An Open-labeled Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of “Anuloma DS” in Improving Constipation

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in the general population. Despite a plethora of well-established and safe treatment options, the improvement is not satisfactory for many patients. This has prompted interest in alternative therapeutic strategies for constipation. Methods: This open-label, non-comparative single-arm clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the polyherbal formulation “Anuloma DS”, 1 tablet daily at bedtime, in improving bowel movements in 30 adult patients with functional constipation. Patients were evaluated at baseline (Visit 1, Day 0) and follow-ups during Visit 2 (Day 7 ± 2), Visit 3 (Day 14 ± 2) and Visit 4 (End of the Study) at Day 30 ± 2. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean of spontaneous bowel movement every week from day 7 to days 14 and 30. All constipation symptoms such as abdominal bloating (aadmana), abdominal pain/discomfort (aanaha), feeling of incomplete evacuation and straining during passing stool improved significantly as did the SGA and the PGA scores. Conclusion: Anuloma DS is highly effective for the treatment of chronic functional constipation. No treatment-related side effects were reported by the study participants.

Meta-analysis of Simotang Oral Liquid in treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults / 中国中药杂志

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Simotang Oral Liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults. "Simotang Oral Liquid" "Simotang" "Si Mo Tang" "Si Mo Tang Oral Liquid" were used for retrieval of the relevant papers from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Springer Link, and Web of Science from database inception to June 2021. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Simotang Oral Liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults was screened out for Meta-analysis which was conducted in RevMan 5.3. A total of 16 RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, Simotang Oral Liquid increased the total response rate and lowered the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, serum cholecystokinin(CCK), serum nitric oxide(NO), and incidence of adverse reactions. However, the serum substance P(SP) had no statistical difference between the two groups. Simotang Oral Liquid is effective and safe in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in adults. However, this study has evidence and limitations, so the conclusions need to be further verified by large sample and multicenter clinical studies.

Clinical observation of acupuncture at Huiyin (CV 1) for chronic severe functional constipation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of acupuncture at Huiyin (CV 1) and oral administration of western medication in treatment of chronic severe functional constipation (CSFC).@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with CSFC were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (32 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a western medication group (32 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Both groups were given routine basic treatment. The acupuncture group was treated by directly puncture of 20-30 mm at Huiyin (CV 1), once a day for the first 4 weeks, 5 times a week, once every other day for the next 4 weeks, 3 times a week, totally for 8 weeks. The western medication group was treated with 2 mg prucalopride succinate tablets orally before breakfast every day for 8 weeks. The average number of weekly spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) of the two groups were observed before treatment and 1-8 weeks into treatment. The constipation symptom score before and after treatment, and in follow-up of 1 month after treatment, as well as quality of life [patient assessment of constipation quality of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL) score and the proportion of patients of PAC-QOL score difference before and after treatment≥1] before and after treatment were compared in the two groups. The clinical effects of the two groups were evaluated after treatment and in follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the average number of weekly SBM in the two groups was increased 1-8 weeks into treatment (P<0.05). The average number of weekly SBM in the acupuncture group was less than that in the western medication group 1 week into treatment (P<0.05), and the average number of weekly SBM in the observation group was more than that in the western medication group 4-8 weeks into treatment (P<0.05). The scores of constipation symptom after treatment and in follow-up and scores of PAC-QOL after-treatment in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients of PAC-QOL score difference before and after treatment≥1 in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the west medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rates after treatment and in follow-up in the acupuncture group were 81.5% (22/27) and 78.3% (18/23), respectively, which were better than 42.9% (12/28) and 43.5% (10/23) in the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Huiyin (CV 1) can effectively increase the number of spontaneous defecation in patients with CSFC, reduce constipation symptoms, improve the quality of life, and the effect after treatment and in follow-up is better than oral western medication.

Electro-acupuncture promotes gut motility and alleviates functional constipation by regulating gut microbiota and increasing butyric acid generation in mice / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Abnormalities in the gut microbiota and intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of functional constipation (FC). Electro-acupuncture (EA) has been shown to improve constipation-related symptoms and rebalance the gut microbiota. However, it is currently unknown whether the gut microbiota is a key mechanistic target for EA or how EA promotes gut motility by regulating the gut microbiota and SCFAs. Therefore, we assessed the effects of EA in FC mice and pseudo-germfree (PGF) mice to address these questions.@*METHODS@#Forty female Kunming mice were randomly separated into a normal control group (n = 8), an FC group (n = 8), an FC + EA group (n = 8), a PGF group (n = 8) and a PGF + EA group (n = 8). The FC group and FC + EA group were treated with diphenoxylate to establish the FC model; the PGF group and PGF + EA group were given an antibiotic cocktail to initiate the PGF model. After maintaining the model for 14 d, mice in the FC + EA and PGF + EA groups received EA stimulation at the ST25 and ST37 acupoints, once a day, 5 times per week, for 2 weeks. Fecal parameters and intestinal transit rate were calculated to assess the efficacy of EA on constipation and gastrointestinal motility. Colonic contents were used to quantify gut microbial diversity using 16S rRNA sequencing, and measure SCFA concentrations using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.@*RESULTS@#EA significantly shortened the first black stool defecation time (P < 0.05) and increased the intestinal transit rate (P < 0.01), and fecal pellet number (P < 0.05), wet weight (P < 0.05) and water content (P < 0.01) over 8 h, compared with the FC group, showing that EA promoted gut motility and alleviated constipation. However, EA treatment did not reverse slow-transit colonic motility in PGF mice (P > 0.05), demonstrating that the gut microbiota may play a mechanistic role in the EA treatment of constipation. In addition, EA treatment restored the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and significantly increased butyric acid generation in FC mice (P < 0.05), most likely due to the upregulation of Staphylococcaceae microorganisms (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA-mediated resolution of constipation occurs through rebalancing the gut microbiota and promoting butyric acid generation. Please cite this article as: Xu MM, Guo Y, Chen Y, Zhang W, Wang L, Li Y. Electro-acupuncture promotes gut motility and alleviates functional constipation by regulating gut microbiota and increasing butyric acid generation in mice. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

Luteolin ameliorates loperamide-induced functional constipation in mice

Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by hard stools and infrequent bowel movements, which is associated with dysfunction of the enteric nervous system and intestinal motility. Luteolin, a naturally occurring flavone, was reported to possess potential pharmacological activities on intestinal inflammation and nerve injury. This study aimed to explore the role of luteolin and its functional mechanism in loperamide-induced FC mice. Our results showed that luteolin treatment reversed the reduction in defecation frequency, fecal water content, and intestinal transit ratio, and the elevation in transit time of FC models. Consistently, luteolin increased the thickness of the muscular layer and lessened colonic histopathological injury induced by loperamide. Furthermore, we revealed that luteolin treatment increased the expression of neuronal protein HuC/D and the levels of intestinal motility-related biomarkers, including substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and acetylcholine (ACh), as well as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) biomarker KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (C-Kit), and anoctamin-1 (ANO1), implying that luteolin mediated enhancement of colonic function and contributed to the anti-intestinal dysmotility against loperamide-induced FC. Additionally, luteolin decreased the upregulation of aquaporin (AQP)-3, AQP-4, and AQP-8 in the colon of FC mice. In summary, our data showed that luteolin might be an attractive option for developing FC-relieving medications.

Espectro clínico da constipação intestinal funcional e características do hábito intestinal de escolares recrutados em duas escolas e em um ambulatório especializado / Clinical spectrum of functional constipation and bowel-habit patterns of schoolchildren recruited from two elementary schools and a specialized outpatient clinic

ABSTRACT Background: Early diagnosis of functional constipation is important for reducing its negative consequences on the health of children and adolescents. Objective: To describe the clinical spectrum of functional constipation and bowel habit patterns in schoolchildren recruited from two primary schools and patients from a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 452 students from two elementary schools in the city of Osasco and 81 patients with functional constipation seen in an outpatient clinic specializing in pediatric gastroenterology. All children were aged between 6 and 12 years. The Rome IV criteria (two features for more than 1 month) and the Bristol scale were used. Results: The prevalence of functional constipation among the elementary school students was 22.3% (n=101). Among the 351 students who did not have functional constipation, 182 (51.9%) had one of the clinical manifestations of the Rome IV criteria. Bristol stool scale types 1 and 2 were observed in 14 (8.3%) of the 169 students without any clinical manifestation of the Rome IV criteria and in 28 (15.4%) of the 182 students who presented one of the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation (P=0.060). A comparison of the clinical manifestations of children with functional constipation identified at school in relation to those seen at the specialized clinic showed the following differences: fewer than two bowel movements per week (21.8% and 54.3%; P<0.001, respectively), one or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week (14.8% and 53.1%; P<0.001), and retentive posturing (70.3% and 40.7%, P<0.001). Only 18 (17.8%) of the 101 students identified at the schools with functional constipation had received any treatment for this disease in the previous 2 months. Conclusion: As expected, the frequency of more severe clinical manifestations was higher in children seen at specialized clinics. Only a small proportion of the children identified with functional constipation at primary schools had undergone any form of treatment in the previous 2 months. More than half of the children without functional constipation in elementary schools reported one of the Rome IV clinical manifestations. Finally, functional constipation has a broad clinical spectrum and also requires attention for the prevention and the management of its early clinical manifestations.

RESUMO Contexto: Diagnóstico precoce da constipação intestinal funcional é importante para reduzir suas consequências negativas para a saúde da criança e do adolescente. Objetivo: Descrever o espectro clínico da constipação intestinal funcional e o hábito intestinal de crianças recrutadas em escola de primeiro grau e de pacientes atendidos em ambulatório especializado de gastroenterologia pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo observacional que avaliou 452 alunos de duas escolas públicas da cidade de Osasco e 81 pacientes atendidos em ambulatório especializado em gastroenterologia pediátrica com constipação intestinal funcional. Todas as crianças tinham idade entre 6 e 12 anos. Foram utilizados os critérios de Roma IV (duas manifestações clínicas por mais de 1 mês) e a escala de Bristol. Resultados: Na escola constatou-se que 22,3% (101) das crianças apresentavam constipação intestinal funcional. Dentre os 351 alunos que não apresentavam constipação intestinal funcional, verificou-se que 182 (51,9%) apresentavam uma das manifestações clínicas do critério de Roma IV. A comparação das características clínicas das crianças com constipação intestinal funcional identificadas na escola (n=101) em relação aos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório especializado (n=81) evidenciou, respectivamente, as seguintes diferenças: menos de duas evacuações por semana (21,8% e 54,3%; P<0,001); um ou mais episódios de incontinência fecal por semana (14,8% e 53,1%; P<0,001) e comportamento de retenção (70,3% e 40,7%, P<0,001). Apenas 18 (17,8%) dos 101 alunos identificados na escola com constipação intestinal funcional havia realizado algum tratamento para esta doença nos últimos dois meses. Conclusão Conforme esperado, a frequência de manifestações clínicas mais graves foi maior nas crianças atendidas no ambulatório de gastroenterologia pediátrica. Apenas uma pequena parcela das crianças com constipação intestinal funcional identificadas nas escolas recebeu algum tratamento nos últimos dois meses. Mais da metade das crianças sem constipação intestinal funcional da escola apresentava pelo menos uma das manifestações do critério de Roma IV. Para finalizar, constipação intestinal funcional apresenta um amplo espectro clínico que também requer atenção para a sua prevenção e controle de suas manifestações clínicas precoces.

Diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica da constipação idiopática crônica: uma revisão de especialistas brasileiros / Diagnosis and management of chronic idiopathic constipation: a narrative review from a brazilian expert task force

ABSTRACT Background Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a condition that widely affects the global population, represents relevant healthcare resource utilization and costs, and impacts the individual's well-being. Objective To review the consensus of expert societies and published guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of CIC in adults, seeking to assist reasoning and decision-making for medical management of patients with CIC and provide a practical reference material. Methods A Brazilian medical task force searched the scientific literature in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, using the following descriptors: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. In addition, a review of articles on the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic options available in Brazil was carried out. Results The diagnostic approach and the understanding of the pathophysiology present in CIC are essential items to indicate the appropriate therapy and to understand the ecosystem of the patient's needs. Conclusion CIC is a common condition in adults, occurring more frequently in the elderly and in women. Proper management is defined by detailed medical history and physical examination, together with appropriate therapeutics, regardless pharmacological or not, and depending on the best moment of indication. This way, the impact on quality of life is also optimized.

RESUMO Contexto A constipação idiopática crônica (CIC) é uma condição que afeta amplamente a população global, representa um grande custo econômico, causa substancial utilização de recursos em saúde e impacta o bem-estar do indivíduo. Objetivo Revisar os consensos de Sociedades de especialistas e diretrizes publicados sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da CIC em adultos, buscando auxiliar o raciocínio e a tomada de decisão para a conduta médica frente ao paciente e oferecer um material prático de referência. Métodos Uma força tarefa médica brasileira realizou uma busca na literatura científica nas bases de dados eletrônicos Medline/PubMed, SciELO, Embase e Cochrane, tendo sido utilizados os seguintes descritores: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. Adicionalmente, foi realizada uma revisão de artigos sobre o mecanismo de ação, segurança e eficácia das opções terapêuticas disponíveis no Brasil. Resultados A abordagem diagnóstica e o entendimento da fisiopatologia presente na CIC são itens fundamentais para que seja indicada a terapêutica apropriada e seja compreendido o ecossistema de necessidades do paciente. Conclusão A CIC é uma condição comum em adultos, ocorrendo com maior frequência em idosos e mulheres. O manejo correto é definido pela anamnese e exame físico detalhados, juntamente com a terapêutica apropriada, independentemente de ser farmacológica ou não, conforme o melhor momento de indicação. Desta forma, o impacto na qualidade de vida também é otimizado.

Adaptação transcultural e validação do Constipation Scoring System para a população brasileira / Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the constipation scoring system for the brazilian population

ABSTRACT Background Beyond Rome IV Criteria, the assessment of functional constipation in clinical practice can also be obtained by the Constipation Scoring System (CSS). By accessing the CSS, health professionals are able to measure this dysfunction, guiding initial therapeutic approach and post-treatment response. In addition, the CSS enables the standardization of results concerning functional constipation research. Objective To promote translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the CSS for the Brazilian population. Methods To attain the score in Portuguese, the adaptation was accomplished in four steps (translation, back translation, application and adjustments). Afterward, the validation and adaptation to the Brazilian population was performed through test-retest. Results For adults, the convergent validity of the Brazilian version of the CSS showed a significant correlation to the Rome IV Criteria evinced by the positive Spearman correlation (r2) of 0.816 (P<0.001). Between the test-retest responses, the translated version of the score had a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.972. A high level of internal consistency was also obtained when each item of the questionnaire was assessed separately, revealing an adequate internal reliability Conclusion The CSS was well adapted and accepted by the Brazilian population, demonstrating the linguistic and psychometric validity of this Portuguese version of the score.

RESUMO Contexto Além dos Critérios de Roma IV, a avaliação da constipação funcional também pode ser obtida por meio do Constipation Scoring System (CSS). Ao acessar o CSS, o profissional de saúde consegue mensurar a constipação funcional, orientando a abordagem terapêutica inicial e a resposta pós-tratamento. Além disso, o CSS possibilita a padronização dos resultados das pesquisas sobre esta disfunção. Objetivo Promover a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação do CSS para a população brasileira. Métodos Para obtenção da versão do CSS em português, a adaptação foi realizada em quatro etapas (tradução para o inglês, retrotradução para o português, aplicação e ajustes). Posteriormente, foi realizada a validação e adaptação para a população brasileira por meio de teste-reteste. Resultados Para adultos, a validade convergente da versão brasileira do CSS apresentou correlação significativa com os critérios de Roma IV evidenciada pela correlação de Spearman positiva (r) de 0,816 (P<0,001). Entre as respostas do teste-reteste, a versão traduzida do escore apresentou um Alpha de Cronbach de 0,972. Um alto nível de consistência interna também foi obtido quando cada item do questionário foi avaliado separadamente, revelando uma confiabilidade interna adequada. Conclusão O CSS foi bem adaptado e aceito pela população brasileira, demonstrando a validade linguística e psicométrica da versão em português do escore.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating functional constipation: An overview of systematic reviews / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders. Dissatisfaction with medications prescribed to treat FC may lead patients to seek alternative treatments. Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) examining the use of acupuncture to treat FC have reported inconsistent results, and the quality of these studies has not been fully evaluated.@*OBJECTIVE@#In this overview, we evaluated and summarized clinical evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating FC and evaluated the quality and bias of the SRs we reviewed.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#The search strategy was structured by medical subject headings and search terms such as "acupuncture therapy" and "functional constipation." Electronic searches were conducted in eight databases from their inception to September 2020.@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#SRs that investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for managing FC were included.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Two authors independently extracted information and appraised the methodology, reporting accuracy, quality of evidence, and risk of bias using the following critical appraisal tools: (1) A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2); (2) Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS); (3) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Acupuncture (PRISMA-A); and (4) the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). A κ index was used to score the level of agreement between the 2 reviewers.@*RESULTS@#Thirteen SRs that examined the clinical utility of acupuncture for treating FC were identified. Using the AMSTAR 2 tool, we rated 92.3% (12/13) of the SRs as "critically low" confidence and one study as "low" confidence. Using the ROBIS criteria, 38.5% (5/13) of the SRs were considered to have "low risk" of bias. Based on PRISMA-A, 76.9% (10/13) of the SRs had over 70% compliance with reporting standards. The inter-rater agreement was good for AMSTAR 2, ROBIS, and PRISMA-A. Using the GRADE tool, we classified 22.5% (9/40) of the measured outcomes as "moderate" quality, 57.5% (23/40) as "low" quality, and 20.0% (8/40) as "very low" quality. The inter-rater agreement was moderate when using GRADE. Descriptive analyses indicated that acupuncture was more efficacious than sham acupuncture for improving weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) and for raising the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) score. Acupuncture appeared to be superior to anti-constipation drugs for improving weekly spontaneous bowel movements, the total effective rate, and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. Although ten SRs mentioned the occurrence of adverse events, serious adverse events were not associated with acupuncture treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture may be more efficacious than sham acupuncture for improving CSBMs and BSFS scores and may be superior to anti-constipation drugs for improving bowel movement frequency, as well as quality of life. Limitations to current studies and inconsistent evidence suggest a need for more rigorous and methodologically sound SRs to draw definitive conclusions.@*SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION@#PROSPERO CRD42020189173.

Rule mining of acupoint and medication selection of acupoint application therapy for functional constipation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the rules of acupoint and medication selection of acupoint application therapy for functional constipation (FC) by data mining technology.@*METHODS@#The clinical research literature regarding acupoint application therapy for FC from published to February 26, 2020 was searched in CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and PubMed. The prescriptions were extracted, and by using SPSS24.0 and SPSS Modeler14.0 software, the use of high-frequency acupoints and medication was summarized. The association rule analysis, cluster analysis and core prescription analysis of acupoints and medication were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 122 prescriptions of acupoint application therapy were included, involving 32 acupoints. The core prescription of acupoints was Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The high-frequency meridians mainly included conception vessel, @*CONCLUSION@#The use of local acupoint and regulating-

Safety and efficacy of vibrating capsule in the treatment of functional constipation: a single center randomized controlled study / 中华消化杂志

Objective:Based on the previous animal experiments, to preliminarily explore the safety and efficacy of self-developed new smartphone-controlled vibrating capsule (VC) in the treatment of patients with functional constipation (FC).Methods:At the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 24 patients with FC were prospectively enrolled. The trial process included basic period for ≥two weeks, treatment period for six weeks, and follow-up visits ≥six (once every two weeks). During treatment period, the patients were assigned into sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group and the patients swallowed 12 corresponding capsules. The safety of VC treatment was evaluated based on the observation the occurrence of adverse events (AE) in patients of three groups, which included abdominal pain, abdominal distention, capsule retention and abnormal laboratory indicators. The efficacy of VC treatment was assessed by comparison of the patients of three groups in mean complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) per week, mean spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) per week, capsule discharge time, patient assessment of constipation quatity of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), patient assessment of constipation symptom questionnaire (PAC-SYM). Chi-square test, least significant difference- t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results:Two patients were lost in follow up. In the end, seven, eight and seven patients were enrolled in sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group. AE occurred in three patients. At the sixth week of treatment, the difference between average CSBM in one week and baseline of sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group was 0.0 (0.0, 2.0), 2.0 (1.0, 2.8) and 1.0 (0.0, 5.0), respectively; and the difference between average SBM in one week and baseline of sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group was -1.0 (2.0, 2.0), 1.0 (-0.8, 2.0) and 1.0 (0.0, 4.0), respectively. During the six weeks of treatment period, the difference between mean CSBM per week and baseline of three, seven and five patients of sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group was more than one, and the difference between SBM per week and baseline of two, five and five patients was more than one. At the sixth week of treatment, capsule discharge time of VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group was shorter than that of sham capsule group ((65.7±9.3) and (59.1±3.4) h vs. (96.7±10.0) h), and during the whole treatment period capsule discharge time of VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group was shorter than that of sham capsule group ((63.6±8.6) and (59.8±6.6) h vs. (100.5±13.1) h), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.119, 3.584, 2.832 and 3.036, all P<0.05). The PAC-SYM score of patients of sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group during the period of treatment was 14.3±2.0, 9.9±2.3 and 7.0±2.0, respectively, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). The PAC-QOL score of patients of sham capsule group, VC at low frequency mode group and VC at high frequency mode group during the period of treatment was 31.3±4.4, 24.0±3.8 and 13.9±4.1, respectively, and the PAC-QOL score of VC at high frequency mode group was lower than that of sham capsule group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.808, P=0.012), however, there was no statistically significant difference in the PAC-QOL score between VC at low frequency mode group and sham capsule group, and between VC at high frequency mode group and VC at low frequency mode group (both P>0.05). Conclusions:VC can be safely used in patients with FC, which can promote defecation and relieve the symptoms of constipation. However, there is no significant difference in the therapeutic effect of capsules with different vibration frequencies.

Refractory functional constipation: clinical management or appendicostomy? / Constipação intestinal funcional refratária: manejo clínico ou apendicostomia?

Abstract Objective: To compare the clinical evolution in patients with refractory functional constipation undergoing different therapeutic regimens: oral laxatives and antegrade enemas via appendicostomy or clinical treatment with oral laxatives and rectal enemas. Methods: Analysis of a series of 28 patients with a mean age of 7.9 years (2.4-11), followed-up in a tertiary outpatient clinic. Refractory functional constipation was defined as continuous retentive fecal incontinence after at least a 12-month period of consensus therapy. After the diagnosis of refractory condition, appendicostomy was proposed and performed in 17 patients. Outcomes: (1) persistence of retentive fecal incontinence despite the use of enemas, (2) control of retentive fecal incontinence with enemas, and (3) control of retentive fecal incontinence, spontaneous evacuations, with no need for enemas. Results: Six and 12 months after the therapeutic option, control of retentive fecal incontinence was observed only in patients who underwent surgery, 11/17 and 14/17, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively. At 24 months, control of retentive fecal incontinence was also more frequent in operated patients: 13/17 versus 3/11 with clinical treatment, p = 0.005. In the final evaluation, the median follow-up times were 2.6 and 3 years (operated vs. clinical treatment, p = 0.40); one patient in each group was lost to follow-up and 9/16 operated patients had spontaneous bowel movements vs. 3/10 in the clinical treatment group, p = 0.043. Surgical complications, totaling 42 episodes, were observed 14/17 patients. Conclusion: Appendicostomy, although associated with a high frequency of complications, controlled retentive fecal incontinence earlier and more frequently than clinical treatment. The choice of one of the methods should be made by the family, after adequate information about the risks and benefits of each alternative.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a evolução clínica em crianças com constipação intestinal funcional refratária sob diferentes regimes terapêuticos: laxativos orais e enemas anterógrados via apendicostomia ou tratamento clínico com laxativos orais e enemas via retal. Métodos Análise de uma série de 28 pacientes, 7,9 anos (2,4-11), acompanhados em ambulatório terciário. Constipação intestinal funcional refratária foi definida como manutenção da incontinência fecal retentiva, em terapia consensual, por pelo menos 12 meses. Após diagnóstico de refratariedade, era proposta apendicostomia. Dezessete pacientes realizaram o procedimento cirúrgico. Desfechos: 1. Manutenção de incontinência fecal retentiva em uso de enemas; 2. Controle da incontinência fecal retentiva em uso de enemas; e 3. Controle da incontinência fecal retentiva, evacuações espontâneas, sem necessidade de enemas. Resultados Seis e 12 meses após opção terapêutica, controle da incontinência fecal retentiva foi observado apenas nos pacientes operados, 11/17 e 14/17, p = 0,001 e p = 0,001. Aos 24 meses, controle da incontinência fecal retentiva também mais frequente nos operados 13/17 versus 3/11 tratamento clínico, p = 0,005. Na avaliação final, medianas de tempo de seguimento: 2,6 e 3 anos (operados versus tratamento clínico, p = 0,40), um paciente em cada grupo abandonou o seguimento e 9/16 operados apresentavam evacuações espontâneas versus 3/10 no tratamento clínico, p = 0,043. Complicações cirúrgicas, 42 episódios, acometeram 14/17 pacientes. Conclusão A apendicostomia, embora associada a elevada frequência de complicações, controlou a incontinência fecal retentiva de maneira mais precoce e frequente do que o tratamento clínico. A escolha de um dos métodos deverá caber à família, após adequada informação sobre riscos e benefícios de cada alternativa.

Efficacy of Liuwei Nengxiao Capsule Combined With Fecal Bacteria Transplantation on Patients with Chronic Spleen Deficiency and Chronic Functional Constipation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy of Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with fecal bacteria transplantation on chronic functional constipation with spleen Qi deficiency. Method:A total of 129 patients with chronic functional constipation of spleen Qi deficiency treated in Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into three groups by the computer numerical table method： fecal bacteria transplantation group， Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group， and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with fecal bacteria transplantation group， with 43 cases in each group. Fecal bacteria transplantation group was treated with fecal bacteria， Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group was treated with Liuwei Nengxiao capsule， and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with fecal bacteria transplanted group was treated with Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with fecal bacteria. The efficacy of the 3 groups was compared. Result:After treatment， the frequency and amplitude of intestinal electricity increased significantly in three parts， with statistically significant differences from before treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the frequency and amplitude of the transverse colon， sigmoid colon， and descending colon of patients in Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with faecal transplantation group were higher than those in faecal transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group （P<0.05）. After treatment， substance P （SP） and motilin （MTL） of Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with faecal transplantation group were higher than those of faecal transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group， while nitric oxide （NO） and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） were lower than those of faecal transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group （P<0.05）. The number of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus after treatment was higher in three groups than before treatment （P<0.05）. The numbers of yeast and enterobacteria were lower than before treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus in Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with faecal transplantation group was higher than that in faecal transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group， whereas the numbers of yeast， and enterobacteria were all lower than those in bacterial transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the BSFS scores of three groups were higher than before the treatment， while Wexner continence grading scale （Wexner） constipation score and patient assessment of constipation quality of life questionnaire （PAC-QOL） score were lower than before treatment （P<0.05）. Bristol stool form scale （BSFS） score of Liuwei Nengxiao capsule combined with fecal bacteria transplantation group was higher than that of fecal bacteria transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group. Wexner constipation score and PAC-QOL score were lower than those of fecal bacteria transplantation group and Liuwei Nengxiao capsule group （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Fecal bacteria transplantation combined with Liuwei Nengxiao capsule can effectively promote the recovery of intestinal electrical function， improve the intestinal flora balance， reduce the intestinal oxidative stress response， and promote the disappearance of patients' symptoms in the treatment of elderly chronic functional constipation， and thus is worth further promotion in clinic application.

Systematic review on the treatment of functional constipation with electroacupuncture and gastro-kinetic drugs / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect and safety in treatment of functional constipation between electroacupuncture (EA) and gastro-kinetic drugs. METHODS: Using "functional constipation"， "prucalopride"， "mosapridecitrate"， "electro-acupuncture" and "randomized controlled trial"， both in Chinese and English, as search terms, the articles of randomized controlled trial (RCT) regarding to the comparison of therapeutic effect on functional constipation in the patients between EA and gastro-kinetic drugs were retrieved from CMB, Wanfang, VIP, CNKI, OpenGrey, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, JBI, PubMed, WOS and Ovid databases. The retrieval time was from the establishment date to June 2018. The two researchers screened articles, extracted data and assessed literature quality in reference to Cochrane Handbook. Using RevMan 5.3 software, the meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 11 articles were included finally, with 744 patients involved. It was found after meta-analysis that in EA group, the weekly spontaneous defecation frequency, constipation related quality of life in patients, depression relief and incidence of adverse reaction were all better than those in gastro-kinetic medication group. The therapeutic effect of the improvements in stool character and defecation difficulty in EA group were better or similar to that in gastro-kinetic medication group. CONCLUSION: Regarding the therapeutic effect and safety in treatment of functional constipation, the results of electroacupuncture are superior or similar to gastro-kinetic medication, presenting a satisfactory therapeutic prospect.

Prevalencia y perfil epidemiológico de la constipación funcional en población adulta sana con los nuevos criterios ROMA IV / Epidemiologic profile and prevalence of functional constipation in adult based on the ROME IV criteria

Resumen Introducción: Los reportes extranjeros dan cuenta de la presencia de esta patología en cifras que varían entre 10 y 70%, con sólo un reporte nacional centrado en ancianos institucionalizados. Existen diferentes formas de evaluar la presencia de constipación; en nuestra experiencia utilizamos los nuevos criterios de ROMA IV que define como constipación funcional cuando se cumplen dos o más criterios. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes adultos sanos con constipación. Material y Método: Estudio de corte transversal realizado entre enero y marzo de 2018. Se incluyen mayores de 18 años que acceden a completar la encuesta. Se excluye aquellas personas con antecedentes quirúrgicos o mórbidos gastrointestinales. Se realiza encuesta aplicando los criterios de ROMA IV considerando aspectos demográficos. Se utiliza estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De 1.500 encuestas realizadas se seleccionan 1.223. Un 68,4% cumplían con dos o más criterios de constipación funcional, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el grupo de sexo femenino y en pacientes de mayor edad. El análisis específico de cada criterio de ROMA IV muestra que los síntomas más frecuentes fueron deposiciones duras, esfuerzo defecatorio excesivo y sensación de evacuación incompleta. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en mujeres en los ítems: menor frecuencia, deposiciones duras y esfuerzo defecatorio mientras que la mayor edad se asocia a evacuación incompleta. Las maniobras digitales fueron poco frecuentes. Conclusiones: La constipación es frecuente en la población adulta sana afectando, principalmente, a mujeres de mayor edad. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron deposiciones duras, esfuerzo defecatorio y sensación de evacuación incompleta.

Introduction: The prevalence of this condition has been reported in foreign studies in around 10-70%, with only one national report focused in the institutionalized elderly. There are different diagnostic approaches to determine the presence of functional constipation, in our experience, we use the ROME IV diagnostic criteria, which requires the presence of two or more criteria for confirmation. Aim: To determine the prevalence and epidemiologic profile of healthy adults with constipation disorder. Materials and Method: Transversal cohort study between January-March 2018. Inclusion criteria are 18 years and above. We exclude patients with gastrointestinal medical or surgical comorbidities. Data are collected from a face-to-face survey based on the ROME IV criteria, considering demographic features. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze the results. Results: From a total of 1,500 questionnaire surveys, 1,223 are selected. Two or more criteria for functional constipation were present in 68.4%, with significant statistical differences in the female and elderly population. When analyzing each criterion separately, hard stools, straining and sensation of incomplete evacuation were the most common responses. In women, less frequency, hard stools and straining items showed significant statistical differences, whereas sensation of incomplete evacuation was the highlight in the elderly. Manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation was the less selected item. Conclusions: Functional constipation is a frequent condition seen in healthy adults. Older female population are particularly prone to it. Hard stools, straining, and incomplete evacuation sensation were the most common symptoms.

¿El antecedente de dengue está asociado a la presencia de Desórdenes Gastrointestinales Funcionales en Niños? / Is the antecedent of dengue associated with the presence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children?

Introducción: La patogénesis de los desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales (DGFs) es multifactorial. Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia de DGFs luego del antecedente de dengue. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de prevalencia en niños entre 8-18 años de edad. Se tomaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y el antecedente del último año de dengue diagnosticado en urgencias. Se aplicó el Cuestionario para Síntomas Gastrointestinales Pediátricos Roma III en Español para DGFs. El análisis estadístico incluyó el cálculo del OR, con IC95% y Fisher a dos colas, con una p<0.05 significativo. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 4023 niños con edad 11,9±2,3 años y 50,1% masculinos. La prevalencia para presentar al menos 1 DGFs fue 23.0% y del antecedente de haber presentado dengue en el último año del 7,5%; habiendo predominio en escolares entre 8-12 años de edad (OR=1,56 IC95%=1,20-2,04 p=0,0006) y con al menos 1 DGFs (OR=1,98 IC95%=1,53-2,56 p<0,0001). En los niños que por antecedente presentaron dengue en el último año, hubo diferencias significativas cuando tenían padres separados/divorciados. Conclusión: En este grupo de niños, los DGFs son frecuentes, presentándose mayor oportunidad de tener algún DGFs en los escolares entre los 8-12 años de edad cuando se tiene el antecedente de dengue diagnosticado en un servicio de urgencias.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is multifactorial. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of FGIDs after the antecedent of dengue. Materials and methods: Prevalence study in children between 8-18 years of age. Were taken sociodemographic and clinical variables and presence during the last year of dengue diagnosed in the emergency department. The Questionnaire for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms Roma III in Spanish was applied to FGIDs. The statistical analysis included the calculation of the OR, with 95% CI and two-tailed Fisher's, with a significant p <0.05 value. Results: 4023 children were included; with age 11.9 ± 2.3 years and 50.1% males. The prevalence to present at least 1 FGIDs was 23.0% and the antecedent of having presented dengue in the last year of 7.5%; having predominance in school children between 8-12 years of age (OR = 1.56 95%CI = 1.20-2.04 p = 0.0006) and the presence of at least 1 FGIDs (OR = 1.98 95%CI = 1.53-2.56 p<0.0001). In children who had dengue in the last year due to an antecedent, there were significant differences when they had separated/divorced parents. Conclusion: In this group of children, the FGIDs are frequent, presenting a greater opportunity to have some FGIDs in schoolchildren between 8-12 years of age when there is an antecedent of dengue diagnosed in an emergency department.

Whether Syndrome Differentiation Affects Treatment Result: Study Protocol of MaZiRenWan () for Functional Constipation in A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Syndrome is one of the most important concepts in Chinese medicine (CM) theory. However, it was not well accounted in most of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).@*OBJECTIVES@#To determine whether CM syndrome differentiation affects the treatment results, functional constipation (FC) was selected as a target disease, and MaZiRenWan (, MZRW), a classic CM formula commonly used for constipation with excessive heat syndrome, was selected for study.@*METHODS@#It is an 18-week prospective double-blinded, doubledummy RCT, including 2-week run-in, 8-week treatment and 8-week post treatment follow-up. A total of 120 FC patients diagnosed as excessive heat syndrome will be recruited from the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Baokang Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients will be randomly allocated into fixed MZRW (f_MZRW) granule group, modified MZRW (m_MZRW) granule group or bisacodyl group. For m_MZRW group, no more than two herbal granules can be added according to the syndrome differentiation for individual participants. The primary end point is the mean of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week during the treatment period. Secondary end points include mean of CSBMs per week during follow-up, stool form, global symptom improvement, constipation and constipation-related symptoms assessment, CM syndrome change, and reported adverse events.@*DISCUSSION@#This trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of these three interventions for FC patients with the CM syndrome of excessive heat, and to determine the change of CM syndrome and the progress of disease during the treatment course. The results are important to explore whether syndrome differentiation is important for the therapeutic effect of a formula on a disease. [Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Reg No. ChiCTR-TRC-13003742); protocol version: MZRW/NSFC-81173363 (2015.05.04)].

Value of rectoanal pressure gradient in seated position in evaluation of anorectal motility disorder in patients with constipation / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the differences of anorectal manometry (ARM) parameters in different position (left lateral position and seated position) in patients with functional constipation (FC),and the value of rectoanal pressure gradient (RAPG) was assessed in seated position in the evaluation of anorectal motility disorder in patients with FC.Methods From March 2015 to July 2016,at Clinical Gastrointestinal Motility Center of Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital,66 consecutive patients with FC aged 18 to 75 who met Rome Ⅲ criteria were recruited.The questionnaires of patient assessment of constipation symptom (PAC-SYM)and patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QoL) were recorded.Patients randomly underwent ARM examination in left lateral or seated positions,and then followed by a balloon expulsion test (BET) in seated position.The differences of ARM parameters in different positions were compared.The correlation between ARM parameters and BET results,constipation symptoms and quality of life scores were analyzed.T-test,Spearman correlation analysis and Kappa coefficient were performed for statistical analysis.Results ARM parameters including rectal resting pressure,rectal defecation pressure and RAPG in seated position were both higher than those of left lateral position ((30.83 ±7.89) mmHg (1 mmHg =0.133 kPa) vs.(10.53 ± 3.94) mmHg,(78.86±22.25) mmHg vs.(54.92±21.26) mmHg,(17.53 ±27.40) mmHg vs.(-7.80 ±26.88) mmHg),and the differences were statistically significant (t =-21.10,-12.35 and-8.84,all P ＜ 0.01).However,there was no significant difference in anal-related pressure parameters (P ＞ 0.05).The RAPG in seated position was highly consistent with BET,with a maximum Kappa-value of 0.643,which was higher than the maxium Kappa-value of 0.349 in left lateral position.The optimal RAPG threshold of seated position was 10 mmHg,the sensitivity of RAPG in the prediction of BET was 85.71％ and the specificity was 79.17％.According to the optimal RAPG threshold in seated position,the patients were divided into high RAPG group and low RAPG group.The frequency of weekly spontaneous defecation of high RAPG group was higher than that of low RAPG group (2.88 ±2.16 vs.1.66 ±0.96),and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.65,P=0.01).The satisfaction score of PAC-QoL questionnaire of high RAPG group was lower than that of low RAPG group (2.05 ±0.55 vs.2.83 ±0.78),and the difference was statistically significant (t =-4.72,P ＜0.01).Conclusion It may be more reasonable to perform ARM in the seated position in FC patients,especially for the RAPG in seated position is better correlated with BET results,constipation symptoms and quality of life scores which may have more clinical value in the evaluation of anorectal motility disorder in FC patients.

Functional Chronic Constipation: Rome III Criteria Versus Rome IV Criteria

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Functional constipation (FC) is aa frequent functional gastrointestinal disorder, diagnosed according to the Rome criteria. In this study, we compared Rome III and Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of FC, and determined the prevalence of FC according to these criteria. METHODS: Consecutive children between infancy and 17 years old were recruited for the study, excluding those with a known organic gastrointestinal disease. A prospective longitudinal design has beenused. For the diagnosis of FC, questionnaires on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS) based on the Rome III and Rome IV criteria (QPGS-RIII and QPGS-RIV) were used. The agreement between these 2 questionnaires was measured by Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen children (mean age, 77.4 ± 59.5 months; 103 males) were screened. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of FC evaluated using the QPGS-Rome IV vs the QPGS-Rome III in the overall sample (39/214 [18.2%] vs 37/214 [17.3.0%]; P = 0.831) as well as in any of the groups. The Cohen's kappa test showed a good agreement between the 2 criteria (κ = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.78). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the new Rome IV criteria have a good agreement with the Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of FC, without an increase in the number of potential diagnoses, despite the reduction in the duration of the symptoms. This conclusion is important in the management of childhood FC, since a late diagnosis negatively affects the prognosis.

Effect of personalized nursing intervention on biofeedback therapy of children with functional constipation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of nursing intervention on the biofeedback effect of functional constipation in children.@*Methods@#A total of 112 children (4-16 years old) who were diagnosed with functional constipation in the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were randomly divided into the experimental group (54 cases) and the control group (53 cases). Children in the experimental group were treated with biofeedback training and personalized nursing intervention for functional constipation in children. The control group used biofeedback combined with traditional nursing intervention to treat functional constipation in children. The WHO-5 (World Health Organization′s five physical and mental health) scales were used to compare the effects of the two groups and were followed up for 3-6 months.@*Results@#A total of 107 children completed the study, 54 in the experimental group and 53 in the control group. There were no significant differences in the scores of the WHO-5 scale and clinical symptoms between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). After intervention, the total score of WHO-5 in the experimental group was (21.69± 2.28), the total score of clinical symptoms was (6.56±1.16), the total score of WHO-5 in the control group was (17.85±3.189), and the total score of clinical symptoms was (9.04±2.121). The difference was significant (t=-7.146, t=7.491, P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#Personalized nursing intervention can enhance the effect of biofeedback training on children and adolescents with functional constipation and improve their quality of life.