Table 1.
Characteristics of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Asymptomatic Control Individuals and Their Hydrogen Breath Test Results
| Category | IBS individuals (n = 35) | Asymptomatic controls (n = 35) | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female (n [%]) | 19 (54.3) | 17 (48.6) | 0.810 |
| Age (mean ± SD, yr) | 42.7 ± 13.8 | 38.2 ± 11.0 | 0.160 |
| Positive 15-g fructose HBT result (n [%]) | 7 (20.0) | 2 (5.7) | 0.070 |
| 15-g fructose HBT (min) | |||
| Onset H2 | 12.0 ± 27.4 | 3.4 ± 12.1 | 0.150 |
| Peak H2 | 13.7 ± 32.0 | 5.1 ± 18.5 | 0.170 |
| Onset CH4 | 6.0 ± 19.0 | 0.9 ± 5.1 | 0.160 |
| Peak CH4 | 11.1 ± 33.4 | 1.7 ± 10.1 | 0.160 |
| Methane producer (n [%]) | 2 (5.7) | 2 (5.7) | > 0.999 |
| Associated symptoms (n [%]) | |||
| Abdominal pain | 8 (22.9) | 2 (5.7) | 0.040 |
| Cramping | 2 (5.7) | 2 (5.7) | > 0.999 |
| Bloating | 14 (40.0) | 5 (14.3) | 0.020 |
| Fullness | 11 (31.4) | 4 (11.4) | 0.040 |
| Nausea | 7 (20.0) | 6 (17.1) | 0.760 |
| Belching | 16 (45.7) | 8 (22.9) | 0.040 |
| Ingestion | 3 (8.6) | 0 (0) | 0.070 |
| Diarrhea | 5 (14.3) | 1 (2.9) | 0.090 |
| Flatulence | 15 (42.9) | 7 (20.0) | 0.040 |
| Positive 25-g fructose HBT result (n [%]) | 16 (45.7) | 8 (22.9) | 0.040 |
| 25-g fructose HBT (min) | |||
| Onset H2 | 25.7 ± 32.7 | 14.6 ± 30.3 | 0.090 |
| Peak H2 | 38.6 ± 46.3 | 31.7 ± 57.7 | 0.260 |
| Onset CH4 | 2.6 ± 11.2 | 6.0 ± 25.0 | 0.950 |
| Peak CH4 | 6.9 ± 29.2 | 7.7 ± 32.0 | 0.990 |
| Methane producer (n [%]) | 2 (5.7) | 2 (5.7) | > 0.999 |
| Associated symptoms (n [%]) | |||
| Abdominal pain | 10 (28.6) | 0 (0) | < 0.010 |
| Cramping | 4 (11.4) | 0 (0) | 0.020 |
| Bloating | 14 (40.0) | 5 (14.3) | 0.020 |
| Fullness | 13 (37.1) | 5 (14.3) | 0.030 |
| Nausea | 8 (22.9) | 11 (31.4) | 0.420 |
| Belching | 16 (45.7) | 13 (37.1) | 0.470 |
| Indigestion | 5 (14.3) | 0 (0) | 0.020 |
| Diarrhea | 8 (22.9) | 1 (2.9) | 0.010 |
| Flatulence | 18 (51.4) | 7 (20.0) | < 0.010 |
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; HBT, hydrogen breath testing; H2, hydrogen; CH4, methane.