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Small bowel bacterial overgrowth: a negative factor in gut adaptation in pediatric SBS

Conrad R Cole1, Thomas R Ziegler

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Conrad_cole@oz.ped.emory.edu

Current Gastroenterology Reports
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is common in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), causing serious health issues. Diagnosis and management of SBBO in pediatric SBS require further research and evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Intestinal Physiology

Background:

  • Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is a frequent complication in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS).
  • Altered intestinal anatomy, motility, and secretion in SBS create an environment conducive to bacterial overgrowth.
  • SBBO contributes to significant clinical challenges including parenteral nutrition dependence, liver damage, and malabsorption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of intestinal bacteria in pediatric short bowel syndrome.
  • To discuss the issues and challenges related to small bowel bacterial overgrowth in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on SBBO in pediatric SBS.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on bacterial ecology, diagnosis, and management.

Main Results:

  • SBBO is prevalent in pediatric SBS and linked to adverse outcomes.
  • Accurate diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth remains a significant clinical challenge.
  • Effective management strategies for SBBO in pediatric SBS are not well-established.

Conclusions:

  • Further investigation into the diagnosis and management of SBBO in pediatric SBS is crucial.
  • Understanding the role of intestinal bacteria is key to improving outcomes for children with SBS.

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