after bariatric surgery bypass procedures is alarmingly high (43%). The results of our study conclude that diagnosis cannot be set based on specific symptom and SIBO is related to reduced response to the application of LMWH. Mandatory SIBO screening and appropriate treatment would affect the clinical outcome of the underlying disease, improve it significantly, and prevent the development of its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with sleep disturbances have gastrointestinal symptoms. Breath hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) indicating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) might be related with these symptoms. The study was conducted to assess the link between breath profiles and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with OSA using polysomnography. Heart rate variability (HRV) was used as a measurement for the balance of autonomic nervous system during polysomnography. Glucose breath test (GBT) to evaluate breath H2 and CH4 and bowel symptom questionnaire to investigate associated intestinal symptoms were performed. Results: Among 52 patients with OSA, 16 (30.8%) showed positivity to GBT. Although no significant difference was shown in GBT positivity between patients with healthy controls and patients with OSA (13.3% vs 30.8%, P = 0.109), breath H2 and CH4 levels in the OSA group were significantly higher than those in controls (P < 0.05). Flatulence was significantly common in OSA groups with GBT positivity than those without GBT positivity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that waist-to-hip ratio (odds ratio = 12.889; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.257–132.200; P = 0.031) and low-to-high-frequency ratio of HRV (odds ratio = 1.476; 95% CI: 1.013–2.151, P = 0.042) are independently related to GBT positivity in patients with OSA. Conclusion: Elevated breath H2 or CH4 after glucose load might not be an uncommon finding in patients with untreated OSA. Abdominal obesity and autonomic imbalance dysfunction are significantly associated with GBT positivity in OSA patients. SIBO could be considered as target for therapeutic management in OSA patients.

Background: Patients with sleep disturbances have gastrointestinal symptoms. Breath hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) indicating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) might be related with these symptoms. The study was conducted to assess the link between breath profiles and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with OSA using polysomnography. Heart rate variability (HRV) was used as a measurement for the balance of autonomic nervous system during polysomnography. Glucose breath test (GBT) to evaluate breath H2 and CH4 and bowel symptom questionnaire to investigate associated intestinal symptoms were performed. Results: Among 52 patients with OSA, 16 (30.8%) showed positivity to GBT. Although no significant difference was shown in GBT positivity between patients with healthy controls and patients with OSA (13.3% vs 30.8%, P = 0.109), breath H2 and CH4 levels in the OSA group were significantly higher than those in controls (P < 0.05). Flatulence was significantly common in OSA groups with GBT positivity than those without GBT positivity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that waist-to-hip ratio (odds ratio = 12.889; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.257–132.200; P = 0.031) and low-to-high-frequency ratio of HRV (odds ratio = 1.476; 95% CI: 1.013–2.151, P = 0.042) are independently related to GBT positivity in patients with OSA. Conclusion: Elevated breath H2 or CH4 after glucose load might not be an uncommon finding in patients with untreated OSA. Abdominal obesity and autonomic imbalance dysfunction are significantly associated with GBT positivity in OSA patients. SIBO could be considered as target for therapeutic management in OSA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Antimicrobial therapy improves symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the efficacy in functional dyspepsia (FD) is largely unknown. While FD and IBS frequently overlap, it is unknown if concomitant IBS in FD alters the response to antimicrobial therapy in FD. Thus, we aimed to assess and compare the effect of antimicrobial therapy on visceral sensory function and symptom improvement in FD patients with and without IBS. Methods: Adult patients with FD with or without IBS received rifaximin 550 mg BD for 10 days, followed by a 6-week follow-up period. The total gastrointestinal symptom score as measured by the SAGIS (Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms) questionnaire and subscores (dyspepsia, diarrhea, and constipation), symptom response to a standardized nutrient challenge and normalization of the glucose breath tests were measured. Results: Twenty-one consecutive adult patients with FD and 14/21 with concomitant IBS were recruited. Treatment with rifaximin resulted in a significant (p = 0.017) improvement in the total SAGIS score from 34.7 (± 15.4) at baseline to 26.0 (± 16.8) at 2 weeks and 25.6 (± 17.8) at 6 weeks post-treatment. Similarly, compared to baseline there was a statistically significant improvement in SAGIS subscores for dyspepsia and diarrhea (all p < 0.05) and effects persisted for 6 weeks post-treatment. Similarly, the symptom score (and subscores) following a standardized nutrient challenge improved significantly (p < 0.001) 2 weeks post-treatment. The presence of concomitant IBS did not significantly influence the improvement of symptoms after antibiotic therapy (all p > 0.5). Conclusions: In FD patients, the response to antimicrobial therapy with rifaximin is not influenced by concomitant IBS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is expected in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). This study is conducted to estimate the prevalence of SIBO and to investigate the role of SIBO in children and adolescents with FAPDs. Methods: This prospective study enrolled children with FAPDs fulfilling the Rome IV criteria. A hydrogen-methane glucose breath test was used to diagnose SIBO. A survey of bowel symptoms using questionnaires, birth history, types of feeding, and the presence of allergy was conducted. Results: Sixty-eight children and adolescents (range, 6-17 years; median, 12.5 years) were enrolled. SIBO was detected in 14 patients (20.6%). Age (= 12 years) (P < 0.003) and loose stool (P = 0.048) were significantly more common in children with SIBO than in children without SIBO. However, the history of allergies (P = 0.031) was less common in children with SIBO than those without SIBO. No significant differences were observed in other demographic findings. In multivariate analysis, age (= 12 years) was the independent factor predicting SIBO in children with FAPDs. Conclusions: SIBO is not uncommon in children and adolescents with FAPDs. Among children aged above 12 years and diagnosed with FAPDs, SIBO is a suspected clinical target for treatment to relieve intestinal symptoms. A further study to investigate the association between intestinal bacteria and history of allergy is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common complication of bariatric surgery. Digestive decontamination treatments with oral antibiotic therapy vary and are not codified. This retrospective study was conducted to analyse the characteristics of bariatric surgery patients who underwent a glucose breath test (GBT) and to analyse the effectiveness of the antibiotic decontamination therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 operated patients (Roux-en-Y bypass (RYB), omega bypass (ΩB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)) who underwent a GBT (75 g/250 mL) were included. Anthropometric data, symptoms of SIBO, type of surgery, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotic therapy were analysed. The effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment, defined by improvement of the symptoms, was evaluated during the follow-up. Results: Of the 85 women and 16 men included (48.5 ± 3.6 years old), 63 underwent RYB, 31 underwent ΩB and 7 underwent SG. The GBT was positive in 83% of the patients. A positive test was associated with age (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.01) and PPI use (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference according to the type of surgery. Sixty-one percent of patients treated with gentamicin/metronidazole sequential antibiotic therapy and 58% of patients treated with metronidazole alone achieved treatment efficacy (with no significant difference in efficacy between these treatments). Conclusion: SIBO should be systematically considered in the context of abdominal symptoms in bariatric surgery patients, regardless the type of surgery, particularly in patients who are older or female and after PPI treatment. Digestive decontamination appears to be similar between gentamycin/metronidazole and metronidazole treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/AimsThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries, such as gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, and hysterectomy.Methods : One hundred seventy-one patients with surgery (50 hysterectomy, 14 gastrectomy, and 107 cholecystectomy), 665 patients with functional gastrointestinal disease (FGID) and 30 healthy controls undergoing a hydrogen (H2)-methane (CH4) glucose breath test (GBT) were reviewed.Results : GBT positivity (+) was significantly different among the surgical patients (43.9%), FGID patients (31.9%), and controls (13.3%) (p

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported with varying prevalence, depending upon the criteria used for diagnosis. Lactulose and glucose breath tests are the most used in clinical settings. Early rises of hydrogen excretion during a lactose breath test suggest SIBO, but the finding could result from accelerated mouth-to-caecum transit time. Defining the prevalence of early hydrogen peaks during lactose breath tests and assessing the proportion of patients affected by SIBO. An early (≤ 60′) hydrogen excretion peak was observed in 120/663 patients with positive lactose hydrogen breath test. Eighty-one of them underwent a 50 g-9sample-glucose hydrogen breath test to diagnose SIBO. The glucose breath test proved positive in 11/81 (13.6%) patients. The positivity rate was 18.2% (2/11) in those with the first peak detected at 30′ and 12.8% (9/70) in those with the peak occurring at 60′. Early hydrogen excretion peaks are rarely associated with SIBO. The low positive predictive value indicates that the finding does not help identifying patients at high risk for this condition. Indirectly, the present data support the opinion that the prevalence of SIBO diagnosed by standard lactulose breath tests is much lower than reported, and the reliability of the test is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori causes several gastrointestinal diseases and may also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies suggest that there might be a potential link between H. pylori infection and T2D, but it still remains the subject of debate. Here, we first report the cumulative effect of H. pylori infection and T2D by exploiting the excretion kinetics of 13C/12C and 18O/16O isotope ratios of exhaled breath CO2 in response to an oral dose of 13C-enriched glucose in individuals with T2D and non-diabetic controls (NDC) harbouring the H. pylori infection. Using a high-resolution integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) technique in the infrared region, we observed that the isotopic fractionations of 13C and 18O in breath CO2 are distinctly altered in H. pylori infected T2D patients as well as in H. pylori infected NDC. Several optimal diagnostic cut-off points of 13C and 18O isotopes of breath CO2 were also determined which exhibited the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of ∼97 % and thus suggesting that breath 13C and 18O isotopes might be considered as potential biomarkers for the non-invasive assessment of the gastric pathogen prior to the onset of T2D. This may open a new diagnostic strategy for treating these common diseases in an alternative way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to investigate breath test outcomes in patients with suspected SIBO and indicative symptoms of SIBO, diagnosed by breath testing. Background: Breath testing is used to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by measuring hydrogen and methane produced by intestinal bacteria. Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study included 311 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent the breath test for evaluation of SIBO at Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, New York, in 2014-2015. The patients were divided into two groups based on the physician's choice: lactulose breath test group (72%) and glucose breath test group (28%). Among them, 38% had a history of celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Results: In total, 46% had a positive breath test: 18% were positive for methane, 24 % positive for hydrogen and 4% positive for both gases (p=0.014). Also, 50% had a positive lactulose breath result and 37% had a positive glucose breath result (p=0.036). The most common symptom for performing the breath test was bloating and the only clinical symptom that significantly showed a positive glucose breath test was increased gas (p=0.028). Conclusion: Lactulose breath test was more often positive than glucose breath test. Positivity for hydrogen was more common than methane. Bloating was the most frequently perceived symptom of the patients undergoing the breath test but the only statistically significant clinical symptom for a positive glucose breath test was increased gas. Furthermore, the results showed that there was no significant association between positive breath test result and gender, age, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge number of bacteria are hosted in the gastrointestinal tract, following a gradient increasing towards the colon. Gastric acid secretion and intestinal clearance provide the qualitative and quantitative partitioning of intestinal bacteria; small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when these barrier mechanisms fail. Diagnosis of SIBO is challenging due to the low specificity of symptoms, the frequent association with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the absence of optimal objective diagnostic tests. The therapeutic approach to SIBO is oriented towards resolving predisposing conditions, and is supported by antibiotic treatment to restore the normal small intestinal microflora and by modifications of dietary habits for symptomatic relief. In the near future, metagenomics and metabolomics will help to overcome the uncertainties of SIBO diagnosis and the pitfalls of therapeutic management, allowing the design of a personalized strategy based on the direct insight into the small intestinal microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine and a constellation of symptoms that include bloating, pain, gas, and diarrhea. Although known for many decades, there is a lack of consensus and clarity regarding the natural history and methods for its diagnosis. Several tests have been proposed, including the glucose breath test, lactulose breath test, small intestinal aspiration and culture, and others. However, there is a lack of standardization of these tests and their interpretation. Treatment of SIBO remains empirical; generally, broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended for 2 weeks (amoxicillin, rifaximin, ciprofloxacin, etc.) but evidence for their use is fair. Clearly, there is a strong need to develop a systematic approach for the management of SIBO and to perform multicenter clinical trials for the treatment of SIBO. In this review, we will discuss the current evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of SIBO, which includes (1) elimination/modification of the underlying causes, (2) induction of remission (antibiotics and elemental diet), and (3) maintenance of remission (promotility drugs, dietary modifications, repeat or cyclical antibiotics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of bacterial species in the small bowel. It has been shown that patients with Crohn's disease (CD) have a higher risk of SIBO development. The aim of the present study was to investigate SIBO prevalence in CD patients, possible clinical predictors of SIBO development and response to antibiotic therapy. Material and methods. Sixty-eight patients (42 male, 26 female; mean age 49.3 ± 12.8 years) with CD reporting abdominal complaints were prospectively evaluated for SIBO with H2/CH4 glucose breath test (GBT). Results. Of the 68 patients enrolled, 18 (26.5%) tested positive for SIBO. Patients with SIBO exhibited increased stool frequency and significant reduction of stool solidity (p = 0.014), were older than patients tested negative to GBT (54.3 ± 13.0 years vs. 47.5 ± 12.3 years, p = 0.049), reported a longer history of CD (21.2 ± 10.3 years vs. 15.7 ± 10.2 years, p = 0.031) and showed a significant higher frequency of prior surgery (p = 0.001), revealing an association of number of surgical procedures (OR = 2.8315, 95% CI = 1.1525–6.9569, p = 0.023) with SIBO. Breath test normalization occurred in 13/15 patients evaluated after antibiotic and probiotic therapy. Although vitamin B12 levels were lower in patients with SIBO (p = 0.045) and a significant improvement was found after treatment (p = 0.011), this could be due to the heterogeneity, regarding vitamin B12 treatment, in our cohort. Conclusion. SIBO is a frequent but underestimated condition in CD, which often mimics acute flare, effectively identified with GBT and could be treated with a combined antibiotic and probiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth which has recently been diagnosed with the glucose breath test is characterized by excessive colonic bacteria in the small bowel, and results in gastrointestinal symptoms that mimic symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to estimate the positivity of the glucose breath test and investigate its clinical role in inflammatory bowel disease. Methods Patients aged > 18 years with inflammatory bowel disease were enrolled. All patients completed symptom questionnaires. Fecal calprotectin level was measured to evaluate the disease activity. Thirty historical healthy controls were used to determine normal glucose breath test values. Results A total of 107 patients, 64 with ulcerative colitis and 43 with Crohn's disease, were included. Twenty-two patients (20.6%) were positive for the glucose breath test (30.2%, Crohn's disease; 14.1%, ulcerative colitis). Positive rate of the glucose breath test was significantly higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in healthy controls (30.2% vs 6.7%, P = 0.014). Bloating, flatus, and satiety were higher in glucose breath test-positive patients than glucose breath test-negative patients ( P = 0.021, 0.014, and 0.049, respectively). The positivity was not correlated with the fecal calprotectin level. Conclusions The positive rate of the glucose breath test was higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease than in healthy controls; gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with inflammatory bowel disease were correlated with this positivity. Glucose breath test can be used to manage intestinal symptoms of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO) remains challenging. Our aim was to examine the diagnostic yield of duodenal aspiration/culture and glucose breath test ( GBT), and effects of gender, race and demographics on prevalence of SIBO. Methods Patients with unexplained gas, bloating and diarrhea and negative endoscopy, imaging and blood tests were prospectively enrolled in two centers in USA. Randomly, within 1 week each patient underwent both duodenal aspiration/culture and GBT. The diagnostic yield of each test and relationship of symptoms, and effects of ethnicity, age, and gender on prevalence of SIBO were assessed and compared. Key Results Duodenal culture was positive in 62/139 (44.6%) subjects and GBT was positive in 38/139 (27.3%) subjects with an overall diagnostic agreement of 65.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of GBT was 42%, 84%, 68%, and 64%, respectively. Ethnicity or gender did not influence SIBO, but SIBO positive patients were older ( p = 0.0018). Symptom patterns were similar except bloating was more prevalent in GBT positive and gas in culture positive subjects. Conclusions & Inferences Duodenal aspiration/culture identifies 45% of patients with suspected SIBO. GBT has lower sensitivity but good specificity for detection of SIBO. There were no ethnic or gender differences in the prevalence of SIBO, but patients with SIBO were older. Because GBT is non-invasive, it should be considered first in patients with suspected SIBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may have a role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, the aim of this study was to assess the association between SIBO and IBS by using glucose breath test (GBT) in Kerman city as the first study in Iranian population. METHODS: 107 patients with IBS and 107 healthy individuals were enrolled in our study. All the participants underwent GBT. A peak of H2 values >20 p.p.m above the basal value after glucose ingestion was considered suggestive of SIBO. SPSS software version 17 was used for data analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 107 patients with IBS, 40 had positive GBT (37.4%) compared with 14 (12.1%) out of the 107 control participants(p< 0.001). Dominant symptoms in patients with IBS were diarrhea in 36(33.6%), constipation in 12(11.2%), abdominal pain in 22(20.6%), bloating in 28(26.2%), and change in bowel habit in 9(8.4%) patients. There was not statistically significant difference among any of this IBS subgroups and positive GBT (p=0.44). CONCLUSION: There is a positive association between IBS and SIBO. We suggest a Placebo- controlled bacterial eradication study for identifying the role of SIBO in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few controlled trials on antibiotic therapy for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are available at present. Aim of the study was to assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of rifaximin with respect to metronidazole for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Material and Methods: We enrolled 142 consecutive patients with diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth based on the clinical history and the positivity of glucose breath test. Patients were randomised to two 7-day treatment groups: rifaximin 1200 mg/day and metronidazole 750 mg/day. Glucose breath test was reassessed 1 month after. Compliance and side-effect incidence were also evaluated. Results: One drop-out was observed in rifaximin group. Five drops-out occurred in metronidazole group. The glucose breath test normalization rate was significantly higher in the rifaximin with respect to the metronidazole group (63.4% versus 43.7%; p<0.05; OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-4.38). The overall prevalence of adverse events was significantly lower in rifaximin with respect to metronidazole group. Discussion: Rifaximin showed an higher SIBO decontamination rate than metronidazole at the tested doses, both with a significant gain in terms of tolerability. Either the present study or recent evidencies suggest that rifaximin represents a good choice for the management of patients affected by SIBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: In older people, small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome may be a common, but under-diagnosed, cause of diarrhoea and nutrient malabsorption. We aim to determine which clinical features and baseline laboratory investigations indicate a high likelihood of small bowel bacterial overgrowth as defined by a positive glucose breath test. Methods: A retrospective analysis of records for all patients referred for glucose breath test over a 6-year period to a teaching hospital. Results: Out of 197 referrals, 168 patient records were located and analysed (62 male, 106 female; median age 65). Patient characteristics predictive of a positive glucose breath test were: increasing age (p < 0.01), low serum vitamin B12 (p = 0.02), low serum albumin (p = 0.03), previous partial gastrectomy (p < 0.01), previous right hemi-colectomy (p < 0.01), presence of small bowel diverticulae (p = 0.01) and concurrent use of a proton pump inhibitor (p < 0.01). 52.5% (n = 21/40) of patients studied who were over 75 years old versus 21.8% (n = 28/128) of those under 75 years old had a positive glucose breath test (p < 0.01). The median time to diagnosis, from first hospital visit to positive glucose breath test, was 39 weeks. Conclusions: There is often a significant delay in diagnosis of small bowel bacterial overgrowth. We suggest that this diagnosis should be considered earlier in the investigative algorithm in older patients with indicative symptoms and a predisposing factor (including previous partial gastrectomy, previous right hemi-colectomy, small bowel diverticulae or use of a proton pump inhibitor) or concurring laboratory indices (low vitamin B12 or albumin). Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether an indirect noninvasive indicator of proximal bacterial overgrowth, the glucose breath test, was of diagnostic value in inflammatory bowel disease. Twenty four of 71 Crohn's disease patients tested had a positive glucose breath test. No statistical conclusions could be drawn between the Crohn's disease activity index and glucose breath test status. Of patients with radiologic evidence of small bowel stricture(s), 96.0% had a positive glucose breath test, while only one of 46 negative glucose breath test patients had a stricture. The positive and negative predictive values for a positive glucose breath test as an indicator of stricture formation were 96.0% and 97.8%, respectively. This correlation was not altered in Crohn's disease patients with fistulae or status postresection of the terminal ileum. The data in ulcerative colitis were nondiagnostic. In conclusion, the glucose breath test appears to be an accurate noninvasive inexpensive diagnostic test for small bowel stricture(s) and secondary bacterial overgrowth in Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Direct diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) requires the collection and culture of fluid from the jejunal lumen, with a finding of over 105 viable bacteria per mL. More often, SIBO is diagnosed indirectly, using a non‐invasive test of the exhaled hydrogen and methane generated by microbial fermentation when ingested glucose reaches the jejunum. Our objective was to determine how well this breath test detects chronic overgrowth of jejunal bacteria that is unrelated to gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: Eighteen patients reporting symptoms consistent with SIBO received a glucose breath test. On a later day, the jejunal lumen was sampled via aspiration during enteroscopy. Jejunal aspirates were cultured on aerobic and anaerobic media. DNA was extracted from the same samples and analyzed by quantitative pan‐bacterial PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal rRNA genes, which provided a culture‐independent bacterial cell count. Key Results: Combined bacterial colony counts ranged from 5.7 x 103 to 7.9 x 106CFU/mL. DNA‐based yields ranged from 1.5 x 105 to 3.1 x 107 bacterial genomes per mL. Microbial viability ranged from 0.3% to near 100%. We found no significant correlation of glucose breath test results with either the number of bacterial colonies or with the DNA‐based bacterial cell counts. Instead, higher signals in the hydrogen‐methane breath test were significantly correlated with a lower viability of jejunal bacteria, at a P‐value of.014. Conclusions & Inferences: The glucose‐based hydrogen and methane breath test is not sensitive to the overgrowth of jejunal bacteria. However, a positive breath test may indicate altered jejunal function and microbial dysbiosis. Breath tests based on the production of hydrogen and methane from the metabolism of ingested glucose are often used to diagnose SIBO. We have found that in a group of patients under evaluation for SIBO, breath test results were not correlated with either PCR‐quantified bacterial DNA or live bacterial counts in jejunal aspirate samples collected during endoscopy. Although the glucose breath test does not appear useful for detecting SIBO, a positive breath test is correlated with low bacterial viability, which may indicate other types of jejunal and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may have a role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, the aim of this study was to assess the association between SIBO and IBS by using glucose breath test (GBT) in Kerman city as the first study in Iranian population. METHODS 107 patients with IBS and 107 healthy individuals were enrolled in our study. All the participants underwent GBT. A peak of H2 values >20 p.p.m above the basal value after glucose ingestion was considered suggestive of SIBO. SPSS software version 17 was used for data analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 107 patients with IBS, 40 had positive GBT (37.4%) compared with 14 (12.1%) out of the 107 control participants(p< 0.001). Dominant symptoms in patients with IBS were diarrhea in 36(33.6%), constipation in 12(11.2%), abdominal pain in 22(20.6%), bloating in 28(26.2%), and change in bowel habit in 9(8.4%) patients. There was not statistically significant difference among any of this IBS subgroups and positive GBT (p=0.44). CONCLUSION There is a positive association between IBS and SIBO. We suggest a Placebo-controlled bacterial eradication study for identifying the role of SIBO in IBS.