Value of the 14C-D-Xylose Breath Test in Patients with Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Abstract
Eighteen control subjects and 18 patients, with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, were investigated using a 10-.mu.Ci 14C-D-xylose breath test. The latter also underwent quantitative bacterial studies of fluid obtained by intestinal intubation. In 14 patients a smaller dose of 3 .mu.Ci 14C-D-xylose was compared to the standard dose and there was a good correlation between the two doses. The peak value of the 14C-D-xylose test provided the best discrimination between patients with and without bacterial overgrowth. The 14C-glycocholic acid test performed in 15 patients, although as sensitive, was less discriminating. The 14C-D-xylose breath test is reliable and more specific in confirming the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth without having to resort to direct bacterial studies.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: