Related Experiment Videos
Small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed with glucose H2 or CH4 breath tests
C Y Yang1, C S Chang, G H Chen
1Dept. of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan.
Background:
Small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been considered a predisposing factor of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients by bacterial translocation or hematogenous spread during spontaneous bacteremia. We investigated 45 cirrhotic patients and 28 healthy subjects to assess the prevalence of SIBO and its relationship with the severity of liver dysfunction and the presence of ascites.
Methods:
Bacterial overgrowth was measured by the glucose hydrogen and methane breath test.
Results:
SIBO was documented in 16 (35.6%) of the 45 cirrhotic patients and in 1 (3.6%) of the 28 healthy controls. The prevalence of SIBO was significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh class B or C (50%) than in those with class A (19%) and had no relationship with the presence or absence of ascites.
Conclusions:
We conclude that the prevalence of SIBO in cirrhotic patients is approximately 35.6% and that it is related to the severity of liver disease. There was no difference among various causes of cirrhosis, such as viral, alcoholic, or idiopathic.
Insights
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) affects 35.6% of cirrhosis patients and is linked to liver disease severity. This condition was not associated with the presence of ascites in the study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a potential risk factor for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis patients.
- SIBO may contribute to peritonitis through bacterial translocation or hematogenous spread.
- The relationship between SIBO, liver dysfunction severity, and ascites in cirrhosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with cirrhosis.
- To assess the association between SIBO and the severity of liver dysfunction.
- To evaluate the relationship between SIBO and the presence of ascites in cirrhotic patients.
Main Methods:
- Glucose hydrogen and methane breath tests were employed to measure bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
- A cohort of 45 cirrhotic patients and 28 healthy controls was studied.
- Patient data included liver dysfunction severity (Child-Pugh classification) and the presence of ascites.
Main Results:
- SIBO was diagnosed in 35.6% of cirrhotic patients, compared to 3.6% in healthy controls.
- The prevalence of SIBO was significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh class B or C (50%) versus class A (19%).
- No significant relationship was found between SIBO and the presence or absence of ascites.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 35.6% of cirrhotic patients exhibit SIBO.
- SIBO prevalence in cirrhosis is correlated with the severity of liver disease.
- The etiology of cirrhosis (viral, alcoholic, or idiopathic) did not influence SIBO prevalence.