Article

The objective of this study was to
assess the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), methane
(CH4) production and orocecal transit time (OCTT) in children affected by
myelomeningocele.Setting:This study was conducted at the Catholic University in
Rome, Italy.Methods:Eighteen (6M/12F; 16.4+/-7.6 years) children affected by
myelomeningocele were enrolled. All subjects underwent H2/CH4 lactulose breath
tests to assess SIBO and OCTT. All patients performed a visual analog scale to
investigate abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence, and maintained a diary of
the frequency and consistency of the stool during the previous 7 days. A
nephro-urological clinical evaluation of the number of urinary tract infections
(UTIs) and neurogenic bowel disease score were also performed.Results:Thirty-nine
percent (7/18) of the children showed SIBO and 61% (11/18) presented a delayed
OCTT. Moreover 44.4% (8/18) produced high levels of CH4. Interestingly, all
myelomeningocele children who produced CH4 showed a delayed OCTT and a higher
incidence of UTI, with a lower frequency of evacuation, compared with those with
a normal or accelerated OCTT.Conclusion:The association between CH4 and
constipation suggests that CH4 has an active role in the development of
constipation. One of the most interesting features of our study is to identify a
correlation between myelomeningocele, CH4, delayed OCTT and UTI. The intestinal
decontamination with locally acting drugs in these children may reduce the number
of UTIs and improve intestinal motility.

Langue : ANGLAIS