Human intestinal microbiota create a complex polymi-crobial ecology. This is characterised by its high population density, wide diversity and complexity of interaction. Any dysbalance of this complex intestinal microb...Human intestinal microbiota create a complex polymi-crobial ecology. This is characterised by its high population density, wide diversity and complexity of interaction. Any dysbalance of this complex intestinal microbiome, both qualitative and quantitative, might have serious health consequence for a macro-organism, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO).SIBO is defined as an increase in the number and/or alteration in the type of bacteria in the upper gastro-intestinal tract. There are several endogenous defence mechanisms for preventing bacterial overgrowth: gastric acid secretion, intestinal motility, intact ileo-caecal valve, immunoglobulins within intestinal secretion and bacte-riostatic properties of pancreatic and biliary secretion. Aetiology of SIBO is usually complex, associated with disorders of protective antibacterial mechanisms (e.g. achlorhydria, pancreatic exocrine insuff iciency, immuno-deficiency syndromes), anatomical abnormalities (e.g. small intestinal obstruction, diverticula, f istulae, surgical blind loop, previous ileo-caecal resections) and/or motility disorders (e.g. scleroderma, autonomic neuropathy in diabetes mellitus, post-radiation enteropathy, small intestinal pseudo-obstruction). In some patients more than one factor may be involved. Symptoms related to SIBO are bloating, diarrhoea, malabsorption, weight loss and malnutrition. The gold standard for diagnosing SIBO is still microbial investigation of jejunal aspirates. Noninvasive hydrogen and methane breath tests are most commonly used for the diagnosis of SIBO using glucose or lactulose. Therapy for SIBO must be com-plex, addressing all causes, symptoms and complica-tions, and fully individualised. It should include treatment of the underlying disease, nutritional support and cyclical gastro-intestinal selective antibiotics. Prognosis is usually serious, determined mostly by the underlying disease that led to SIBO.展开更多
AIM: To quantitatively summarize and appraise the available evidence of urea breath test(UBT) use to diagnose Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in patients with dyspepsia and provide pooled diagnostic accuracy ...AIM: To quantitatively summarize and appraise the available evidence of urea breath test(UBT) use to diagnose Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in patients with dyspepsia and provide pooled diagnostic accuracy measures.METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library and other databases for studies addressing the value of UBT in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. We included cross-sectional studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of UBT in adult patients with dyspeptic symptoms. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS(Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies)-2 tool. Diagnostic accuracy measures were pooled using the random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted by UBT type(13C vs 14C) and by measurement technique(Infrared spectrometry vs Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry).RESULTS: Out of 1380 studies identified, only 23 met the eligibility criteria. Fourteen studies(61%) evaluated 13 C UBT and 9 studies(39%) evaluated 14 C UBT. There was significant variation in the type of reference standard tests used across studies.Pooled sensitivity was 0.96(95%CI: 0.95-0.97) andpooled specificity was 0.93(95%CI: 0.91-0.94). Likelihood ratio for a positive test was 12 and for a negative test was 0.05 with an area under thecurve of 0.985. Meta-analyses were associated with a significant statistical heterogeneity that remained unexplained after subgroup analysis. The included studies had a moderate risk of bias.CONCLUSION: UBT has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia. The reliability of diagnostic meta-analytic estimates however is limited by significant heterogeneity.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate and compare the clinical usefulness of 13C-phenylalanine and 13C-methacetin breath tests in quantitating functional hepatic mass in patients with chronic liver disease and to further compare these res...AIM: To evaluate and compare the clinical usefulness of 13C-phenylalanine and 13C-methacetin breath tests in quantitating functional hepatic mass in patients with chronic liver disease and to further compare these results with those of conventional tests, Child-Pugh score and serum bile acid levels.METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (50 HCV-related chronic hepatitis, 90 liver cirrhosis patients) and 40 matched healthy controls were studied. Both breath test and routine liver test, serum levels of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid conjugates were evaluated.RESULTS: Methacetin breath test, expressed as 60 min cumulative percent of oxidation, discriminated the hepatic functional capacity not only between controls and liver disease patients, but also between different categories of chronic liver disease patients. Methacetin breath test was correlated with liver function tests and serum bile acids.Furthermore, methacetin breath test, as well as serum bile acids, were highly predictive of Child-Pugh scores. The diagnostic power of phenylalanine breath test was always less than that of methacetin breath test.CONCLUSION: Methacetin breath test represents a safe and accurate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of hepatic functional mass in chronic liver disease patients.展开更多
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and altered stool form and passage. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which th...Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and altered stool form and passage. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which there is overgrowth of bacteria in small bowel in excess of 10<sup>5</sup> colony forming units per milliliter on culture of the upper gut aspirate. Frequency of SIBO varied from 4%-78% among patients with IBS and from 1%-40% among controls. Higher frequency in some studies might be due to fallacious criteria [post-lactulose breath-hydrogen rise 20 PPM above basal within 90 min (early-peak)]. Glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT) has a low sensitivity to diagnose SIBO. Hence, studies based on GHBT might have under-estimated frequency of SIBO. Therefore, it is important to analyze these studies carefully to evaluate whether the reported association between IBS and SIBO is over or under-projected. This review evaluates studies on association between SIBO and IBS, discordance between different studies, their strength and weakness including methodological issues and evidence on therapeutic manipulation of gut flora on symptoms of IBS.展开更多
AIM To define probiotic monotherapy effect on Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) status by performing a systematic review.METHODS Methods of analysis and inclusion criteria were based on PRISMA recommendations. Relevant p...AIM To define probiotic monotherapy effect on Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) status by performing a systematic review.METHODS Methods of analysis and inclusion criteria were based on PRISMA recommendations. Relevant publications were identified by searching Pub Med, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and EMBASE. The end-point was to estimate eradication rate and urea breath test delta value before and after probiotic monotherapy across all studies and, overall, with a pooled data analysis. Adverse events of probiotic therapy were evaluated. The data were expressed as proportions/percentages, and 95%CIs were calculated. For continuous variables, we evaluated the weighted mean difference. Odd ratios(ORs) were calculated according to the Peto method for the comparison of eradication rates between probiotics and placebo.RESULTS Eleven studies were selected. Probiotics eradicated H. pylori in 50 out of 403 cases. The mean weighted eradication rate was 14%(95%CI: 2%-25%, P =0.02). Lactobacilli eradicated the bacterium in 30 out of 235 patients, with a mean weighted rate of 16%(95%CI: 1%-31%). Saccharomyces boulardii achieved eradication in 6 out of 63 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 12%(95%CI: 0%-29%). Multistrain combinations were effective in 14 out of 105 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 14%(95%CI: 0%-43%). In the comparison of probiotics vs placebo, we found an OR of 7.91 in favor of probiotics(95%CI: 2.97-21.05, P < 0.001). Probiotics induced a mean reduction in delta values higher than placebo(8.61% with a 95%CI: 5.88-11.34, vs 0.19% for placebo, P < 0.001). Finally, no significant difference in adverse events was found between probiotics and placebo(OR = 1, 95%CI: 0.06-18.08).CONCLUSION Probiotics alone show a minimal effect on H. pylori clearance, thus suggesting a likely direct role.展开更多
Background Pulmonary hypertension （PH） is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Although alveolar hypoxia is considered as a main cause of PH in COPD, structural and functional cha...Background Pulmonary hypertension （PH） is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Although alveolar hypoxia is considered as a main cause of PH in COPD, structural and functional changes of pulmonary circulation are apparent at the initial stage of COPD. We hypothesized that an inflammatory response and oxidative stress might contribute to the formation of PH in COPD. Methods We measured the levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and 8-iso-prostaglandin （8-iso-PSG） in exhaled breath condensate （EBC） and serum in 40 patients with COPD only or in 45 patients with COPD combined with PH. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure （PASP） was assessed by Doppler echocardiography and defined as PH when the value of systolic pressure was greater than 40 mmHg. Results Compared with the COPD only group, the level of IL-6 in EBC was significantly increased in all 45 patients with COPD combined with PH （（8.27±2.14） ng/L vs. （4.95±1.19） ng/L, P 〈0.01）. The level of IL-6 in serum was also elevated in patients with COPD combined with PH compared with the COPD only group （（72.8±21.6） ng/L vs. （43.58±13.38） ng/L, P 〈0.01 ）. Similarly, we also observed a significant increase in the level of 8-iso-PSG in both EBC and serum in the COPD with PH group, compared with the COPD only group （EBC： （9.00±2.49） ng/L vs. （5.96±2.31） ng/L, P 〈0.01 and serum： （41.87±9.75） ng/L vs. （27.79±11.09） ng/L, P 〈0.01）. Additionally, the value of PASP in the PH group was confirmed to be positively correlated with the increase in the levels of IL-6 and 8-iso-PSG in both EBC and serum （r=0.477-0.589, P 〈0.05）. Conclusion The increase in the levels of IL-6 and 8-iso-PSG in EBC and serum correlates with the pathogenesis of PH in COPD.展开更多
Breath tests are non-invasive tests and can detect H<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub> gases which are produced by bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed intestinal carbohydrate and are excreted in ...Breath tests are non-invasive tests and can detect H<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub> gases which are produced by bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed intestinal carbohydrate and are excreted in the breath. These tests are used in the diagnosis of carbohydrate malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and for measuring the orocecal transit time. Malabsorption of carbohydrates is a key trigger of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms such as diarrhea and/or constipation, bloating, excess flatulence, headaches and lack of energy. Abdominal bloating is a common nonspecific symptom which can negatively impact quality of life. It may reflect dietary imbalance, such as excess fiber intake, or may be a manifestation of IBS. However, bloating may also represent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Patients with persistent symptoms of abdominal bloating and distension despite dietary interventions should be referred for H<sub>2</sub> breath testing to determine the presence or absence of bacterial overgrowth. If bacterial overgrowth is identified, patients are typically treated with antibiotics. Evaluation of IBS generally includes testing of other disorders that cause similar symptoms. Carbohydrate malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sorbitol) can cause abdominal fullness, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea, which are similar to the symptoms of IBS. However, it is unclear if these digestive disorders contribute to or cause the symptoms of IBS. Research studies show that a proper diagnosis and effective dietary intervention significantly reduces the severity and frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS. Thus, diagnosis of malabsorption of these carbohydrates in IBS using a breath test is very important to guide the clinician in the proper treatment of IBS patients.展开更多
AIM： To determine whether Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota （Yakult） can alter small intestinal bacterial overgrowth （SIBO）, as tested by the lactulose breath test, and whether this is associated with changes in...AIM： To determine whether Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota （Yakult） can alter small intestinal bacterial overgrowth （SIBO）, as tested by the lactulose breath test, and whether this is associated with changes in symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）. METHODS： 18 patients with IBS （Rome Ⅱ criteria）, who showed an early rise in breath hydrogen with lactulose （ERBHAL）, consumed 65 mL of Yakult daily for 6 wk. Lactulose breath test was repeated at the end of the treatment period. Symptoms were recorded daily using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS： 14 patients completed the study, 9 （64%） had reversal of ERBHAL, with the median time of first rise in breath hydrogen increasing from 45 to 75 min （P = 0.03）. There was no significant improvement in the symptom score with probiotic therapy, except for wind （P = 0.04）. Patients commencing with at least moderate symptoms and who no longer had ERBHAL at the end of treatment, showed improvement in the overall symptoms scores [median final score 5.3 （IQR 3.9-5.9）, 55% reduction; n = 6] to a greater extent than those who had had persisting ERBHAL [final score 6.9 （5.0-7.0）, 12% reduction; n = 5; P = 0.18]. CONCLUSION： Yakult is effective in altering fermentation patterns in the small bowel, consistent with reducing SIBO. The loss of ERBHAL was associated with reduced symptoms. The true interpretation of these findings awaits a randornised, controlled trial.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection confers a higher risk of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS: Healthy people who underwent health screening were analyzed retrospectivel...AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection confers a higher risk of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS: Healthy people who underwent health screening were analyzed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 20 years, history of H. pylori infection, and recorded insulin level. Participants were classified as H. pylori positive or negative according to <sup>13</sup>C urea breath tests. NAFLD was defined using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and NAFLD liver fat score (NAFLD-LFS). Those with an HSI > 36 or NAFLD-LFS > -0.640 were considered to have NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for NAFLD.RESULTS: Three thousand six hundred and sixty-three people were analyzed and 1636 (44.7%) were H. pylori positive. H. pylori infection was associated with older age, male gender, hypertension, higher body mass index, and a dyslipidemic profile. HSI differed significantly between H. pylori positive and negative subjects (median 33.2, interquartile range (IQR) 30.0-36.2 for H. pylori-positive vs median 32.6, IQR 29.8-36.0 for negative participants, P = 0.005), but NAFLD-LSF did not [median -1.7, IQR -2.4 - -0.7 vs median -1.8, IQR -2.4-(-0.7), respectively, P = 0.122]. The percentage of people with NAFLD did not differ between infected and uninfected groups: HIS, 26.9% vs 27.1%, P = 0.173; NAFLD-LFS, 23.5% vs 23.1%, P = 0.778. H. pylori infection was not a risk factor, but C-reactive protein concentration and smoking were significant risk factors for NAFLD.CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection is not a risk factor for NAFLD as indicated by HSI or NAFLD-LFS. Prospective, large-scale studies involving liver biopsies should be considered.展开更多
Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication t...Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication therapy.Only highly accurate tests should be used in clinical practice,and the sensitivity and specificity of an adequate test should exceed 90%.The choice of tests should take into account clinical circumstances,the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests,the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy and the availability of the tests.This review concerns some of the most recent developments in diagnostic methods of H.pylori infection,namely the contribution of novel endoscopic evaluation methodologies for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection,such as magnifying endoscopy techniques and chromoendoscopy.In addition,the diagnostic contribution of histology and the urea breath test was explored recently in specific clinical settings and patient groups.Recent studies recommend enhancing the number of biopsy fragments for the rapid urease test.Bacterial culture from the gastric biopsy is the gold standard technique,and is recommended for antibiotic susceptibility test.Serology is used for initial screening and the stool antigen test is particularly used when the urea breath test is not available,while molecular methods have gained attention mostly for detecting antibiotic resistance.展开更多
BACKGROUND The Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection rate in China is approximately 50%.H.pylori is a pathogenic factor of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.In addition,H.pylori infection may also be associated with...BACKGROUND The Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection rate in China is approximately 50%.H.pylori is a pathogenic factor of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.In addition,H.pylori infection may also be associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases in elderly people,such as arteriosclerosis,coronary heart disease,and cerebral infarction,having deleterious effect on their health.With the aging of the population,the disease characteristics of the elderly population have been increasingly valued by the whole society.We conducted an epidemiological survey of H.pylori infection among elderly people in Beijing to provide a basis for health management of H.pylori infection.AIM To understand the epidemiological characteristics of H.pylori infection in elderly people in Beijing.METHODS A total of 1090 elderly people aged more than 60 years from different parts of Beijing(urban and rural areas)were selected using the random cluster sampling method.Structured questionnaires were completed during home visits and the 13C-urea breath test was conducted for H.pylori detection.RESULTS The prevalence of H.pylori infection was 46.5%(507/1090).The infection rate in men was 51.8%,which was significantly higher than that in women(42.5%;P<0.05).The H.pylori infection rate in illiterate people was significantly higher than that in literate persons(53.5%vs 44.8%,P<0.05).The total infection rate of H.pylori gradually increased with age and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).The H.pylori infection rate in smokers was significantly higher than that in non-smokers and those who had quit smoking(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The prevalence of H.pylori infection among elderly people is 46.5%and the infection rate gradually increases with age.Sex,education level,age,and smoking were determined to be H.pylori infection risk factors.The relationship of H.pylori infection with region,occupation,drinking,and diet structure needs to be further studied.展开更多
Background： The ^13C urea breath test （^13C-UBT） is the gold standard for detecting Helicobacterpylori infection. H. pylori pathogenesis in patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV） and related diseases remains obscu...Background： The ^13C urea breath test （^13C-UBT） is the gold standard for detecting Helicobacterpylori infection. H. pylori pathogenesis in patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV） and related diseases remains obscure. We used ^13C-UBT to detect H. p.vlori infection in patients with chronic HBV infection, HBV-related cirrhosis, HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, and other chronic hepatic diseases. Methods： A total of 131 patients with chronic hepatitis B （HB）, 179 with HBV-related cirrhosis, 103 with HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, 45 with HBV-negative hepatic carcinoma, and 150 controls were tested for H. pylori infection using ^13C-UBT. We compared H. pylori infection rate, liver function, complications of chronic hepatic disease, serum HBV-DNA, serum alpha-fetoprotein （AFP）, and portal hypertensive gastropathy （PHG） incidence among groups. Results： HBV-related cirrhosis was associated with the highest H. pylori infection rate （79.3%）. H. pylori infection rate in chronic HB was significantly higher than in the HBV-negative hepatic carcinoma and control groups （P 〈 0.001 ）. 11. pylori infection rate in patients with HBV-DNA ≥10^3 copies/ml was significantly higher than in those with HBV-DNA 〈103 copies/ml （76.8% vs. 52.4%, P 〈 0.001）. Prothrombin time （21.3 ± 3.5 s vs. 18.8 ±4.3 s）, total bilirubin （47.3±12.3 μmol/L vs. 26.6±7.9 μmol/L）, aspartate aminotransferase （ 184.5 ±37.6 U/L vs. 98.4 ± 23.5 U/L）, blood ammonia （93.4 ± 43.6 μmol/L vs. 35.5 ± 11.7 μmol/L）, and AFP （203.4±62.6 μg/L vs. 113.2± 45.8 μg/L） in the ^13C-UBT-positive group were significantly higher than in the ^13C-UBT-negative group （P 〈 0.01）. The incidence rates of esophageal fundus variceal bleeding （25.4% vs. 16.0%）, ascites （28.9% vs. 17.8%）, and hepatic encephalopathy （24.8% vs. 13.4%） in the ^13C-UBT-positive group were significantly higher than in the 13C-UBT-negative group （P 〈 0.01 ）. The percentages of patients with liver function in Child展开更多
Gastroparesis(Gp)is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction.Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s,only recently ...Gastroparesis(Gp)is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction.Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s,only recently has there been renewed clinical and scientific interest in this disease,which has a potentially great impact on the quality of life.The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological,diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of Gp according to the most recent evidence.A comprehensive online search for Gp was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE.Gp is the result of neuromuscular abnormalities of the gastric motor function.There is evidence that patients with idiopathic and diabetic Gp may display a reduction in nitrergic inhibitory neurons and in interstitial cells of Cajal and/or telocytes.As regards diagnostic approach,99-Technetium scintigraphy is currently considered to be the gold standard for Gp.Its limits are a lack of standardization and a mild risk of radiation exposure.The C13 breath testing is a valid and safe alternative method.13C acid octanoic and the 13C Spirulina platensis recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are the most commonly used diagnostic kits.The wireless motility capsule is a promising technique,but its use is limited by costs and scarce availability in many countries.Finally,therapeutic strategies are related to the clinical severity of Gp.In mild and moderate Gp,dietary modification and prokinetic agents are generally sufficient.Metoclopramide is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Gp.However,other older and new prokinetics and antiemetics can be considered.As a second-line therapy,tricyclic antidepressants and cannabinoids have been proposed.In severe cases the normal nutritional approach can be compromised and artificial nutrition may be needed.In drug-unresponsive Gp patients some alternative strategies(endoscopic,electric stimulation or surgery)are available.展开更多
基金Supported by The Research Project MZO 00179906 from the Ministry of Health, Czech Republicby Research Grant GACR 305/08/0535, Czech Republic
文摘Human intestinal microbiota create a complex polymi-crobial ecology. This is characterised by its high population density, wide diversity and complexity of interaction. Any dysbalance of this complex intestinal microbiome, both qualitative and quantitative, might have serious health consequence for a macro-organism, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO).SIBO is defined as an increase in the number and/or alteration in the type of bacteria in the upper gastro-intestinal tract. There are several endogenous defence mechanisms for preventing bacterial overgrowth: gastric acid secretion, intestinal motility, intact ileo-caecal valve, immunoglobulins within intestinal secretion and bacte-riostatic properties of pancreatic and biliary secretion. Aetiology of SIBO is usually complex, associated with disorders of protective antibacterial mechanisms (e.g. achlorhydria, pancreatic exocrine insuff iciency, immuno-deficiency syndromes), anatomical abnormalities (e.g. small intestinal obstruction, diverticula, f istulae, surgical blind loop, previous ileo-caecal resections) and/or motility disorders (e.g. scleroderma, autonomic neuropathy in diabetes mellitus, post-radiation enteropathy, small intestinal pseudo-obstruction). In some patients more than one factor may be involved. Symptoms related to SIBO are bloating, diarrhoea, malabsorption, weight loss and malnutrition. The gold standard for diagnosing SIBO is still microbial investigation of jejunal aspirates. Noninvasive hydrogen and methane breath tests are most commonly used for the diagnosis of SIBO using glucose or lactulose. Therapy for SIBO must be com-plex, addressing all causes, symptoms and complica-tions, and fully individualised. It should include treatment of the underlying disease, nutritional support and cyclical gastro-intestinal selective antibiotics. Prognosis is usually serious, determined mostly by the underlying disease that led to SIBO.
文摘AIM: To quantitatively summarize and appraise the available evidence of urea breath test(UBT) use to diagnose Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in patients with dyspepsia and provide pooled diagnostic accuracy measures.METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library and other databases for studies addressing the value of UBT in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. We included cross-sectional studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of UBT in adult patients with dyspeptic symptoms. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS(Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies)-2 tool. Diagnostic accuracy measures were pooled using the random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted by UBT type(13C vs 14C) and by measurement technique(Infrared spectrometry vs Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry).RESULTS: Out of 1380 studies identified, only 23 met the eligibility criteria. Fourteen studies(61%) evaluated 13 C UBT and 9 studies(39%) evaluated 14 C UBT. There was significant variation in the type of reference standard tests used across studies.Pooled sensitivity was 0.96(95%CI: 0.95-0.97) andpooled specificity was 0.93(95%CI: 0.91-0.94). Likelihood ratio for a positive test was 12 and for a negative test was 0.05 with an area under thecurve of 0.985. Meta-analyses were associated with a significant statistical heterogeneity that remained unexplained after subgroup analysis. The included studies had a moderate risk of bias.CONCLUSION: UBT has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia. The reliability of diagnostic meta-analytic estimates however is limited by significant heterogeneity.
文摘AIM: To evaluate and compare the clinical usefulness of 13C-phenylalanine and 13C-methacetin breath tests in quantitating functional hepatic mass in patients with chronic liver disease and to further compare these results with those of conventional tests, Child-Pugh score and serum bile acid levels.METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (50 HCV-related chronic hepatitis, 90 liver cirrhosis patients) and 40 matched healthy controls were studied. Both breath test and routine liver test, serum levels of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid conjugates were evaluated.RESULTS: Methacetin breath test, expressed as 60 min cumulative percent of oxidation, discriminated the hepatic functional capacity not only between controls and liver disease patients, but also between different categories of chronic liver disease patients. Methacetin breath test was correlated with liver function tests and serum bile acids.Furthermore, methacetin breath test, as well as serum bile acids, were highly predictive of Child-Pugh scores. The diagnostic power of phenylalanine breath test was always less than that of methacetin breath test.CONCLUSION: Methacetin breath test represents a safe and accurate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of hepatic functional mass in chronic liver disease patients.
文摘Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and altered stool form and passage. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which there is overgrowth of bacteria in small bowel in excess of 10<sup>5</sup> colony forming units per milliliter on culture of the upper gut aspirate. Frequency of SIBO varied from 4%-78% among patients with IBS and from 1%-40% among controls. Higher frequency in some studies might be due to fallacious criteria [post-lactulose breath-hydrogen rise 20 PPM above basal within 90 min (early-peak)]. Glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT) has a low sensitivity to diagnose SIBO. Hence, studies based on GHBT might have under-estimated frequency of SIBO. Therefore, it is important to analyze these studies carefully to evaluate whether the reported association between IBS and SIBO is over or under-projected. This review evaluates studies on association between SIBO and IBS, discordance between different studies, their strength and weakness including methodological issues and evidence on therapeutic manipulation of gut flora on symptoms of IBS.
文摘AIM To define probiotic monotherapy effect on Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) status by performing a systematic review.METHODS Methods of analysis and inclusion criteria were based on PRISMA recommendations. Relevant publications were identified by searching Pub Med, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and EMBASE. The end-point was to estimate eradication rate and urea breath test delta value before and after probiotic monotherapy across all studies and, overall, with a pooled data analysis. Adverse events of probiotic therapy were evaluated. The data were expressed as proportions/percentages, and 95%CIs were calculated. For continuous variables, we evaluated the weighted mean difference. Odd ratios(ORs) were calculated according to the Peto method for the comparison of eradication rates between probiotics and placebo.RESULTS Eleven studies were selected. Probiotics eradicated H. pylori in 50 out of 403 cases. The mean weighted eradication rate was 14%(95%CI: 2%-25%, P =0.02). Lactobacilli eradicated the bacterium in 30 out of 235 patients, with a mean weighted rate of 16%(95%CI: 1%-31%). Saccharomyces boulardii achieved eradication in 6 out of 63 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 12%(95%CI: 0%-29%). Multistrain combinations were effective in 14 out of 105 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 14%(95%CI: 0%-43%). In the comparison of probiotics vs placebo, we found an OR of 7.91 in favor of probiotics(95%CI: 2.97-21.05, P < 0.001). Probiotics induced a mean reduction in delta values higher than placebo(8.61% with a 95%CI: 5.88-11.34, vs 0.19% for placebo, P < 0.001). Finally, no significant difference in adverse events was found between probiotics and placebo(OR = 1, 95%CI: 0.06-18.08).CONCLUSION Probiotics alone show a minimal effect on H. pylori clearance, thus suggesting a likely direct role.
文摘Background Pulmonary hypertension （PH） is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Although alveolar hypoxia is considered as a main cause of PH in COPD, structural and functional changes of pulmonary circulation are apparent at the initial stage of COPD. We hypothesized that an inflammatory response and oxidative stress might contribute to the formation of PH in COPD. Methods We measured the levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and 8-iso-prostaglandin （8-iso-PSG） in exhaled breath condensate （EBC） and serum in 40 patients with COPD only or in 45 patients with COPD combined with PH. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure （PASP） was assessed by Doppler echocardiography and defined as PH when the value of systolic pressure was greater than 40 mmHg. Results Compared with the COPD only group, the level of IL-6 in EBC was significantly increased in all 45 patients with COPD combined with PH （（8.27±2.14） ng/L vs. （4.95±1.19） ng/L, P 〈0.01）. The level of IL-6 in serum was also elevated in patients with COPD combined with PH compared with the COPD only group （（72.8±21.6） ng/L vs. （43.58±13.38） ng/L, P 〈0.01 ）. Similarly, we also observed a significant increase in the level of 8-iso-PSG in both EBC and serum in the COPD with PH group, compared with the COPD only group （EBC： （9.00±2.49） ng/L vs. （5.96±2.31） ng/L, P 〈0.01 and serum： （41.87±9.75） ng/L vs. （27.79±11.09） ng/L, P 〈0.01）. Additionally, the value of PASP in the PH group was confirmed to be positively correlated with the increase in the levels of IL-6 and 8-iso-PSG in both EBC and serum （r=0.477-0.589, P 〈0.05）. Conclusion The increase in the levels of IL-6 and 8-iso-PSG in EBC and serum correlates with the pathogenesis of PH in COPD.
文摘Breath tests are non-invasive tests and can detect H<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub> gases which are produced by bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed intestinal carbohydrate and are excreted in the breath. These tests are used in the diagnosis of carbohydrate malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and for measuring the orocecal transit time. Malabsorption of carbohydrates is a key trigger of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms such as diarrhea and/or constipation, bloating, excess flatulence, headaches and lack of energy. Abdominal bloating is a common nonspecific symptom which can negatively impact quality of life. It may reflect dietary imbalance, such as excess fiber intake, or may be a manifestation of IBS. However, bloating may also represent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Patients with persistent symptoms of abdominal bloating and distension despite dietary interventions should be referred for H<sub>2</sub> breath testing to determine the presence or absence of bacterial overgrowth. If bacterial overgrowth is identified, patients are typically treated with antibiotics. Evaluation of IBS generally includes testing of other disorders that cause similar symptoms. Carbohydrate malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sorbitol) can cause abdominal fullness, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea, which are similar to the symptoms of IBS. However, it is unclear if these digestive disorders contribute to or cause the symptoms of IBS. Research studies show that a proper diagnosis and effective dietary intervention significantly reduces the severity and frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS. Thus, diagnosis of malabsorption of these carbohydrates in IBS using a breath test is very important to guide the clinician in the proper treatment of IBS patients.
基金Yakult Ltd, Melbourne Australiain receipt of the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Research Scholarship in Allied Health Sciences+1 种基金Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi IBD Fellowship and the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology-Ferring Pharmaceuticals Fellowshipa Fellowship from Nycomed.
文摘AIM： To determine whether Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota （Yakult） can alter small intestinal bacterial overgrowth （SIBO）, as tested by the lactulose breath test, and whether this is associated with changes in symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）. METHODS： 18 patients with IBS （Rome Ⅱ criteria）, who showed an early rise in breath hydrogen with lactulose （ERBHAL）, consumed 65 mL of Yakult daily for 6 wk. Lactulose breath test was repeated at the end of the treatment period. Symptoms were recorded daily using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS： 14 patients completed the study, 9 （64%） had reversal of ERBHAL, with the median time of first rise in breath hydrogen increasing from 45 to 75 min （P = 0.03）. There was no significant improvement in the symptom score with probiotic therapy, except for wind （P = 0.04）. Patients commencing with at least moderate symptoms and who no longer had ERBHAL at the end of treatment, showed improvement in the overall symptoms scores [median final score 5.3 （IQR 3.9-5.9）, 55% reduction; n = 6] to a greater extent than those who had had persisting ERBHAL [final score 6.9 （5.0-7.0）, 12% reduction; n = 5; P = 0.18]. CONCLUSION： Yakult is effective in altering fermentation patterns in the small bowel, consistent with reducing SIBO. The loss of ERBHAL was associated with reduced symptoms. The true interpretation of these findings awaits a randornised, controlled trial.
基金We would like to thank Kyung-Do Han from the Catholic University of Korea College of MedicineDepartment of Biostatisticsfor providing statistical support
文摘AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection confers a higher risk of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS: Healthy people who underwent health screening were analyzed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 20 years, history of H. pylori infection, and recorded insulin level. Participants were classified as H. pylori positive or negative according to <sup>13</sup>C urea breath tests. NAFLD was defined using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and NAFLD liver fat score (NAFLD-LFS). Those with an HSI > 36 or NAFLD-LFS > -0.640 were considered to have NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for NAFLD.RESULTS: Three thousand six hundred and sixty-three people were analyzed and 1636 (44.7%) were H. pylori positive. H. pylori infection was associated with older age, male gender, hypertension, higher body mass index, and a dyslipidemic profile. HSI differed significantly between H. pylori positive and negative subjects (median 33.2, interquartile range (IQR) 30.0-36.2 for H. pylori-positive vs median 32.6, IQR 29.8-36.0 for negative participants, P = 0.005), but NAFLD-LSF did not [median -1.7, IQR -2.4 - -0.7 vs median -1.8, IQR -2.4-(-0.7), respectively, P = 0.122]. The percentage of people with NAFLD did not differ between infected and uninfected groups: HIS, 26.9% vs 27.1%, P = 0.173; NAFLD-LFS, 23.5% vs 23.1%, P = 0.778. H. pylori infection was not a risk factor, but C-reactive protein concentration and smoking were significant risk factors for NAFLD.CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection is not a risk factor for NAFLD as indicated by HSI or NAFLD-LFS. Prospective, large-scale studies involving liver biopsies should be considered.
文摘Considering the recommended indications for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy and the broad spectrum of available diagnostic methods,a reliable diagnosis is mandatory both before and after eradication therapy.Only highly accurate tests should be used in clinical practice,and the sensitivity and specificity of an adequate test should exceed 90%.The choice of tests should take into account clinical circumstances,the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests,the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy and the availability of the tests.This review concerns some of the most recent developments in diagnostic methods of H.pylori infection,namely the contribution of novel endoscopic evaluation methodologies for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection,such as magnifying endoscopy techniques and chromoendoscopy.In addition,the diagnostic contribution of histology and the urea breath test was explored recently in specific clinical settings and patient groups.Recent studies recommend enhancing the number of biopsy fragments for the rapid urease test.Bacterial culture from the gastric biopsy is the gold standard technique,and is recommended for antibiotic susceptibility test.Serology is used for initial screening and the stool antigen test is particularly used when the urea breath test is not available,while molecular methods have gained attention mostly for detecting antibiotic resistance.
文摘BACKGROUND The Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection rate in China is approximately 50%.H.pylori is a pathogenic factor of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.In addition,H.pylori infection may also be associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases in elderly people,such as arteriosclerosis,coronary heart disease,and cerebral infarction,having deleterious effect on their health.With the aging of the population,the disease characteristics of the elderly population have been increasingly valued by the whole society.We conducted an epidemiological survey of H.pylori infection among elderly people in Beijing to provide a basis for health management of H.pylori infection.AIM To understand the epidemiological characteristics of H.pylori infection in elderly people in Beijing.METHODS A total of 1090 elderly people aged more than 60 years from different parts of Beijing(urban and rural areas)were selected using the random cluster sampling method.Structured questionnaires were completed during home visits and the 13C-urea breath test was conducted for H.pylori detection.RESULTS The prevalence of H.pylori infection was 46.5%(507/1090).The infection rate in men was 51.8%,which was significantly higher than that in women(42.5%;P<0.05).The H.pylori infection rate in illiterate people was significantly higher than that in literate persons(53.5%vs 44.8%,P<0.05).The total infection rate of H.pylori gradually increased with age and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).The H.pylori infection rate in smokers was significantly higher than that in non-smokers and those who had quit smoking(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The prevalence of H.pylori infection among elderly people is 46.5%and the infection rate gradually increases with age.Sex,education level,age,and smoking were determined to be H.pylori infection risk factors.The relationship of H.pylori infection with region,occupation,drinking,and diet structure needs to be further studied.
文摘Background： The ^13C urea breath test （^13C-UBT） is the gold standard for detecting Helicobacterpylori infection. H. pylori pathogenesis in patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV） and related diseases remains obscure. We used ^13C-UBT to detect H. p.vlori infection in patients with chronic HBV infection, HBV-related cirrhosis, HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, and other chronic hepatic diseases. Methods： A total of 131 patients with chronic hepatitis B （HB）, 179 with HBV-related cirrhosis, 103 with HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, 45 with HBV-negative hepatic carcinoma, and 150 controls were tested for H. pylori infection using ^13C-UBT. We compared H. pylori infection rate, liver function, complications of chronic hepatic disease, serum HBV-DNA, serum alpha-fetoprotein （AFP）, and portal hypertensive gastropathy （PHG） incidence among groups. Results： HBV-related cirrhosis was associated with the highest H. pylori infection rate （79.3%）. H. pylori infection rate in chronic HB was significantly higher than in the HBV-negative hepatic carcinoma and control groups （P 〈 0.001 ）. 11. pylori infection rate in patients with HBV-DNA ≥10^3 copies/ml was significantly higher than in those with HBV-DNA 〈103 copies/ml （76.8% vs. 52.4%, P 〈 0.001）. Prothrombin time （21.3 ± 3.5 s vs. 18.8 ±4.3 s）, total bilirubin （47.3±12.3 μmol/L vs. 26.6±7.9 μmol/L）, aspartate aminotransferase （ 184.5 ±37.6 U/L vs. 98.4 ± 23.5 U/L）, blood ammonia （93.4 ± 43.6 μmol/L vs. 35.5 ± 11.7 μmol/L）, and AFP （203.4±62.6 μg/L vs. 113.2± 45.8 μg/L） in the ^13C-UBT-positive group were significantly higher than in the ^13C-UBT-negative group （P 〈 0.01）. The incidence rates of esophageal fundus variceal bleeding （25.4% vs. 16.0%）, ascites （28.9% vs. 17.8%）, and hepatic encephalopathy （24.8% vs. 13.4%） in the ^13C-UBT-positive group were significantly higher than in the 13C-UBT-negative group （P 〈 0.01 ）. The percentages of patients with liver function in Child
文摘Gastroparesis(Gp)is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction.Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s,only recently has there been renewed clinical and scientific interest in this disease,which has a potentially great impact on the quality of life.The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological,diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of Gp according to the most recent evidence.A comprehensive online search for Gp was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE.Gp is the result of neuromuscular abnormalities of the gastric motor function.There is evidence that patients with idiopathic and diabetic Gp may display a reduction in nitrergic inhibitory neurons and in interstitial cells of Cajal and/or telocytes.As regards diagnostic approach,99-Technetium scintigraphy is currently considered to be the gold standard for Gp.Its limits are a lack of standardization and a mild risk of radiation exposure.The C13 breath testing is a valid and safe alternative method.13C acid octanoic and the 13C Spirulina platensis recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are the most commonly used diagnostic kits.The wireless motility capsule is a promising technique,but its use is limited by costs and scarce availability in many countries.Finally,therapeutic strategies are related to the clinical severity of Gp.In mild and moderate Gp,dietary modification and prokinetic agents are generally sufficient.Metoclopramide is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Gp.However,other older and new prokinetics and antiemetics can be considered.As a second-line therapy,tricyclic antidepressants and cannabinoids have been proposed.In severe cases the normal nutritional approach can be compromised and artificial nutrition may be needed.In drug-unresponsive Gp patients some alternative strategies(endoscopic,electric stimulation or surgery)are available.
