Small bowel bacterial overgrowth: a negative factor in gut adaptation in pediatric SBS.

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is common in infants and children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Its occurrence is due to alterations in anatomy, motility, and secretion, which promote the abnormal growth of bacteria. SBBO is associated with significant clinical problems, including prolonged dependence on parenteral nutrition, liver injury, and malabsorption. A major clinical challenge is in making the correct diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth. Management of this disorder is still poorly understood and should be evaluated adequately. This review addresses the current understanding of bacteria in the intestines and issues related to bacterial overgrowth in pediatric SBS.