Hydrogen breath tests for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in functional bowel disorders

HAYES, Inc
Record ID 32017000174
English
Authors' recommendations: Hydrogen breath testing (HBT) may be used to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in predisposed patients by assessing changes in hydrogen (H2) expiration following administration of glucose, lactulose, or other compounds. Rationale: When SIBO is present, fermentation by bacteria in the small intestine produces a large amount of H2, the magnitude and pattern of which may be used to distinguish SIBO-positive patients from SIBO-negative patients. Human cells are not capable of producing H2 on their own. Controversy: There are several potential sources for false HBT results, including: failure to adhere to a low-fiber diet the day before the test; presence of oral flora at the time of the test; rapid transit through the small intestine; and presence of carbohydrate malabsorption in chronic pancreatitis or celiac disease. A false-negative HBT may be caused by the presence of non-H2-producing bacteria (such as methanogenic bacteria) in the intestine and by delayed gastric emptying. Relevant Questions: What is the clinical validity of HBT for SIBO? What is the clinical utility of HBT for SIBO? What are the harms associated with HBT? Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for use of HBT for SIBO?
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2017
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: United States
MeSH Terms
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Breath Tests
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Contact
Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.
Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218
Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com
Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com
Copyright: Winifred S. Hayes, Inc
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.