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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.

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

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.

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