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Digestive Diseases and Sciences

Published in:

01-01-2010 | Original Article

Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children Is Associated with High Prevalence of Abnormal Microbial Fermentation

Authors: Brynie Slome Collins, Henry C. Lin

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Background

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in children, a condition that accounts for approximately 25% of pediatric gastroenterology office visits, may be a precursor to irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Recently, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported in 78–84% of IBS patients regardless of their abdominal symptoms, compared to 20% in healthy controls.

Aims

The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the prevalence of SIBO in children with CAP.

Methods

Seventy-five children aged 8–18 years diagnosed with CAP based on the Rome II criteria and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent a lactulose breath hydrogen test (LBT) to assess for SIBO. Children with CAP also filled out symptom questionnaires.

Results

There was a 91% prevalence of an abnormal LBT suggestive of SIBO in the children with CAP and 35% in controls (odds ratio = 16.7, 95% confidence interval 6.0–57.5, P < 0.0001). A comparison of CAP children with a positive LBT to CAP children with a negative LBT revealed the former had significantly more “urgency to have a bowel movement” (P = 0.049) and experienced less “soiling” (P = 0.016) than those with a negative LBT. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the location of their pain or any other associated symptoms.

Conclusions

Similar to adults with IBS, there is a significantly higher prevalence of SIBO in children with CAP. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine if eradication of SIBO will lead to symptom improvement in these patients.

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Title: Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children Is Associated with High Prevalence of Abnormal Microbial Fermentation
Authors: Brynie Slome Collins
Henry C. Lin
Publication date: 01-01-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-1026-7

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Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children Is Associated with High Prevalence of Abnormal Microbial Fermentation

Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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