Demonstration of differences in colonic volumes, transit, chyme consistency, and response to psyllium between healthy and constipated subjects using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: In functional gastrointestinal disorders a lack of objective biomarkers limits evaluation of underlying mechanisms. We aimed to demonstrate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging for this task using psyllium, an effective constipation treatment, in patients and controls. METHODS: Two crossover studies: (i) adults without constipation (controls, n = 9) took three treatments in randomized order for 6 days - maltodextrin (placebo), psyllium 3.5 g t.d.s and 7 g t.d.s., (ii) adults with chronic constipation (patients, n = 20) took placebo and psyllium 7 g t.d.s. for 6 days. MRI was performed fasting and postprandially on day 6. Measurements included small bowel and ascending colon water content, colonic volume, transit time, and MR relaxometry (T1, T2) to assess colonic chyme. Stool water percentage was measured. RESULTS: 7 g psyllium t.d.s. increased fasting colonic volumes in controls from median 372 mL (IQR 284-601) to 578 mL (IQR 510-882), and in patients from median 831 mL (IQR 745-934) to 1104 mL (847-1316), P < .05. Mean postprandial small bowel water was higher in controls and patients after 7 g psyllium t.d.s. vs placebo. Whole gut transit was slower in patients than controls (P < .05). T1 of the descending colon chyme (fasting) was lower in patients (213 ms, 176-420) than controls (440 ms, 352-884, P < .05) on placebo, but increased by 7 g psyllium t.d.s. (590 ms, 446-1338), P < .001. Descending colon T1 correlated with baseline stool water content and stool frequency on treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: MRI measurements can objectively demonstrate the mode of action of therapy targeting intestinal fluid content in constipation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Functional Defecation Disorders in Children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children presenting with functional defecation disorders (FDDs) and to assess the prevalence of FDDs in children with ADHD. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study was carried out between September 2014 and May 2016. Group 1: Parents of children with FDDs according to the Rome III criteria completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the VvGK (Dutch questionnaire based on the American Disruptive Behavior Disorder rating scale). Patients with ADHD subarea scores ≥70 on the Child Behavior Checklist and/or ≥16 on the VvGK were referred for further psychiatric evaluation. Group 2: Parents of children treated for ADHD at a specialized ADHD outpatient clinic completed a standardized questionnaire regarding their child's defecation pattern. RESULTS: In group 1 (282 children with FDDs), 10.3% (7.1%-13.5% bias-corrected and accelerate confidence interval) were diagnosed with ADHD. Group 2 consisted of 198 children with ADHD, 22.7% (17.6-28.8 bias-corrected and accelerate confidence interval) fulfilled the Rome III criteria for an FDD. Children with both an FDD and ADHD reported urinary incontinence significantly more often compared to children with an FDD or ADHD alone: 57.1% in FDD + ADHD versus 22.8% in FDD alone (P < 0.001) and 31.1% in ADHD + FDD versus 7.8% in ADHD alone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 10.3% of children with FDDs had ADHD and 22.7% of children with a known diagnosis of ADHD fulfilled the Rome III criteria for an FDD. This observation suggests that screening for behavioral disorders and FDDs should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup of these groups of children.

Pathogenesis of colonic diverticular disease.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to review the current evidence regarding pathogenesis of colonic diverticular disease and its complications, which are a major health problem in the Western world. METHODS: Based on selective Medline searches, relevant literature was indentified regarding pathogenesis of (1) diverticulosis/formation of diverticula, (2) diverticulitis/inflammation of diverticula, (3) complicated diverticulitis/perforation, and (4) diverticular bleeding. RESULTS: Pathogenesis of colonic diverticula is regarded as a multifactorial process, involving dietary factors (Western low-fiber diet), structural changes of the colonic wall (altered musculature, collagen, elastin, etc.) and functional changes (motility disorder, increased intraluminal pressure). Genetic changes are also discussed and aging is also a key factor. Pathogenesis of inflammation (diverticulosis) is regarded as a result of "microperforations" at the fundus of the diverticulum, and not an "abscessed diverticulum" due to an impacted fecolith. Histamine and its receptors do also seem to play a role, corresponding with the promising prophylactic approach with probiotics. Pathogenesis of complicated diverticulitis is characterized by perforation, which is the cardinal feature. Furthermore, an intensive inflammatory infiltrate with macrophages is found in surgical specimens, even after antibiotic pretreatment. Steroid intake and immunosuppression are risk factors and only recently a glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-receptor has been suggested to resemble the molecular link. Diverticular bleeding is a distinct disease process-which does usually take place without diverticulitis-and is due to eccentric rupture of the vas rectum. CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiology of diverticular disease is multifactorial. Some of the current evidence has important implications for clinical practice, e.g., the suggested role of steroid intake and immunosuppression for complicated diverticulitis.

Isolated colonic inertia is not usually the cause of chronic constipation.

AIM: Chronic constipation is classified as outlet obstruction, colonic inertia or both. We aimed to determine the incidence of isolated colonic inertia in chronic constipation and to study symptom pattern in those with prolonged colonic transit time. METHODS: Chronic constipation patients were classified radiologically by surgeon-reported defaecating proctography and transit study into four groups: isolated outlet obstruction, isolated colonic inertia, outlet obstruction plus colonic inertia, or normal. Symptom patterns were defined as stool infrequency (twice weekly or less) or frequent unsuccessful evacuations (more than twice weekly). RESULTS: Of 541 patients with chronic constipation, 289 (53%) were classified as isolated outlet obstruction, 26 (5%) as isolated colonic inertia, 159 (29%) as outlet obstruction plus colonic inertia and 67 (12%) as normal. Of 448 patients (83%) with outlet obstruction, 35% had additional colonic inertia. Only 14% of those with prolonged colonic transit time had isolated colonic inertia. Frequent unsuccessful evacuations rather than stool infrequency was the commonest symptom pattern in all three disease groups (isolated outlet obstruction 86%, isolated colonic inertia 54% and outlet obstruction plus colonic inertia 63%). CONCLUSION: Isolated colonic inertia is an unusual cause of chronic constipation. Most patients with colonic inertia have associated outlet obstruction. These data question the clinical significance of isolated colonic inertia.

Viscero-visceral hyperalgesia: characterization in different clinical models.

Co-existing algogenic conditions in two internal organs in the same patient may mutually enhance pain symptoms (viscero-visceral hyperalgesia). The present study assessed this phenomenon in different models of visceral interaction. In a prospective evaluation, patients with: (a) coronary artery disease (CAD)+gallstone (Gs) (common sensory projection: T5); (b) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)+dysmenorrhea (Dys) (T10-L1); (c) dysmenorrhea/endometriosis+urinary calculosis (Cal)(T10-L1); and (d) gallstone+left urinary calculosis (Gs+LCal) (unknown common projection) were compared with patients with CAD, Gs, IBS, Dys or Cal only, for spontaneous symptoms (number/intensity of pain episodes) over comparable time periods and for referred symptoms (muscle hyperalgesia; pressure/electrical pain thresholds) from each visceral location. In patients' subgroups, symptoms were also re-assessed after treatment of each condition or after no treatment. (a) CAD+Gs presented more numerous/intense angina/biliary episodes and more referred muscle chest/abdominal hyperalgesia than CAD or Gs; cardiac revascularization or cholecystectomy also reduced biliary or cardiac symptoms, respectively (0.001

[Bowel gases]. / A bélgázok jelentosége.

Abdominal bloating is one of the most common symptoms in patients with different gastrointestinal disorders. The majority of patients usually attribute this complaint to increased intestinal gas volume. Recent experimental studies using the gas challenge test help us to better understand the gas dynamics and tolerance in humans. Although there are some clinical conditions that are clearly related to impaired gas dynamics, the role of gases in functional gastrointestinal disorders especially in irritable bowel syndrome is much more complicated. Impaired gas handling, abnormal reflexes and visceral hypersensitivity seem to be the main factors resulting in abdominal bloating in this group of patients. Further clinical studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiologic mechanisms of intestinal gas and this may contribute to the evaluation of optimal therapy.

Functional defecation disorder as a clinical subgroup of chronic constipation: analysis of symptoms and physiological parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with functional constipation can be classified according to symptoms and physiological parameters as either having a disorder of defecation or having normal defecation. It is hypothesized that the disordered defecation, where it exists, is a causative factor of the constipation. However, the utility of this classification has yet to be proven in terms of predicting response to therapy. The definitions are non-specific and based on tests that are done in an artificial setting and with derived normal ranges. It is therefore possible that the symptoms and physiological parameters of a defecatory disorder may occur as a continuous spectrum in these patients, rather than defining a discrete entity or subtype. The aim of this study was to use cluster analysis and factor analysis of defecatory symptoms and physiological parameters to look for evidence of subgroups in patients with functional constipation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting to a specialist constipation clinic and satisfying the inclusion criteria were assessed to determine the severity of defecatory symptoms, and underwent isotope defecating proctography and the Sitzmark transit study. Assessments were made contemporaneously and results of any test not performed within 6 weeks of the initial assessment were excluded. Principle components analysis and cluster analysis were performed to look for evidence of subgroups. Relationships between evacuatory symptoms, index parameters, and test results were explored. The detailed and unselected nature of the analyses produced hundreds of test results, and statistically significant results were critically evaluated in this context. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were studied (age range 18-73 years, mean 40.5 years). Based on the results of the transit study and proctography, 38% of patients showed evidence of slow transit constipation, 20% FDD (functional defecation disorder), 29% both, and 12% neither. Principle components analysis did not demonstrate an obvious dimension reduction for the variables tested. Cluster analysis (over 150 solutions tested) failed to show evidence of clustering. There were no useful predictive relationships between evacuatory symptoms, index parameters and test results. CONCLUSIONS: We used multiple statistical analyses to look for clustering and predictive relationships between clinical and physiological parameters in consecutive patients with functional constipation and found no evidence of the existence of a subgroup of patients with a defecatory disorder. This may be due to weaknesses in the study design, poor validity of the assessments performed, or that defecatory features do not identify a distinct pathophysiological entity, but rather are manifested variably as a continuous spectrum.

Systematic evaluation of the causes of chronic watery diarrhea with functional characteristics.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND Causes of chronic watery diarrhea are multiple. There is not definite scientific evidence about AND AIMS: which are the recommended explorations to be performed in the diagnostic workup of patients with functional diarrhea. The aim was to assess prospectively the presence of gluten-sensitive enteropathy, bile acid malabsorption, and sugar malabsorption in consecutive patients with chronic watery diarrhea of obscure origin fulfilling Rome II criteria of functional disease. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with chronic watery diarrhea, defined as more than 3 loose or liquid bowel movements a day for at least 4 wk and a stool weight >200 g/day were included. The following tests were performed: (a) HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotyping, and if positive, endoscopic biopsies from distal duodenum were obtained, and intestinal damage assessed; (b) SeHCAT (Se-homotaurocholate) abdominal retention test; (c) small bowel follow-through; and (d) hydrogen breath test (lactose, fructose + sorbitol). Gluten- or sugar-free diet, or cholestyramine was administered according to results. Functional disease was diagnosed if all tests performed were normal or if either there was no response to specific therapy or diarrhea relapsed during a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Bile acid malabsorption was considered to be the cause of diarrhea in 28 (45.2%) patients, sugar malabsorption in 10 (16.1%), gluten-sensitive enteropathy in 10 (16.1%), and both bile acid and sugar malabsorption in 2 patients. Twelve (19.4%) patients remained without a specific diagnosis and were considered as functional bowel disease. Diarrhea stopped in the 50 patients after specific treatment, decreasing the daily stool number from 5.4 +/- 0.3 to 1.5 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.0005), without relapse after the 12-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of functional disease in patients with chronic watery diarrhea should be performed with caution since in most cases there is an organic cause that justifies diarrhea.

Constipation.

Chronic constipation is a common disorder manifested by a variety of symptoms. Assessments of colonic transit and anorectal functions are used to categorize constipated patients into three groups, i.e., normal transit or irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction (i.e., functional defaecatory disorders) and slow transit constipation. 'Slow transit' constipation is a clinical syndrome attributed to ineffective colonic propulsion and/or increased resistance to propagation of colonic contents. Defaecatory disorders are caused by insufficient relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles or a failure to generate adequate propulsive forces during defaecation. Colonic transit is often delayed in patients with functional defaecatory disorders. Normal and slow transit constipation are generally managed with medications; surgery is necessary for a minority of patients with slow transit constipation. Functional defaecatory disorders are primarily treated with pelvic floor retraining using biofeedback therapy.

A comparative reappraisal of the Rome II and Rome III diagnostic criteria: are we getting closer to the 'true' prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome?

OBJECTIVES: Revisions of the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome have led to varying prevalence estimates. The Rome III criteria require a lower symptom frequency than Rome II (at least 10% of the time for Rome III, compared with at least 25% of the time for Rome II). In an epidemiological survey of a representative sample of Israeli adults using Rome II, we reported the prevalence for irritable bowel syndrome as 2.9%. The official Rome II integrative questionnaire, used for that study, enables a close approximation of Rome III rates, facilitating a retrospective comparison of these criteria. METHODS: A representative sample of 1000 adults was interviewed with a validated Hebrew version of the official Rome II integrative questionnaire. The data were re-evaluated retrospectively to compare the Rome II results with a close approximation of the new Rome III criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence rates for irritable bowel syndrome were 2.9 and 11.4%, respectively, for Rome II and Rome III. The corresponding consultation rates were 57.1 and 41.7%, indicating that the more strict Rome II criteria may select out a group of patients with more severe disease or greater psychosocial problems. Women made up 71.4% of irritable bowel syndrome by Rome II and 62.5% by Rome III. CONCLUSIONS: In the present retrospective study, the prevalence rate for irritable bowel syndrome in our population is significantly higher by Rome III compared with Rome II. Rome III may more closely reflect the socioeconomic burden of irritable bowel syndrome compared with the overly strict Rome II. Prospective comparative studies should be conducted to confirm these results.

Capsule endoscopy: is there a role for nurses as physician extenders?

Capsule endoscopy is a novel technique for examining the small bowel; however, data interpretation is time consuming and requires expertise. This study aimed to compare the interpretation of capsule endoscopy between an experienced gastroenterologist and a nurse. A total of 50 consecutive videos were viewed independently by a nurse and a physician, both blinded to the referral indications. The nurse had no prior experience with capsule endoscopy. Possible pathology was graded in a pre-agreed standardized manner, with findings described as "relevant," "uncertain," or "irrelevant." Another gastroenterologist, who had knowledge of all the cases including follow-up data and clinical outcomes, independently arbitrated. Findings showed no difference in the number of relevant or uncertain pathologies identified. The nurse reader was more likely to record irrelevant findings (4.7 vs. 2.0 lesions; p < .01) and required more time to read the videos than the physician (mean = 73 vs. 58 min; p < .01). This study shows that a nurse capsule endoscopy reader is as capable as an experienced physician in identifying small bowel mucosal abnormalities on capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy is an area in which nurses could develop as physician extenders.

Long-term outcome of functional childhood constipation.

We investigated whether functional childhood constipation (FCC) is an early expression in the continuum of functional disorders such as adult constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and dyspepsia. Adults >or=18 years with a diagnosis of FCC verified by one pediatric gastroenterologist participated in the questionnaire-based study. Controls were comprised of adults who underwent tonsillectomy as otherwise healthy children during the period corresponding to the FCC diagnosis. The prevalence of constipation, IBS, and dyspepsia was determined by the Bowel Disease Questionnaire. Twenty FCC adults (8 females), median age 22 years, were compared with 17 adult controls (10 females), median age 22.9 years. The frequency of constipation in FCC adults was not different from that in controls (25% versus 23.5%). The frequency of IBS in FCC adults was higher than in controls (55% versus 23.5%; P < 0.05). Dyspepsia was reported by 25% of both groups. The median follow-up period of the FCC adults was 14 years. In a long-term follow-up of a small sample, the prevalence of constipation in FCC adults is comparable to that in controls. Childhood constipation appears to be a predictor of IBS in adulthood.

Vulvar disease: a pelvic floor pain disorder?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of painful bladder syndrome and functional bowel disorders in women with vulvar disease and control subjects. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire that contained validated outcome measures was administered to women who were seeking care in a vulvar disease clinic and in general gynecology clinics. RESULTS: Women who were seen at a vulvar disease clinic were 2.18 (95% CI, 1.19, 3.97) times more likely to have painful bladder syndrome and 2.13 (95% CI, 1.35, 3.35) times more likely to have functional bowel disorders than general gynecology clinic control subjects after multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: Painful bladder syndrome and functional bowel disorders are more prevalent in women who are seen at a vulvar disease clinic than gynecology clinics control subjects. These associations may reflect a common origin for these disorders in certain women. These findings lay the groundwork for future research to investigate a potential "pelvic floor pain disorder," which is a disease entity that would combine the diagnostic criteria for vulvar, bladder, and bowel pain disorders.

Ileostomy for constipation: long-term postoperative outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Idiopathic constipation is a rare indication for ileostomy construction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the success of ileostomy in treatment of severe constipation. Also to analyse the surgical complications and re-operation rate to identify any factors potentially predictive of outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed the long-term outcome of 24 ileostomies constructed for constipation. The ileostomy construction was performed in 13 patients during large bowel/rectum resection, in 6 after a full laparotomy and in 5 through an abdominal wall trephine alone. We analysed the surgical complications and the re-operation rate according any factors potentially predictive of outcome. RESULTS: One (4%) patient had persistent constipation after stoma creation. Surgical complications occurred in 11 (46%): retraction in 6 (25.0%), peristomal sepsis in 3 (12.5%) and parastomal hernia in 2 (8.1%). Refashioning of the stoma was necessary in 7 (29%) patients. Previous abdominal surgery, end ileostomy, ileostomy constructed after large bowel resection or laparotomy were associated with a significantly higher incidence of stomal complications while age, duration of follow up, major complication and ileostomy created after bowel resection were associated to a significantly higher re-operation rate (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified end ileostomy and ileostomy created after bowel resection as independent risk factors for surgical complication and re-operation, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ileostomies were associated with a high frequency of complications, but most could be managed by minor surgical interventions. Patients who are considered for an ileostomy for severe idiopathic constipation should, where possible, have a loop ileostomy through a trephine rather than a laparotomy.

Chronic abdominal pain in children.

Chronic abdominal pain, defined as long-lasting intermittent or constant abdominal pain, is a common pediatric problem encountered by primary care physicians, medical subspecialists, and surgical specialists. Chronic abdominal pain in children is usually functional, that is, without objective evidence of an underlying organic disorder. The Subcommittee on Chronic Abdominal Pain of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition has prepared this report based on a comprehensive, systematic review and rating of the medical literature. This report accompanies a clinical report based on the literature review and expert opinion. The subcommittee examined the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a medical and psychological history, diagnostic tests, and pharmacologic and behavioral therapy. The presence of alarm symptoms or signs (such as weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent fever, chronic severe diarrhea, and significant vomiting) is associated with a higher prevalence of organic disease. There was insufficient evidence to state that the nature of the abdominal pain or the presence of associated symptoms (such as anorexia, nausea, headache, and joint pain) can discriminate between functional and organic disorders. Although children with chronic abdominal pain and their parents are more often anxious or depressed, the presence of anxiety, depression, behavior problems, or recent negative life events does not distinguish between functional and organic abdominal pain. Most children who are brought to the primary care physician's office for chronic abdominal pain are unlikely to require diagnostic testing. Pediatric studies of therapeutic interventions were examined and found to be limited or inconclusive.

Chronic Abdominal Pain In Children: a Technical Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Chronic abdominal pain, defined as long-lasting intermittent or constant abdominal pain, is a common pediatric problem encountered by primary care physicians, medical subspecialists and surgical specialists. Chronic abdominal pain in children is usually functional-that is, without objective evidence of an underlying organic disorder. The Subcommittee on Chronic Abdominal Pain of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has prepared this report based on a comprehensive, systematic review and rating of the medical literature. This report accompanies a clinical report based on the literature review and expert opinion. The subcommittee examined the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a medical and psychologic history, diagnostic tests, and pharmacological and behavioral therapy. The presence of alarm symptoms or signs (such as weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent fever, chronic severe diarrhea and significant vomiting) is associated with a higher prevalence of organic disease. There was insufficient evidence to state that the nature of the abdominal pain or the presence of associated symptoms (such as anorexia, nausea, headache and joint pain) can discriminate between functional and organic disorders. Although children with chronic abdominal pain and their parents are more often anxious or depressed, the presence of anxiety, depression, behavior problems or recent negative life events does not distinguish between functional and organic abdominal pain. Most children who are brought to the primary care physician's office for chronic abdominal pain are unlikely to require diagnostic testing. Pediatric studies of therapeutic interventions were examined and found to be limited or inconclusive.