Small intestinal microbial dysbiosis underlies symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been implicated in symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), though mechanisms remain poorly defined and treatment involves non-specific antibiotics. Here we show that SIBO based on duodenal aspirate culture reflects an overgrowth of anaerobes, does not correspond with patient symptoms, and may be a result of dietary preferences. Small intestinal microbial composition, on the other hand, is significantly altered in symptomatic patients and does not correspond with aspirate culture results.

The incidence and outcomes from Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized adults with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) may worsen outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but large database-driven studies have conflicting results. The study objective is to analyze clinical features and outcomes in patients with CDI and IBD using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) database from 2005 to 2009.

Materials And Methods: NHDS collects the clinical information on patients dismissed from non-Federal short-stay United States hospitals.