Relationship between intestinal bacterial overgrowth and quality of life in adult patients with compensated liver cirrhosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59093/27112330.139Keywords:
liver cirrhosis, quality of life, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, human viral hepatitis.Abstract
Introduction. In decompensated liver cirrhosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been associated with increased complications. However, its impact on quality of life in compensated cirrhosis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SIBO and quality of life in compensated liver cirrhosis. Methodology. A cross-sectional, analytical, observational study was conducted. Adult patients with compensated liver cirrhosis attending hepatology clinics were included. SIBO was diagnosed using a hydrogen breath test, and quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). Patients with a positive SIBO test received rifaximin, according to clinical guidelines. Mean CLDQ scores were compared using a Student t-test, and linear regression identified factors associated with quality of life. Results. The majority of patients were women (64.5%), with a mean age of 65.3 years. Hypertension was present in 48.2% of patients, and type 2 diabetes in 40%. SIBO was detected in 35.5%. Mean CLDQ scores for patients with and without SIBO were: abdominal symptoms (4.74–4.72; p=0.4), fatigue (3.76-4.28; p=0.09), systemic symptoms (4.21-4.00; p=0.27), activity symptoms (5.01-4.85; p=0.53), emotional symptoms (4.87-4.72; p=0.50), and worry symptoms (4.50-4.07; p=0.16). No significant differences were found. Fatigue scores were lower in patients with SIBO, although not statistically significant. Creatinine (p=0.01) and symptoms of bloating and pain (p=0.00) were associated with quality of life. Conclusion. Quality of life did not differ significantly between patients with and without SIBO in compensated cirrhosis.
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