Lactulose Breath Testing Does Not Discriminate Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome From Healthy Controls

The majority of patients with IBS and healthy subjects meet criteria for an "abnormal" LBT using previously published test criteria, and groups are not discriminated using this diagnostic method. Similarly, while CH(4) production was associated with constipation among IBS patients, the prevalence of CH(4)-positive subjects did not significantly differ between IBS patients and controls. The utility of LBT, in its current form as a diagnostic tool in IBS requires critical reappraisal.