Profile of patients diagnosed with hydrogen-producing intestinal bacterial overgrowth and intestinal methanogenic overgrowth in a second level hospital

<title>Abstract</title> Introduction and objectives: intestinal methanogenic overgrowth (IMO) is a recognized entity that has recently been included within the profile of intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This study is carried out with the objective of describing the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with bacterial overgrowth in hydrogen (SIBO-H) and IMO and analyzing the differences between groups in terms of the variables studied. Material and methods: observational, retrospective and single-center study. Patients seen in the Digestive Department were included, in whom a breath test with oral glucose load had been performed to evaluate SIBO-H and IMO. The clinical-epidemiological characteristics of the patients were analyzed and a comparative analysis was carried out between SIBO-H and IMO. Results: 116 patients with symptoms suggestive of SIBO were analyzed, of which 26 were eligible with a positive result for hydrogen or methane (22.41%). SIBO-H was diagnosed in 50% (13) and IMO in 50% (13). The predominant symptoms in both groups were abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. The risk factors identified were surgical resections with anastomosis, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. No differences were found between both groups in terms of clinical-epidemiological characteristics and treatment. Conclusions: no significant differences were found regarding the variables studied in a probable relationship with a small sample. It is necessary to continue studying the characteristics of both groups in order to implement effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for an entity of growing interest in Digestive System consultations.