Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
[Small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with chronic pancreatitis]
Carla Mancilla A1, Ana María Madrid S, Carmen Hurtado H
1Sección de Gastroenterología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Background:
Previous reports describe 30-40% of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), SIBO is a cause of persistent symptoms in this group of patients even when they are treated with pancreatic enzymes.
Aim:
To asses the frequency of SIBO in patients with CP.
Patients And Methods:
We studied 14 patients with CP using an hydrogen breath test with lactulose to detect SIBO, a nonabsorbable carbohydrate, whose results are not influenced by the presence of exocrine insufficiency. Main symptoms and signs were bloating in 9 (64%), recurrent abdominal pain in 8 (57%), intermittent diarrhea in 5 (36%) and steatorrhea in 5 (36%). At the same time we studied a healthy control group paired by age and sex.
Results:
SIBO was present in 13 of 14 patients with CP (92%) and in 1 of 14 controls (p<0.001). The only patient with CP and without SIBO was recently diagnosed and had minimal morphologic alterations in computed tomography and endoscopic pancreatography.
Conclusions:
SIBO is common in CP and may be responsible for persistent symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment could alleviate symptoms and improve quality of Ufe.
Insights
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is highly prevalent in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients, affecting 92%. This condition likely contributes to persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, even with enzyme therapy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pancreatology
Context:
- Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a known complication in various GI disorders.
- Previous studies suggest a 30-40% SIBO prevalence in CP patients.
Purpose:
- To determine the actual frequency of SIBO in patients diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis.
- To investigate the link between SIBO and persistent symptoms in CP.
Summary:
- A study involving 14 CP patients utilized a lactulose hydrogen breath test to diagnose SIBO.
- SIBO was detected in 13 out of 14 CP patients (92%), significantly higher than the 1 out of 14 controls.
- Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and steatorrhea were common symptoms observed in the CP group.
Impact:
- SIBO is significantly more common in chronic pancreatitis patients than previously reported.
- The high prevalence suggests SIBO is a key factor in persistent symptoms of CP.
- Accurate SIBO diagnosis and treatment can potentially improve patient quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction