Findings from a retrospective study of 932 patients tested for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

A comprehensive study evaluated 932 patients over a period of 5 years who had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, weight loss, diarrhea and/or constipation. SIBIO was determined using the d-xylose breath test. The study results included:

1. Positive association with the female gender and a positive SIBO test.
2. Females with a positive test were on average 5 years older than those with negative tests.
3. The mean of the BMI of positive patients was lower than that of negative subjects.
4. There was statistical correlation between positive results and GERD, peptic ulcer disease, gastroparesis and steroid use.
5. There was no statistical correlation between positive results and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), PPI usage or previous abdominal surgery.

Ref: World J. Gastroenterol 2015 April

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25914466