J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2022 Jan;28(1):78-85. 10.5056/jnm20231.

Role of Glucose Breath Test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children and Adolescents With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Korea

• Lee J
• Paik CN
• Kim DB
• Lee JM
• Kim YJ
• Choi SK
• Cho YJ

• KMID: 2523786
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5056/jnm20231

Abstract

Background/Aims
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is expected in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). This study is conducted to estimate the prevalence of SIBO and to investigate the role of SIBO in children and adolescents with FAPDs.
Methods
This prospective study enrolled children with FAPDs fulfilling the Rome IV criteria. A hydrogen-methane glucose breath test was used to diagnose SIBO. A survey of bowel symptoms using questionnaires, birth history, types of feeding, and the presence of allergy was conducted.
Results
Sixty-eight children and adolescents (range, 6-17 years; median, 12.5 years) were enrolled. SIBO was detected in 14 patients (20.6%). Age (≥ 12 years) (P < 0.003) and loose stool (P = 0.048) were significantly more common in children with SIBO than in children without SIBO. However, the history of allergies (P = 0.031) was less common in children with SIBO than those without SIBO. No significant differences were observed in other demographic findings. In multivariate analysis, age (≥ 12 years) was the independent factor predicting SIBO in children with FAPDs.
Conclusions
SIBO is not uncommon in children and adolescents with FAPDs. Among children aged above 12 years and diagnosed with FAPDs, SIBO is a suspected clinical target for treatment to relieve intestinal symptoms. A further study to investigate the association between intestinal bacteria and history of allergy is needed.

Keyword

Adolescent; Child; Functional abdominal pain disorders; Glucose breath test; Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth