Faculty Collaboration Database

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome: A Guide for the Appropriate Use of Breath Testing. Dig Dis Sci 2021 Feb;66(2):338-347

Date

10/11/2020

Pubmed ID

33037967

DOI

10.1007/s10620-020-06623-6

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85092347080 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   16 Citations

Abstract

The increased availability of noninvasive breath tests, each with limitations, has led to widespread testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with non-specific gastrointestinal complaints. The lactulose breath test (LBT) is based upon an incorrect premise and therefore incorrect interpretations which has resulted in the over-diagnosis of SIBO and the excessive use of antibiotics in clinical practice. Despite limitations, the glucose breath test (GBT) should be exclusively employed when considering SIBO in appropriately chosen patients. This review suggests guidelines for the optimal use and appropriate interpretation of the GBT for suspected SIBO. The LBT should be discarded from future use, and the literature based upon the LBT should be discounted accordingly.

Author List

Massey BT, Wald A

Author

Benson T. Massey MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Blind Loop Syndrome
Breath Tests
Glucose
Intestine, Small
Practice Guidelines as Topic