Stable isotope breath tests for assessing gastric emptying: A comprehensive review

Abstract

A stable isotope ([ 13 C]) breath test is a promising method for assessing gastric emptying, but it has not been pervasive yet in Japan. We think that there are some barriers to its popularization, including the uncertainty concerning its theoretical backgrounds, the ambiguity of analyzing and interpreting the data, and the lack of standard protocols for breath sampling. The aim of the present review is to break through these barriers. We hope this article could make the [ 13 C]-gastric breath test more maneuverable for and more accessible to researchers and clinicians.

Characteristics of gastrointestinal symptoms and function following endoscopic submucosal dissection and treatment of the gastrointestinal symptoms using rikkunshito

“…The mean T-max 6–8 days after ESD was 75.4±13.6 min which was significantly longer compared with the mean T-max previously reported in healthy subjects (43.9±10.3 min) (16). This suggests that gastric emptying was delayed 6–8 days after ESD; however, gastric emptying beyond this operative period remains unknown.…”

“…The reference range of T-max was derived from 63 healthy volunteers by the Japan Society of Smooth Muscle Research; the mean ± SD of the T-max was 43.9±10.3 min (16). Gastric emptying following ESD in the patients with EGC in the present study is shown in Fig.…”

“…The gastric emptying test was performed according to the protocol of the 13 C-acetate breath test standardized by the Japan Society of Smooth Muscle Research (16). Briefly, a commercially available diet (OKUNOS-A; Horika Foods, Tokyo, Japan) was used as the test meal.…”

“…The reference range of T-max was derived from measurements in 63 healthy volunteers by the Japan Society of Smooth Muscle Research (16). Horizontal bars represent the median value in each group.…”

Indirect vs direct assessment of gastric emptying: A randomized crossover trial comparing C‐isotope breath analysis and MRI

“…With indirect methods, the emptying process is estimated by labeling the meal with a tracer. Tracer recovery via breath—or blood for acetaminophen—is used as a proxy to estimate GE . Breath testing (BT) is performed with a carbon isotope ( 13 C), which is absorbed and metabolized into CO 2 .…”