Wadhwa, Abhishek

SummaryBackgroundInfectious enteritis is a commonly identified risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is on the rise. However, there is limited information on post‐infectious IBS (PI‐IBS) development following CDI and the host‐ and infection‐related risk factors are not known.AimTo determine the incidence and risk factors for PI‐IBS following CDI.MethodsA total of 684 cases of CDI identified from September 2012 to November 2013 were surveyed. Participants completed the Rome III IBS questionnaire and details on the CDI episode. Predictive modelling was done using logistic regression to evaluate risk factors for PI‐IBS development.ResultsA total of 315 CDI cases responded (46% response rate) and 205 were at‐risk (no pre‐CDI IBS) for PI‐IBS development. A total of 52/205 (25%) met the Rome III criteria for IBS ≥6 months following CDI. IBS‐mixed was most common followed by IBS‐diarrhoea. In comparison to those without subsequent PI‐IBS, greater percentage of PI‐IBS patients had CDI symptoms >7 days, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain during CDI, anxiety and a higher BMI. Using logistic regression, CDI symptoms >7 days [Odds ratio (OR): 2.96, P = 0.01], current anxiety (OR: 1.33, P < 0.0001) and a higher BMI (OR: 1.08, P = 0.004) were independently associated with PI‐IBS development; blood in the stool during CDI was protective (OR: 0.44, P = 0.06).ConclusionsIn this cohort study, new‐onset IBS is common after CDI. Longer CDI duration, current anxiety and higher BMI are associated with the diagnosis of C. difficile PI‐IBS. This chronic sequela should be considered during active management and follow‐up of patients with CDI.

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) and non‐GI disorders are associated with altered intestinal permeability, which can be measured in vivo by urinary excretion after oral lactulose and mannitol ingestion. Inadvertent dietary consumption of 12Carbon (12C, regular) mannitol in food or from other sources may interfere with the test's interpretation. 13Carbon (13C) constitutes 1% of carbon in nature and 13C mannitol is a stable isotope. Our aim was to determine the performance of 13C mannitol for measurement of intestinal permeability.MethodsTen healthy volunteers underwent intestinal permeability assay using coadministered 12C mannitol, 13C mannitol and lactulose, followed by timed urine collections. Urinary sugar concentrations were measured using tandem high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.Key resultsWe found that 13C mannitol can be distinguishable from 12C mannitol on tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, 13C mannitol had ~20‐fold lower baseline contamination compared to 12C mannitol. We describe here the 13C mannitol assay method for the measurement of intestinal permeability.Conclusions & InferencesIn conclusion, 13C mannitol is superior to 12C mannitol for measurement of intestinal permeability. It avoids issues with baseline contamination and erratic excretions during the testing period.