Italian guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents : Joint Consensus from the Italian Societies of: Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition (SIGENP), Pediatrics (SIP), Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (SIGE) and Neurogastroenterology and Motility (SINGEM).

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), whose prevalence has widely increased in pediatric population during the past two decades. The exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying IBS is still uncertain, thus resulting in challenging diagnosis and management. Experts from 4 Italian Societies participated in a Delphi consensus, searching medical literature and voting process on 22 statements on both diagnosis and management of IBS in children. Recommendations and levels of evidence were evaluated according to the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus was reached for all statements. These guidelines suggest a positive diagnostic strategy within a symptom-based approach, comprehensive of psychological comorbidities assessment, alarm signs and symptoms' exclusion, testing for celiac disease and, under specific circumstances, fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein. Consensus also suggests to rule out constipation in case of therapeutic failure. Conversely, routine stool testing for enteric pathogens, testing for food allergy/intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are not recommended. Colonoscopy is recommended only in patients with alarm features. Regarding treatment, the consensus strongly suggests a dietary approach, psychologically directed therapies and, in specific conditions, gut-brain neuromodulators, under specialist supervision. Conditional recommendation was provided for both probiotics and specific fibers supplementation. Polyethylene glycol achieved consensus recommendation for specific subtypes of IBS. Secretagogues and 5-HT4 agonists are not recommended in children with IBS-C. Certain complementary alternative therapies, antispasmodics and, in specific IBS subtypes, loperamide and rifaximin could be considered.

Multidisciplinary Care of Alcohol-related Liver Disease and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Narrative Review for Hepatology and Addiction Clinicians.

PURPOSE: Models of integrated, multidisciplinary care are optimal in the setting of complex, chronic diseases and in the overlap of medical and mental health disease, both of which apply to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) drives nearly all cases of ALD, and coexisting mental health disease is common. ALD is a complex condition with severe clinical manifestations and high mortality that can occasionally lead to liver transplantation. As a result, integrated care for ALD is an attractive proposition. The aim of this narrative review was to: (1) review the overlapping and concerning trends in the epidemiology of AUD and ALD; (2) use a theoretical framework for integrated care known as the "five-component model" as a basis to highlight the need for integrated care and the overlapping clinical manifestations and management of the 2 conditions; and (3) review the existing applications of integrated care in this area. METHODS: We performed a narrative review of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies in AUD and ALD, with a particular focus on areas of overlap that are pertinent to clinicians who manage each disease. Previously published models were reviewed for integrating care in AUD and ALD, both in the general ALD population and in the setting of liver transplantation. FINDINGS: The incidences of AUD and ALD are rising, with a pronounced acceleration driven by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Hepatologists are underprepared to diagnose and treat AUD despite its high prevalence in patients with liver disease. A patient who presents with overlapping clinical manifestations of both AUD and ALD may not fit neatly into typical treatment paradigms for each individual disease but rather will require new management strategies that are appropriately adapted. As a result, the dimensions of integrated care, including collective ownership of shared goals, interdependence among providers, flexibility of roles, and newly created professional activities, are highly pertinent to the holistic management of both diseases. IMPLICATIONS: Integrated care models have proliferated as recognition grows of the dual pathology of AUD and ALD. Ongoing coordination across disciplines and research in the fields of hepatology and addiction medicine are needed to further elucidate optimal mechanisms for collaboration and improved quality of care.

Necrosis esofágica aguda (esófago negro) asociado a neoplasias digestivas / Acute esophageal necrosis (black esophagus) associated with digestive neoplasms

INTRODUCCIÓN. La necrosis esofágica aguda es un síndrome raro que se caracteriza endoscópicamente por una apariencia negra circunferencial irregular o difusa de la mucosa esofágica intratorácica, la afectación es generalmente del esófago distal y la transición abrupta de mucosa normal en la unión gastroesofágica, con extensión proximal variable. CASOS. Se presentan dos casos con diferentes comorbiliades, presentación de signos y síntomas, antecedentes y tratamiento, teniendo en común el diagnóstico a través de endoscopía digestiva alta. RESULTADOS. Caso clínico 1: tratamiento clínico basado en hidratación, suspensión de vía oral, omeprazol intravenoso y sucralfato; mala evolución clínica caracterizada por: disfagia, intolerancia oral y recurrencia del sangrado digestivo alto, se realiza colocación de gastrostomía endoscópica. Caso clínico 2: esófago con mucosa con fibrina y parches de necrosis extensa, se realiza compensación tanto de foco infeccioso pulmonar como hidratación y nutrición, en estudios complementarios se observa masa colónica, con estudio histopatológico confirmatorio de adenocarcinoma de colon en estado avanzado. DISCUSIÓN. La esofagitis necrotizante aguda es una entidad inusual, de baja prevalencia e incidencia, asociada con estados de hipoperfusión sistémica y múltiples comorbilidades que favorezcan un sustrato isquémico. Al revisar los reportes de casos que hay en la literatura médica, los casos que reportamos se correlaciona con las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, endoscópicas y factores de riesgo causales de la enfermedad. La presentación clínica más frecuente es el sangrado digestivo alto, que se debe correlacionar con el hallazgo endoscópico clásico. Nuestro primer caso reportado termina con la colocación de una gastrostomía para poder alimentarse. CONCLUSIÓN. El pronóstico de la necrosis esofágica aguda es malo y se requiere un alto índice de sospecha clínica y conocimiento de esta infrecuente patología para un diagnóstico temprano y un manejo oportuno. Se requiere una evaluación por endoscopia digestiva alta. Es una causa de sangrado gastrointestinal que conlleva tasas altas de mortalidad, principalmente en adultos mayores frágiles. El reconocimiento temprano y la reanimación agresiva son los principios fundamentales para un mejor resultado de la enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION. Acute esophageal necrosis is a rare syndrome that is characterized endoscopically by an irregular or diffuse circumferential black appearance of the intrathoracic esophageal mucosa, the involvement is generally of the distal esophagus and the abrupt transition of normal mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, with variable proximal extension. CASES. Two cases are presented with different comorbidities, presentation of signs and symptoms, history and treatment, having in common the diagnosis through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS. Clinical case 1: clinical treatment based on hydration, oral suspension, intravenous omeprazole and sucralfate; poor clinical evolution characterized by: dysphagia, oral intolerance and recurrence of upper digestive bleeding, endoscopic gastrostomy placement was performed. Clinical case 2: esophagus with mucosa with fibrin and patches of extensive necrosis, compensation of both the pulmonary infectious focus and hydration and nutrition is performed, in complementary studies a colonic mass is observed, with a confirmatory histopathological study of colon adenocarcinoma in an advanced state. DISCUSSION. Acute necrotizing esophagitis is an unusual entity, with low prevalence and incidence, associated with states of systemic hypoperfusion and multiple comorbidities that favor an ischemic substrate. When reviewing the case reports in the medical literature, the cases we report correlate with the clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic characteristics and causal risk factors of the disease. The most common clinical presentation is upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which must be correlated with the classic endoscopic finding. Our first reported case ends with the placement of a gastrostomy to be able to feed. CONCLUSION. The prognosis of acute esophageal necrosis is poor and a high index of clinical suspicion and knowledge of this rare pathology is required for early diagnosis and timely management. Evaluation by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is required. It is a cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that carries high mortality rates, mainly in frail older adults. Early recognition and aggressive resuscitation are the fundamental principles for a better outcome of the disease.

American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common disorder associated with significant impairment in quality of life. This clinical practice guideline, jointly developed by the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology, aims to inform clinicians and patients by providing evidence-based practice recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of CIC in adults. METHODS: The American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that conducted systematic reviews of the following agents: fiber, osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol, magnesium oxide, lactulose), stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, senna), secretagogues (lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide), and serotonin type 4 agonist (prucalopride). The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework to assess the certainty of evidence for each intervention. The Evidence to Decision framework was used to develop clinical recommendations based on the balance between the desirable and undesirable effects, patient values, costs, and health equity considerations. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 10 recommendations for the pharmacological management of CIC in adults. Based on available evidence, the panel made strong recommendations for the use of polyethylene glycol, sodium picosulfate, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride for CIC in adults. Conditional recommendations were made for the use of fiber, lactulose, senna, magnesium oxide, and lubiprostone. DISCUSSION: This document provides a comprehensive outline of the various over-the-counter and prescription pharmacological agents available for the treatment of CIC. The guidelines are meant to provide a framework for approaching the management of CIC; clinical providers should engage in shared decision making based on patient preferences as well as medication cost and availability. Limitations and gaps in the evidence are highlighted to help guide future research opportunities and enhance the care of patients with chronic constipation.

American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common disorder associated with significant impairment in quality of life. This clinical practice guideline, jointly developed by the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology, aims to inform clinicians and patients by providing evidence-based practice recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of CIC in adults. METHODS: The American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that conducted systematic reviews of the following agents: fiber, osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol, magnesium oxide, lactulose), stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, senna), secretagogues (lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide), and serotonin type 4 agonist (prucalopride). The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework to assess the certainty of evidence for each intervention. The Evidence to Decision framework was used to develop clinical recommendations based on the balance between the desirable and undesirable effects, patient values, costs, and health equity considerations. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 10 recommendations for the pharmacological management of CIC in adults. Based on available evidence, the panel made strong recommendations for the use of polyethylene glycol, sodium picosulfate, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride for CIC in adults. Conditional recommendations were made for the use of fiber, lactulose, senna, magnesium oxide, and lubiprostone. DISCUSSION: This document provides a comprehensive outline of the various over-the-counter and prescription pharmacological agents available for the treatment of CIC. The guidelines are meant to provide a framework for approaching the management of CIC; clinical providers should engage in shared decision making based on patient preferences as well as medication cost and availability. Limitations and gaps in the evidence are highlighted to help guide future research opportunities and enhance the care of patients with chronic constipation.

The future of hepatology.

The field of hepatology has made impressive progress over its ~75 years of existence. Advances in understanding liver function and its dysregulation in disease, genetic determinants of disease, antiviral therapy, and transplantation have transformed the lives of patients. However, there are still significant challenges that require ongoing creativity and discipline, particularly with the emergence of fatty liver diseases, as well as managing autoimmune disease, cancer, and liver disease in children. Diagnostic advances are urgently needed to accelerate risk stratification and efficient testing of new agents with greater precision in enriched populations. Integrated, holistic care models should be extended beyond liver cancer to diseases like NAFLD with systemic manifestations or extrahepatic comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, addiction, and depressive disorders. To meet the growing burden of asymptomatic liver disease, the workforce will need to be expanded by incorporating more advanced practice providers and educating other specialists. The training of future hepatologists will benefit from incorporating emerging skills in data management, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. Continued investment in basic and translational science is crucial for further progress. The challenges ahead are significant, but with collective effort, the field of hepatology will continue to make progress and overcome obstacles.

The cost of inflammatory bowel disease in high-income settings: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission.

The cost of caring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide. The cause is not only a steady increase in the prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in both developed and newly industrialised countries, but also the chronic nature of the diseases, the need for long-term, often expensive treatments, the use of more intensive disease monitoring strategies, and the effect of the diseases on economic productivity. This Commission draws together a wide range of expertise to discuss the current costs of IBD care, the drivers of increasing costs, and how to deliver affordable care for IBD in the future. The key conclusions are that (1) increases in health-care costs must be evaluated against improved disease management and reductions in indirect costs, and (2) that overarching systems for data interoperability, registries, and big data approaches must be established for continuous assessment of effectiveness, costs, and the cost-effectiveness of care. International collaborations should be sought out to evaluate novel models of care (eg, value-based health care, including integrated health care, and participatory health-care models), as well as to improve the education and training of clinicians, patients, and policy makers.

The Use of Peppermint Oil in Gastroenterology.

BACKGROUND: For decades, mint has been used worldwide for its relieving effects against gastrointestinal disturbances. Peppermint is a perennial herb common in Europe and North America. The active ingredient of peppermint oil is menthol and has various gastroenterological and non-gastroenterological uses, especially in the context of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). METHODS: We conducted a literature search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: peppermint oil, gastro-intestinal motility, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastrointestinal sensitivity and gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS: Peppermint oil and its constituents exert smooth muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects on the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel. Moreover, peppermint oil can modulate visceral and central nervous system sensitivity. Taken together, these effects suggest using peppermint oil both for improved endoscopic performance and for treating functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Importantly, peppermint oil has an attractive safety profile compared to classical pharmacological treatments, especially in FGIDs. CONCLUSION: Peppermint oil is a safe herbal medicine therapy for application in gastroenterology, with promising scientific perspectives and rapidly expanding use in clinical practice.

The role of magnetic sphincter augmentation in the gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment pathway: the gastroenterology perspective.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a surgical intervention for well-characterized gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the esophagogastric junction barrier is augmented using a bracelet of magnetized titanium beads. MSA could be an attractive option for patients with documented GERD who wish to avoid long-term pharmacologic therapy or whose symptoms are not adequately managed with lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy. The 'ideal' MSA patient is one with prominent regurgitation, without dysphagia or esophageal motor dysfunction, with objective evidence of GERD on upper endoscopy and/or ambulatory reflux monitoring. Appropriate candidates with significant hiatus hernia may pursue MSA with concomitant hiatus hernia repair. The increasing adoption of MSA in the GERD treatment pathway reflects research that shows benefits in long-term outcomes and healthcare costs compared with other established therapies in appropriate clinical settings.

Big Data in Gastroenterology Research.

Studying individual data types in isolation provides only limited and incomplete answers to complex biological questions and particularly falls short in revealing sufficient mechanistic and kinetic details. In contrast, multi-omics approaches to studying health and disease permit the generation and integration of multiple data types on a much larger scale, offering a comprehensive picture of biological and disease processes. Gastroenterology and hepatobiliary research are particularly well-suited to such analyses, given the unique position of the luminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract at the nexus between the gut (mucosa and luminal contents), brain, immune and endocrine systems, and GI microbiome. The generation of 'big data' from multi-omic, multi-site studies can enhance investigations into the connections between these organ systems and organisms and more broadly and accurately appraise the effects of dietary, pharmacological, and other therapeutic interventions. In this review, we describe a variety of useful omics approaches and how they can be integrated to provide a holistic depiction of the human and microbial genetic and proteomic changes underlying physiological and pathophysiological phenomena. We highlight the potential pitfalls and alternatives to help avoid the common errors in study design, execution, and analysis. We focus on the application, integration, and analysis of big data in gastroenterology and hepatobiliary research.

Consensus on complementary feeding from the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: COCO 2023.

Complementary feeding (CF) is defined as the feeding of infants that complements breastfeeding, or alternatively, feeding with a breast milk substitute, and is a process that is more than simply a guide as to what and how to introduce foods. The information provided by healthcare professionals must be up-to-date and evidence-based. Most of the recommendations that appear in the different international guidelines and position papers are widely applicable, but some must be regionalized or adapted to fit the conditions and reality of each geographic zone. The Nutrition Working Group of the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN) summoned a group of experts from each of the society's member countries, to develop a consensus on CF, incorporating, whenever possible, local information adapted to the reality of the region. The aim of the present document is to show the results of that endeavor. Utilizing the Delphi method, a total of 34 statements on relevant aspects of CF were evaluated, discussed, and voted upon.

Enteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants (2022): A Position Paper From the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition and Invited Experts.

OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature and develop consensus conclusions and recommendations on nutrient intakes and nutritional practice in preterm infants with birthweight <1800 g. METHODS: The European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee of Nutrition (CoN) led a process that included CoN members and invited experts. Invited experts with specific expertise were chosen to represent as broad a geographical spread as possible. A list of topics was developed, and individual leads were assigned to topics along with other members, who reviewed the current literature. A single face-to-face meeting was held in February 2020. Provisional conclusions and recommendations were developed between 2020 and 2021, and these were voted on electronically by all members of the working group between 2021 and 2022. Where >90% consensus was not achieved, online discussion meetings were held, along with further voting until agreement was reached. RESULTS: In general, there is a lack of strong evidence for most nutrients and topics. The summary paper is supported by additional supplementary digital content that provide a fuller explanation of the literature and relevant physiology: introduction and overview; human milk reference data; intakes of water, protein, energy, lipid, carbohydrate, electrolytes, minerals, trace elements, water soluble vitamins, and fat soluble vitamins; feeding mode including mineral enteral feeding, feed advancement, management of gastric residuals, gastric tube placement and bolus or continuous feeding; growth; breastmilk buccal colostrum, donor human milk, and risks of cytomegalovirus infection; hydrolyzed protein and osmolality; supplemental bionutrients; and use of breastmilk fortifier. CONCLUSIONS: We provide updated ESPGHAN CoN consensus-based conclusions and recommendations on nutrient intakes and nutritional management for preterm infants.

Medical provider satisfaction with integrated care in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Benefits of behavioral health (BH) integrated care (IC) in pediatric primary care have been demonstrated (Asarnow et al., 2015). Pediatric subspecialty care treats patients with high levels of medical and psychosocial vulnerability and complexity (Samsel et al., 2017), underscoring the need for increased IC. Medical provider satisfaction (MPS) with IC is highly relevant for the utilization and expansion of these services. The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine MPS related to BH IC services in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. METHOD: Eight pediatric gastroenterology providers working in an outpatient clinic completed a 32-item survey (adapted from Corso et al., 2016) assessing their satisfaction with integrated BH care services. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine and summarize provider satisfaction data. RESULTS: Pediatric gastroenterology medical providers reported high levels of satisfaction with existing IC services and a preference for embedded versus colocated IC. They perceived provider-related and clinical benefits of IC, felt that addressing BH issues is important, and believed IC is a valued service. Medical providers expressed that they wanted expanded IC services, including an embedded psychologist at more locations, BH screenings for younger patients, and an electronic psychosocial screening process. DISCUSSION: The results of this study align with research findings regarding high medical provider satisfaction with IC in primary care and a preference for embedded BH services (Asarnow et al., 2015). While this preliminary study is small in scale, it is an important initial step to better understand MPS with IC in pediatric subspecialty care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Hypnotherapy in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

In several countries, gut-directed hypnotherapy is becoming an established and evidence-based treatment in pediatric gastroenterology. This article describes what hypnotherapy is, offers an overview of its effect in gut-brain disorders and explains its potential mode of action. Moreover, the use of hypnotherapy in other areas of pediatric gastroenterology, as a supportive tool to reduce pain, stress, depression, and anxiety and improve quality of life, will be also discussed. Guidance toward implementing hypnotherapy in clinical practice is provided, including examples of how you can explain hypnosis to patients with gastroenterological symptoms.

Moving Complementary Feeding Forward: Report on a Workshop of the Federation of International Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (FISPGHAN) and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Federation of International Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition held a joint workshop, "Moving Complementary Feeding Forward" at the sixth World Congress Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in 2021. Here we summarize workshop presentations and discussions. The workshop covered health implications of complementary feeding (CF) including allergies, challenges to meet dietary needs during the CF period, quality of commercial complementary foods (CFD) and respective marketing practices, national CF guidelines in Europe, a nutrient profiling system for CFD, and global policy perspectives on the standards and regulation of marketing for CFD. Adequate CF practices are of critical importance for short and long-term child health, prevention of nutrient deficiencies, normal growth and development, and reducing the risk of allergies. The workshop identified the need to improve feeding practices, harmonize evidence-based information and develop guidance jointly with various stakeholders, improve the composition and marketing practices of commercial CFD and their transparent labeling based on nutrient profiling. Renewed efforts for collaboration between scientists, public health experts, pediatric associations, national governments, and the WHO are necessary for advancing progress.

Diagnostic therapeutic care pathway for pediatric food allergies and intolerances in Italy: a joint position paper by the Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and the Italian Society for Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP).

Epidemiologic data suggest an increased prevalence of pediatric food allergies and intolerances (FAIs) during the last decades. This changing scenario has led to an increase in the overall healthcare costs, due to a growing demand for diagnostic and treatment services. There is the need to establish Evidence-based practices for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention that could  be adopted in the context of public health policies for FAIs are needed.This joint position paper has been prepared by a group of experts in pediatric gastroenterology, allergy and nutrition from the Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and the Italian Society for Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP). The paper is focused on the Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Pathway (DTCP) for pediatric FAIs in Italy.