GASTROENTEROLOGY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
March 20, 2008
Saad RJ, Chey WD. Breath tests for gastrointestinal disease: The real deal or just a lot of hot air? Gastroenterology 2007;133:1763-1766
1. Sensitivity of the urea breath test can be affected by:
a. antibiotic use in the prior 4 weeks
b. PPI use in the prior 2 weeks
c. hepatic encephalopathy
d. H2 RA use
e. bismuth compounds used during the prior 4 weeks
2. False positive results from carbohydrate breath tests could occur as a result of
a. poor oral hygiene
b. Helicobacter pylori infection
c. Use of antibiotics
d. Smoking
e. A high fiber or unfermentable fiber supplements taken the evening before
True or False
3, A 13C urea breath test is preferred to a 14C breath test in children and pregnant patients
4. The urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection detects the presence of radiolabeled ammonia that is exhaled in the breath
5. A lactose breath hydrogen test is used to test the ability of the small intestine to absorb lactose
6. After a lactose challenge, a rise in H2 of 5ppm, together with a rise in CH4 of 45ppm indicates the presence of lactase deficiency
7. An abnormal fructose breath test indicates a deficiency in brush border fructose
8. The most common findings during lactulose breath testing in a patient with SIBO is a “double-peak” sign