As healthcare professionals, staying current on the latest research, news, and trends in functional GI diagnostics and treatment is crucial for providing the best possible care for our patients. That’s why the CDI team carefully curates a selection of industry articles and studies that directly impact how we approach functional GI disorders each month.
In this July edition of CDI’s Monthly Industry Roundup, we bring you four insightful articles that shed light on important topics in the field, including a comparison of SIBO and IMO, a new AGA clinical practice update on common GI symptoms, and dietary treatments for IBS.
Comparing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and intestinal methanogen overgrowth: a single-center retrospective cohort study
This research letter published in Gastro Hep Advances presents important findings on the treatment response of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) to rifaximin alone and rifaximin combined with neomycin. The study reveals no significant difference in the treatment response between the two approaches for IMO. Surprisingly, rifaximin is also shown to be just as effective for IMO as for SIBO. The study also highlights that constipation is more prevalent in patients with IMO, and the type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not differ significantly between SIBO and IMO. These findings provide valuable insights into the management of SIBO and IMO and their associated clinical characteristics, contributing to a better understanding of these GI conditions.
AGA Clinical Practice Update on Evaluation and Management of Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention: Expert Review
The latest AGA Clinical Practice Update offers best practice advice for clinicians addressing prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Hydrogen and methane breath testing is suggested as a best practice to rule out carbohydrate enzyme deficiencies: “Although endoscopic biopsies with enzyme assays are available, use of breath testing, which measures hydrogen, methane, and CO2, is a better low-cost option, albeit reserved for patients refractory to dietary restrictions first and suspected lactose, fructose, or sucrose intolerances.”
Additionally, for certain at-risk patients, glucose- or lactulose-based breath testing can be utilized to evaluate for SIBO or IMO.
This clinical practice update should help healthcare providers make informed decisions about diagnostic testing, leading to more effective management of patients experiencing abdominal bloating and distention.
Dietary Interventions Should Be First-Line Treatment for IBS
This Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News article sheds light on the evolving understanding of the impact of diet on managing symptoms of IBS. Diet has long been recognized as a significant factor affecting symptom severity for IBS, and the article discusses recent research advancements that have provided valuable insights into the role of specific diets, such as low FODMAP and Mediterranean diets, in alleviating these symptoms. Moreover, the article explores the potential of personalized nutrition approaches and gut-directed dietary therapies in improving the quality of life for individuals with IBS. This informative piece is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking evidence-based dietary interventions to manage IBS symptoms better and enhance patient care.
