Abstract / Summary
Introduction and aim: We present herein the results of a formal consensus meeting held in Argentina, whose aim was to analyze and discuss conceptual, technical, and clinical aspects related to the use of the breath test (BT) in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal microbial overgrowth in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI).
Material and methods: Twelve healthcare professionals with experience in conducting BTs and treating patients with DGBI participated in an in-person meeting to discuss and vote on previously selected items.
Results: Of the 32 items discussed, 13 reached strong agreement and 10 reached relative agreement.
Conclusions: - The BT was considered a safe, useful tool in the approach to patients with DGBI. - Application of the BT was also valuable in cases of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. - The simultaneous measurement of hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) is recommended. - A flat-line pattern should be considered suggestive of intestinal sulfide overproduction. - Elevated baseline H2 levels may reflect inadequate adherence to pre-test dietary preparation. - A cutoff value of CH4 ≥ 10 ppm for diagnosing intestinal methanogen overgrowth should be considered. - In patients with intestinal microbial overgrowth, the use of a nonabsorbable antibiotic, such as rifaximin, is recommended. - The importance of registering patient symptoms during the test is strongly encouraged.