As healthcare professionals, staying up to date 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 each month, the CDI team carefully curates a selection of industry articles and studies that have a direct impact on the way we approach functional GI disorders.
In this month’s roundup, we’ve compiled four must-read pieces that cover a range of topics, including breath testing for SIBO and IMO, the gut microbiome’s role in IBS, the connection between gravity and gut symptoms, and the link between celiac disease and other functional GI disorders in children.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource – stay ahead of the curve and stay informed with our monthly #Gicommunity industry roundup.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowths and intestinal methanogen overgrowths breath testing in a real-life French cohort
A recent French cohort study published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology has found that breath testing may be an accurate way to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal methane overgrowth (IMO). The study aimed to evaluate the validity of breath testing as a diagnostic tool for these conditions by comparing the results of breath tests to those of small intestinal cultures. The study found that breath testing results were highly correlated with those of small intestinal cultures, suggesting that breath testing is a reliable method for diagnosing SIBO and IMO. The researchers behind the study call for more widespread use of breath testing in diagnosing these conditions, as it is a non-invasive and relatively inexpensive alternative to small intestinal cultures.
The Role of the Microbiome And Probiotics in IBS
Healthcare providers at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York discuss the potential role of the gut microbiome in developing and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a recent Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News Review Article. The authors note that imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to IBS symptoms and that certain probiotic strains may effectively reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. However, the authors also caution that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which probiotics may benefit IBS patients and to identify the most effective strains and dosages. The authors suggest that a personalized approach to probiotics may be a good option for IBS patients, as the gut microbiome is unique to each individual.
Gravity and the Gut: A Hypothesis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a renowned gastroenterologist and a featured guest at CDI’s bi-annual Functional GI Trends Webinar, has proposed a new theory that connects gravity to the functioning of the gut. According to this theory published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, gravity plays a crucial role in the movement of food and waste through the gut, and disruptions in this process can lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. The hypothesis aims to provide a new perspective on understanding IBS and how it relates to the gut. Dr. Spiegel believes that this new understanding could lead to new ways of identifying and treating IBS. Dr. Spiegel encourages more research and studies to help support the hypothesis.
Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with celiac disease on different types of gluten-free diets
A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology has found that children with celiac disease are at a higher risk of developing functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FGIDs in children with celiac disease. The study included 302 children with celiac disease and found that FGIDs were present in 43.4% of the children. The study suggests that children with celiac disease should be screened for FGIDs, including SIBO, and that appropriate treatment should be provided to those affected. Assessment for coexisting functional disorders and selective testing also aligns with new ACG Clinical Guidelines for celiac disease, released in January 2023.
