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Is small-bowel bacterial overgrowth an underdiagnosed disorder in children with gastrointestinal symptoms?

Hilary F Jones1, Geoffrey P Davidson, Doug A Brooks

  • 1PERI Centre and Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|April 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Small-bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is common in children with gastrointestinal issues. The lactulose breath hydrogen test found SBBO in 16% of children investigated for carbohydrate malabsorption.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Small-bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is linked to chronic abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in children.
  • Previous research suggests a connection between SBBO and gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of SBBO in children referred for carbohydrate malabsorption investigation.
  • To assess the utility of the lactulose breath hydrogen test in diagnosing SBBO in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 287 children undergoing investigation for carbohydrate malabsorption.
  • Utilized the lactulose breath hydrogen test to identify small-bowel bacterial overgrowth.
  • Analyzed hydrogen-producing children (n=250) for SBBO indicators.

Main Results:

  • Small-bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) was identified in 16% (39/250) of hydrogen-producing children.
  • The prevalence of SBBO suggests it may be more common than previously thought in children with these symptoms.
  • Carbohydrate malabsorption investigations revealed a significant occurrence of SBBO.

Conclusions:

  • Small-bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is a notable finding in children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and suspected carbohydrate malabsorption.
  • The lactulose breath hydrogen test is a valuable tool for identifying SBBO in pediatric patients.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the full impact and management of SBBO in children.

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