The effect of long-term omeprazole on the glucose-hydrogen breath test in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE to test whether omeprazole taken for longer than 1 month causes an increase in the rate of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in elderly subjects. SUBJECTS 44 elderly people, 22 taking omeprazole, 22 not taking omeprazole or H2 receptor antagonists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES rate of positive glucose-hydrogen breath tests; anthropometric measures and blood tests reflecting malabsorption. RESULTS there was no difference in the rate of positive tests between those taking omeprazole (45%) and those not taking it (59%). The omeprazole group had significantly lower serum albumin concentrations. There was no difference in body mass index, mid-arm circumference, arm fold thickness, adjusted calcium concentration or haemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS omeprazole does not cause increased bacterial shall bowel overgrowth in elderly subjects.