[Hydrogen test: its diagnostic possibilities in intestinal diseases]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Relapsing diarrhea can stem from various gastrointestinal issues.
• Assessing intestinal bacterial overgrowth and lactose malabsorption is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of exhaled hydrogen determination via gas chromatography in diagnosing causes of relapsing diarrhea.
• To identify specific conditions associated with increased intestinal hydrogen levels.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography was employed to measure hydrogen levels in exhaled air.
• Tests included measurements on an empty stomach and after a lactose tolerance test (50g lactose).

Main Results:

• Increased fasting exhaled hydrogen, indicating bacterial overgrowth, was found in 45% of patients, notably those with celiac disease, immunodeficiency, intestinal tuberculosis, diverticulosis, diabetic enteropathy, and erosive duodenitis.
• Lactose deficiency was diagnosed in 38% of chronic relapsing diarrhea patients via post-lactose exhaled hydrogen increase.
• Lactose deficiency was identified in 40% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Exhaled hydrogen measurement is a valuable non-invasive tool for investigating relapsing diarrhea.
• This method aids in identifying bacterial overgrowth and lactose malabsorption as contributing factors.