Each month, the CDI team rounds up some of the latest #GIcommunity research, news, and trends and highlights how they impact functional GI diagnostics and treatment.
This month, we feature a new clinical practice update on the role of diet in IBS, a TIME article on SIBO diagnosis and treatment, an article on the future of IBS care (perfect timing as we move into April’s IBS Awareness Month), and a new study on SIBO in children.
AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Role of Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Expert Review
A new American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update (CPU) from leading GI practitioners is available this month, focusing on the role of diet in IBS. The authors developed a collection of 9 “best practice advice” statements drawn from reviewing existing literature combined with expert opinion. The advice includes: multidisciplinary management is vital, watching for disordered eating, and low FODMAP is the most evidence-based diet intervention.
The Mysteries and Underdiagnosis of SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a notoriously underdiagnosed condition, despite research suggesting it may be a chief cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This latest TIME article discusses the significance of SIBO and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), the link between SIBO and IMO, and other motility dysfunctions like IBS, and recommended diagnosis and treatment for these digestive disorders.
The future of IBS care relies on a multidisciplinary, integrative ‘team sport’ approach
In identifying how to provide care best, Healio Gastroenterology spoke with GI experts on their approach and strategies to treating an IBS and their advice for this particular group of patients. The article includes expert insights about pharmacologic management, dietary and nutritional IBS management, behavioral management, and the future of IBS management, including digital health interventions.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children: Clinical Features and Treatment Response
A new study from a team at Stanford University aimed to characterize the population of children diagnosed with SIBO and IMO retrospectively based on breath test results, correlate clinical symptomatology with abnormal readings in breath testing, and describe SIBO and IMO treatment efficacy. Included in the findings: lactulose breath testing for pediatrics is more common than glucose breath testing; no correlation was found between constipation and methane; kids with IBS and boating should be screened for SIBO, and there was no difference in effectiveness between metronidazole and rifaximin. The authors also concluded that further studies need to be done to determine effective treatments for SIBO in pediatrics.
