Lactulose hydrogen breath test and functional symptoms in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background The role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in functional digestive disorders in the pediatric population is a matter of controversy, since methods currently used to establish this diagnosis are difficult to interpret. The aim of this work was to analyze the characteristics of the lactulose H 2 breath test (LHBT) in children with functional gastrointestinal symptoms according to more recent criteria. Methods Seventy-two patients and 17 controls were enrolled. A questionnaire was administered regarding digestive symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and bowel-movement disorders). A lactose hydrogen breath test was performed to rule out lactose malabsorption and a LHBT was used to measure the time elapsed between lactulose oral ingestion and an increment of H 2 concentration of 20 ppm over basal. Results There were no differences of age and gender between patients and controls. Mean time to 20-ppm change was shorter in patients (56.3 ± 3 min) compared to h