The effect of fiber supplementation with agave fructans or psyllium plantago in symptoms of constipation and its relation with whole and regional transit time and pH.

BACKGROUND: Supplementation with the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans is a feasible treatment option for functional constipation (FC). However, its effects on colonic function have not yet been studied. This study assessed whole gut transit time (WGTT) and regional transit time using a wireless motility capsule (WMC) before and after supplementation with different fiber treatments in patients with FC. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing agave fructans with psyllium plantago. WGTT, regional transit time, contractility, and pH were measured using WMC before and after fiber supplementation. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests. KEY RESULTS: Twenty patients with FC were evaluated, with a median age of 39 (25-54 years), and 18 (90%) were women. Five patients were included in each intervention group. There were no changes in WGTT or regional transit times between the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in the changes experienced by regional or general contractility among the groups (p > 0.05). The cecal pH profile did not differ between the groups before and after fiber supplementation (p > 0.05). The percentages of clinical responses and consistency of bowel movements between the groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: FC presents a clinical response to a fiber challenge, regardless of the administered intervention. However, this response was not associated with improvement in contractility or regional transit time. We speculate that there are other mechanisms by which fiber consumption may improve FC.

EFFECT OF VISCERAL MANIPULATION ON CHILDREN WITH REFRACTORY CHRONIC FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is a common global high prevalence issue in children. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of visceral manipulation (VM) on children with chronic interacble FC unresponsive to the standard treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted as a randomized, single-blind controlled trial. Fifty-two children with refractory chronic functional constipation unresponsive to the standard medical treatment were randomly allocated to two groups of 26 control (standard medical care (SMC)) and 26 intervention (SMC with VM) for 4 weeks. Abdominal pain, painful defecation, stool consistency, defecation frequency, and the dose of oral laxative were evaluated before and after the treatment period using the Pain Rating Scale, Bristol stool form scale, and patient/parents report. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, except for the dose of oral laxative in the control group, all of the results showed a significant difference in both groups (P<0.05). The dose of oral laxative in the intervention group decreased significantly (P<0.05), however, no significant change was observed in the control group (P>0.05). In the intervention group comparison, statistically significant differences were found in all va-riables except the Bristol stool form scale (P<0.05). The Bristol stool form scale after treatments was not different when the groups were compared (P=0.32), but the number of subjects who had normal stool consistency was significantly increased in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: VM can be considered as a possible treatment without side effects besides SMC for the management of chronic FC. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effect of VM.

INFLUENCE OF ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY IMPAIRMENT ON UPPER AND LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE IN CHAGAS DISEASE.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease causes digestive anatomic and functional changes, including the loss of the myenteric plexus and abnormal esophageal radiologic and manometric findings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of abnormal esophageal radiologic findings, cardiac changes, distal esophageal contractions, and complaints of dysphagia and constipation in upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter basal pressure in Chagas disease patients. METHODS: The study evaluated 99 patients with Chagas disease and 40 asymptomatic normal volunteers. The patients had normal esophageal radiologic examination (n=61) or esophageal retention without an increase in esophageal diameter (n=38). UES and LES pressure was measured with the rapid pull-through method in a 4-channel water-perfused round catheter. Before manometry, the patients were asked about dysphagia and constipation and submitted to electrocardiography and chest radiography. RESULTS: The amplitude of esophageal distal contraction decreased from controls to chagasic patients with esophageal retention. The proportion of failed and simultaneous contractions increased in patients with abnormal radiologic examination (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in UES and LES pressure between the groups. UES pressure was similar between Chagas disease patients with cardiomegaly (n=27, 126.5±62.7 mmHg) and those without it (n=72, 144.2±51.6 mmHg, P=0.26). Patients with constipation had lower LES pressure (n=23, 34.7±20.3 mmHg) than those without it (n=76, 42.9±20.5 mmHg, P<0.03). CONCLUSION: Chagas disease patients with absent or mild esophageal radiologic involvement had no significant changes in UES and LES basal pressure. Constipation complaints are associated with decreased LES basal pressure.

[Impact of biofeedback therapy on patients with fecal incontinence or constipation in a gastrointestinal neurophysiology unit in Bogotá, D.C.] / Impacto de la terapia de biorretroalimentación en pacientes con incontinencia fecal o constipación en una unidad de neurofisiología gastrointestinal en Bogotá, D.C.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of functional disorders of the anorectal unit should focus on the underlying cause. Biofeedback therapy is a functional retraining of the pelvic floor that has proven useful in the treatment of constipation associated with dyssynergia and in the management of fecal incontinence. This study describes the first experiences with this form of biofeedback therapy in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: Describe our experience with biofeedback therapy in the gastrointestinal neurophysiology unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical cohort included patients with an indication for biofeedback therapy for constipation or fecal incontinence in the gastrointestinal neurophysiology unit during the data collection period. The response to therapy is described by comparing manometricfindings before and after 10 biofeedback sessions. RESULTS: 21 patients were included(71.4% women, the average age was 68, 9 with constipation and 12 with fecal incontinence.Among the patients with constipation there was a significant improvement in 71.4% of those who had rectal hyposensitivity and in 57.1% of those with dyssynergia. Biofeedback therapysignificantly increased the balloon expulsion rate (11.1 vs. 66.7%, p=0.02). In patients with fecal incontinence, there was improvement in 50% of those who had anal hypotonia and in 80% of those who had anal hyposensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that biofeedback therapy has a favorable impact on a high number of patients with constipationand fecal incontinence; in our center, the response is similar to that of the world literature.

Assessing impaired gastric accommodation in children with functional constipation using the water load test.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate gastric accommodation in pediatric patients with functional constipation using the water load test. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional case-control study. Herein, the water load test results of children aged >4 years with functional constipation referred to a Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic (functional constipation group) were compared with those of a control group (without functional constipation or chronic abdominal pain) recruited from two public schools. Clinical manifestations outlined in the Rome IV criteria were used to diagnose functional constipation. Water load tests were performed after 3 h of fasting. For the test, the participants were asked to drink as much water as possible in 3 min. KEY RESULTS: A total of 36 patients and 77 students were included in the functional constipation and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in age between the groups (8.6 ± 2.3 years and 8.8 ± 1.8 years in the functional constipation and control groups, respectively). The water load test showed intake volumes of 390 ± 245 mL and 528 ± 219 mL in the functional constipation and control groups, respectively (p = 0.001). The maximum volume in the water load test correlated with the 24 h daily intake of energy (rS = +0.42, p = 0.012), protein (rS = +0.48, p = 0.004), and water (rS = +0.39, p = 0.020) only in the group with functional constipation. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: According to the water load test, gastric accommodation was impaired in children with severe functional constipation. The impairment of gastric accommodation in children with severe functional constipation is related to food intake.

Adjunctive efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 for functional constipation in children.

Functional constipation (FC) can seriously affect the physical and mental health of children. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 in treating FC in children through a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled approach. Eligible children were randomized into either the intervention group (IG, n = 65, receiving conventional treatment with probiotics) or the control group (CG, n = 66, receiving conventional treatment without probiotics). The primary outcome measure was fecal frequency. Fecal gut microbiota analysis and PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) were used to predict gene family abundances based on 16S information. Over the course of treatment, the weekly frequency of feces within each group increased significantly (F = 41.97, p < 0.001). The frequency of feces (times/week (t/w)) in the IG was significantly higher than that in the CG (3.69 ± 2.62 t/w vs.3.18 ± 1.43 t/w, 4.03 ± 2.54 t/w vs. 2.89 ± 1.39 t/w and 3.74 ± 2.36 t/w vs. 2.94 ± 1.18 t/w and 3.45 ± 1.98 vs. 3.17 ± 1.41 t/w for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week after intervention, respectively) (F = 7.60, p = 0.0067). After the intervention, dominate species shifted to Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Escherichia coli in the IG. Additionally, genes related to short-chain fatty acid (SCF) metabolism were upregulated, while methane metabolism was downregulated. Administration of XLTG11 at a dose of 1 × 1010 CFU/day to children increased fecal frequency, induced beneficial changes in gut microbiota, and regulated SCFs and methane metabolism-related genes.

Gastrointestinal dysmotility in a patient with advanced lung cancer: paraneoplastic or drug-induced?

A 75-year-old man was hospitalised for bronchoscopy with biopsy due to a suspicious pulmonary mass at chest tomography. He had significant dyspnoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and a 33% loss of weight in the past 3 months. Biopsy revealed a pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma, which was inoperable. Tramadol used at home for 3 months was replaced by morphine on admission. The patient remained constipated despite prokinetics and laxatives, leading to the diagnostic hypothesis of paraneoplastic motility disorder and opioid-induced constipation. Abdominal tomography ruled out the possibility of mechanical obstruction. As complications, the patient presented superior vena cava syndrome and opioid (morphine) intoxication. The patient died a few days later. The management of this case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and the challenges of palliative oncology care. Paraneoplastic motility disorder must always be considered among the mechanisms of intestinal dysfunction in patients with advanced oncological disease.

Utility of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) and Bristol Stool Scale in non-toilet-trained children: A large comparative study.

BACKGROUND: One of the criteria for functional constipation (FC) in Rome IV criteria is the presence of hard or painful bowel movements. In adults and children, the Rome IV criteria recommend the use of the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). This scale is thought not to be appropriate for evaluation of stool consistency in young children. The Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) was developed as a scale for children wearing diapers. There are no prior studies comparing BITSS with BSS in a clinical setting. Our main aim was that BITSS behaves differently than the BSS as it reflects better stool characterization by parents. METHODS: Surveys were provided to parents of participants in two cities from Colombia which included the Rome IV-validated questionnaire and stool consistency assessment using pictures for BSS and BITSS. KEY RESULTS: A total of 666 responses were obtained for non-toilet-trained children, mean age was 16.6 months. Detection for normal stools was higher using BSS (58.6%) when compared to BITSS (13.6%), and conversely was more likely to be abnormal through BITSS (86.4%) than BSS (41.4%) (p < 0.0001). BITSS (57.4%) was better than BSS (25.3%) identifying hard stools in FC (p = 0.000). For hard stools per parental classification, BITSS' definition was better than BSS (75.8% vs 44%, respectively, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The BITSS and BSS behave differently. The BITSS seems to be more sensitive to detect hard stools and FC than BSS. More studies are needed to better define whether BITSS is appropriate to replace BSS in non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers.

Contracción paradojal del puborrectal como causa de defecación obstructiva: resultados a corto plazo del tratamiento con biofeedback y rehabilitación pelviperineal / Puborectal paradoxical contraction as a cause of obstructive defecation: short-term outcomes of treatment with biofeedback and pelviperineal rehabilitation

Resumen Introducción: En pacientes constipados crónicos por obstrucción de salida, la contracción paradojal del puborrectal (CPP) o "anismo" es frecuente. El tratamiento con Biofeedback y rehabilitación pelviperineal presenta resultados exitosos entre el 40-90%. Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado del tratamiento con Biofeedback y rehabilitación pelviperineal en pacientes con CPP a corto plazo. Materiales y Método: Serie de casos. Datos obtenidos prospectivamente de la Unidad de Piso Pelviano. Se incluyó pacientes entre 2008 y 2015 que cumplían criterios de constipación crónica secundaria a CPP, confirmado por manometría anorrectal y/o defeco-resonancia. Se analizaron datos demográficos, frecuencia de evacuaciones, uso de laxantes, enemas, pujo, Score de Altomare y Score de constipación de Wexner pre y post-tratamiento. Resultados: 43 pacientes, de los cuales 39 son mujeres. Edad media de 40 años (rango: 14-84). Duración de síntomas fue ≥ 5 años en el 72,5%. Mediana de sesiones de Biofeedback de 8 (6-10). El 62,8% presenta ≤ 2 evacuaciones semanales y disminuye a un 29,3% post-tratamiento (p < 0,001). El 76,2% requiere laxantes orales y el 42,9% enemas, disminuyendo a 35,1% (p < 0,001) y 5,4% (p < 0,001) respectivamente post-tratamiento. Sensación de evacuación incompleta/fragmentada en todos los intentos mejoró de 67,4% a 14,6% (p < 0,001) y el pujo excesivo en más de la mitad de intentos mejoró de 76,1% a 10,8% (p < 0,001). Score de Wexner para constipación y Altomare mejoró de 18 a 7 (p < 0,001) y de 16 a 5 (p < 0,001) respectivamente. Conclusión: El biofeedback y la rehabilitación pelviperineal son efectivas en el tratamiento de la CPP.

Introduction: In patients with chronic constipation by obstructive defecation syndrome Paradoxical Puborectalis Contraction or "anismus" is important. Successful results for Biofeedback treatment and Pelviperineal Rehabilitation it described between 40-90%. Aim: To evaluate the outcome of biofeedback and pelviperineal rehabilitation in patients with CPP in the short-term. Materials and Method: Case series. Data was obtained from the prospective database of Pelvic Floor Unit of Universidad Católica de Chile. Patients with anismus were included between 2008 and 2015. Diagnostic criteria were chronic constipation patients by anismus with anorectal manometry and/or defecoresonancy that confirms this disorder and discards other causes of obstruted defecation síndrome. Demographic variables, frequency of bowel movements, use of laxatives, enemas, pushing, Altomare Score and Wexner constipation Score were analyzed pre and post-treatment. Results: Series of 43 patients, 39 of whom where women. Median age: 40 years (range: 14-84). Duration of symptoms ≥ 5 years in 72.5%. Median of Biofeedback sessions: 8 (range 6-10). Pre-treatment, 62.8% had ≤ 2 evacuations weekly and 29.3% post-treatment (p < 0.001). Oral laxatives were required in 76.2% and 42.9% enemas, decreasing to 35.1% (p < 0.001) and 5.4% (p < 0.001) post-treatment respectively. Feeling of incomplete/evacuation fragmented all the time improved from 67.4% to 14.6% (p < 0.001) and excessive pushing in more than half of time improved from 76.1% to 10.8% (p < 0.001). Wexner Score for and Altomare Score improved from 18 to 7 (p < 0.001) and 16 to 5 (p < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Adult with chronic constipation by anismus can be treated effectively with Biofeedback and Pelviperineal Rehabilitation.

The real impact of colonic transit time and anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of adult patients with chronic constipation / O real impacto do tempo de trânsito cólico e da manometria anorretal no diagnóstico de pacientes adultos com constipação crônica

Abstract Introduction: Anorectal physiology tests are indicated for patients who have refractory symptoms of constipation, but the best sequence of investigation remains controversial. Objective: To evaluate the influence of colonic transit time and anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of chronic constipation in adults. Method: This was a study of adult patients with constipation at a private clinic in a city in southern Brazil, from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. Those who showed warning signs were referred for colonoscopy and those with any anatomical alterations were excluded. The patients received 10 g of psyllium and those who remained symptomatic after three weeks were referred for functional assessment with colonic transit time (CTT). Those who presented outlet obstruction in the colonic transit time were referred to anorectal manometry. Results: Of the 889 adult patients surveyed, 227 were included. Of the 216 who completed the study, 167 responded to primary treatment. Forty-nine underwent CTT. In these, 16 had normal colonic transit time and 33 were altered. In those with altered colonic transit time, eight had a pattern of colonic inertia and 25 had an obstruction pattern. The 25 patients with an outlet obstruction pattern underwent anorectal manometry. Eighteen had signs of paradoxical contracture of the puborectal muscle (PPRC) and seven did not. Conclusion: This study concluded that anorectal physiology exams contribute to the diagnosis of constipation, often changing the behavior. These exams should be performed whenever the patient does not respond to hygienic changes and fiber replacement.

Resumo Introdução: Os exames de fisiologia anorretal estão indicados nos pacientes que mantém sintomas refratários de constipação, porém uma sequência desejada de investigação permanece contraditória. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do tempo de trânsito colônico e da manometria anorretal no diagnóstico da constipação crônica de adultos. Método: Estudamos os pacientes adultos de uma clínica privada em uma cidade do sul do Brasil, no período de 01 de Janeiro de 2009 a 31 de Dezembro de 2018 apresentando constipação. Aqueles que apresentassem sinais de alerta, eram encaminhados a colonoscopia e com qualquer alteração anatômica eram excluídos. Foram prescritos 10 g de Psyllium e aqueles que permaneceram sintomáticos após três semanas foram encaminhados à avaliação funcional com tempo de trânsito colônico (TTC). Os que apresentavam obstrução de saída ao tempo de trânsito colônico foram encaminhados a manometria anorretal. Resultados: Dos 889 pacientes adultos levantados, 227 foram incluídos. Dos 216 que concluíram o estudo, 167 responderam ao tratamento primário. Quarenta e nove realizaram TTC. Nestes, 16 tiveram tempo de trânsito colônico normal e 33 alterado. Naqueles com tempo de trânsito colônico alterado: oito tinham padrão de inércia colônica e 25, padrão de obstrução de saída. Os 25 pacientes com padrão de obstrução de saída foram submetidos à manometria anorretal. Dezoito tinham sinais de Contratura Paradoxal do músculo Puborretal (CPPR) e sete não. Conclusão: Concluímos que os exames de fisiologia anorretal contribuem para o diagnóstico da constipação, muitas vezes alterando a conduta. Estes exames devem ser realizados sempre que o paciente não responder as alterações higienodietéticas e a reposição de fibras.

Association between a constipation scoring system adapted for use in children and the dysfunctional voiding symptom score in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: A presumed association between more severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and more severe functional constipation (FC) remains unconfirmed. Because the Rome IV criteria do not quantify FC, an adult constipation scoring system was modified and adapted for use in children. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between FC severity as determined by the modified constipation scoring system and LUTS severity in children/adolescents and the correlation between this modified scoring system and the Rome IV criteria. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study including 5- to 17-year-old patients with LUTS, with or without FC. Patients with neurological and/or anatomical abnormalities of the genitourinary and/or gastrointestinal tract were excluded. Girls with Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) ≥6 and boys with DVSS ≥9 were diagnosed with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Patients with at least two positive Rome IV criteria were considered constipated. The severity of FC according to the adapted constipation scoring system was classified as mild for scores of 1-10, moderate for scores 11-20, and severe for scores 21-30. RESULTS: Of 128 patients with LUTS, 71 (55.5%) were female. Lower urinary tract dysfunction was detected in 107 patients (83.6%) and was more common in girls. Functional constipation was present in 80 patients (62.5%). Constipated children had higher constipation scores and DVSS, with both scores increasing with the severity of FC. Correlation was moderate between the constipation score and the DVSS (þ = 0.5, p < 0.001) and was strong between positivity for a greater number of Rome IV criteria and the constipation score (þ = 0.7, p < 0.001). Most of the constipated patients had mild or moderate FC, while in 30 non-constipated patients, the constipation score indicated mild FC. DISCUSSION: Patients from a specialist center are more likely to have more severe medical problems, and this may have influenced the correlation between the scores. The modifications made to the constipation scoring system require a future validation study. Nevertheless, this study provides new data on urinary dysfunction and its association with FC and highlights the need to investigate occult bowel symptoms that could affect the treatment of urinary dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The intensity of FC as measured by the modified constipation scoring system correlated with the severity of the urinary symptoms in children/adolescents with LUTS/LUTD. In constipated patients, there was a correlation between the modified constipation scoring system and the Rome IV criteria. In non-constipated patients, the constipation scoring system identified symptoms/signs of bowel dysfunction not picked up by the Rome IV criteria. Finally, constipation score modified for use in children and adolescents could be important for research purpose and particularly having a prognostic importance.

Quality of Life in Children with Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with functional constipation and to identify disease-related factors associated with HRQoL. STUDY DESIGN: The Pubmed, Embase, and PsycINFO database were searched. Studies were included if they prospectively assessed HRQoL in children with functional constipation according to the Rome criteria. Articles were excluded if patients had organic causes of constipation and if HRQoL was only assessed after successful therapeutic interventions. A meta-analysis was performed calculating sample size-weighted pooled mean and SD of HRQoL scores. The quality of the studies was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 20 of 2658 studies were included, providing HRQoL data for 2344 children. Quality of evidence was considered to be poor in 9 of the 20 studies (45%); 13 of the 20 studies reported sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. Pooled total HRQoL scores of children with functional constipation were found to be lower compared with healthy reference samples (65.6 vs 86.1; P < .01). Similar HRQoL scores were found according to self-report and parent proxy report. Hospital-based studies reported lower HRQoL scores as compared with community-based studies. Two studies reported on HRQoL scores of children with and without fecal incontinence, but no significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL is compromised in children with functional constipation.

[Manometric characteristics in children with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal pathology]. / Características manométricas en niños con estreñimiento crónico ypatología anorrectal adquirida.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anorectal manometry results in the pediatric population with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of children who were referred to the Motility and Pelvic Floor Laboratory of the Hospital San Jose Tecnologico de Monterrey between 2004-2016 for further evaluation with anorectal manometry and who presented acquired anorectal disease. RESULTS: We reviewed 170 records. The mean age was 7.18 ± 4.51 years old. The prevalence of anorectal disease was 73%. The symptoms more frequently presented were difficult evacuation (78%), painful defecation (67%), large and hard stool (50%) and fecal soiling (49%). 44% of patients with hypotonic external anal sphincter (EAS) presented with soiling and 74% of those had diminished critical volume. Significant manometric values (p<0.05) were EAS resting pressure, maximal squeeze pressure, and critical volume. 97.7% of those who underwent abdomino pelvic coordination evaluation had pelvic floor dyssynergia (anismus). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to adult population, the manometric values in children with acquire anorectal pathology were within normal values except for the EAS resting pressure and critical volume that were diminished. This could suggest a different mechanism in the pediatric population. Pelvic floor dyssynergia could explain chronic constipation in these patients.

Anorectal manometry in children with retentive fecal incontinence: What parameters should we evaluate? / Manometría anorrectal en niños con incontinencia fecal retentiva: ¿Qué parámetros debemos evaluar?

INTRODUCTION: Children with functional constipation frequently present with alterations in rectal compliance and the urge-to-defecate sensation that can be evaluated through anorectal manometry (ARM). In the present study, we evaluated the usefulness of the parameters obtained through ARM in children with retentive fecal incontinence (RFI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with functional constipation, aged 4 to 17years, that underwent ARM were included in the study. RESULTS: Of the 35 children evaluated, 21 presented with functional constipation and 14 had functional constipation and RFI. The children with both constipation and RFI tolerated greater volumes of air insufflation for triggering the urge to defecate and reaching maximum tolerance of pain, compared with the children that did not have RFI. We identified the cutoff point of 135ml of air as the maximum tolerance sensation for distinguishing children with RFI. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum tolerance of pain was the most useful parameter for evaluating RFI in children with functional constipation.

IS THE PHYSICIAN EXPERTISE IN DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION OF VALUE IN DETECTING ANAL TONE IN COMPARISON TO ANORECTAL MANOMETRY?

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is part of the physical examination, is also essential for the colorectal surgeon evaluation. A good DRE offers precious information related to the patient's complaints, which will help in decision making. It is simple, quick and minimally invasive. In many centers around the world, the DRE is still the only method to evaluate the anal sphincter prior to patient's management. On the other hand, anorectal manometry (ARM) is the main method for objective functional evaluation of anal sphincter pressures. The discrepancy of DRE depending on the examiner to determine sphincter tonus in comparison to ARM motivated this study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the DRE performed by proficient and non-experienced examiners to sphincter pressure parameters obtained at ARM, depending on examiners expertise. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with complaints of fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, from the anorectal physiology clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, were prospectively included. Each patient underwent ARM and DRE performed by two senior colorectal surgeons and one junior colorectal surgeon prior to the ARM. Patient's history was blinded for the examiner's knowledge, also the impressions of each examiner were blinded from the others. For the DRE rest and squeeze pressures were classified by an objective scale (DRE scoring system) that was compared to the parameters of the ARM for the analysis. The results obtained at the ARM were compared to the DRE performed by the seniors and the junior colorectal surgeons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis was performed for all parameters. For the rest and squeeze pressures the Gamma index was used for the comparison between the DRE and ARM, which varied from 0 to 1. The closer to 1 the better was the agreement. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years old and 55.5% of patients were female. The agreement of rest anal pressures between the ARM and the DRE performed by the senior proficient examiners was 0.7 (CI 95%; 0.32-1.0), while for the junior non-experienced examiner was 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.09-0.96). The agreement of squeeze pressures was 0.96 (CI 95%; 0.87-1.0) for the seniors and 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.16-0.89) for the junior examiner. CONCLUSION: More experienced colorectal surgeons used to DRE had a more significant agreement with the ARM, thereafter would have more appropriate therapeutic management to patients with sphincter functional problems. ARM, therefore, persists as an important exam to objectively evaluate the sphincter complex, justifying its utility in the clinical practice.

Constipation is associated with tension type headache in women.

Tension-type headaches (TTH) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are comorbid diseases affecting, especially, women. One of the underlying mechanisms for both is autonomic dysfunction in the brain-gut axis. We aimed to evaluate the factors accompanying TTH and their relation to functional gastrointestinal disorders. METHODS: Women diagnosed with TTH were questioned about headache pattern and severity, and accompanying factors, as well as being screened for IBS according to the Rome III criteria. The participants were divided into two groups: constipation-dominant IBS (IBS-C) group and "others", with a total of 115 individuals included in the study. RESULTS: Of the 115 patients; 48 (41.8%) of the women had IBS-C criteria while 67 (58.2%) described mixed-type IBS or diarrhea-dominant IBS. There were no significant differences in terms of mean age (p = 0.290), body mass index (p = 0.212), visual analog scale (p = 0.965), duration of attacks (p = 0.692), and episodic/chronic type (p = 0.553). Osmophobia was seen in 43.5%; phonophobia in 68.7%, and photophobia in 47.0% of the patients, and only osmophobia was significantly associated in women in the IBS-C group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In female patients with TTH, a higher level of constipation was detected. The relationship of these two diseases suggests that they may share common mechanisms. This is the first study showing the relationship of osmophobia with constipation.

Contribution of Sensory Processing to Chronic Constipation in Preschool Children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in sensory processing patterns between children with chronic constipation compared with a matched normative sample as well as to examine the extent to which specific sensory processing patterns and modality scores predicted atypical toileting behaviors. STUDY DESIGN: We used a cross-sectional comparative design to evaluate differences between children age 3 and 5 years old with constipation (n = 66) and those in a matched control sample (n = 66). We also examined the contribution of sensory processing patterns to atypical toileting behavior in the clinical sample. RESULTS: Children with chronic constipation showed significantly higher sensory scores than a matched normative sample, specifically in oral processing (P < .001), visual processing (P < . 05), sensory avoiding (P < .001), and sensory sensitivity (P < .05). Sensory registration, avoidance, and oral processing significantly predicted toileting behavior over-responsiveness, and attentional difficulties contribute to toileting under-responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that children with chronic constipation have underlying sensory characteristics that contribute to toileting behavioral difficulties. By identifying sensory processing patterns of children with chronic constipation, we can optimize behavioral interventions to complement laxative therapy for this population.

Características manométricas en niños con estreñimiento crónico y patología anorrectal adquirida / Manometric characteristics in children with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal pathology

Objetivos: Describir los resultados de las manometrías anorrectales (MAR) en pacientes pediátricos con estreñimiento crónico y patología anorrectal adquirida. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes pediátricos referidos entre 2004 y 2016 al Laboratorio de Motilidad Gastrointestinal del Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey para evaluación por manometría anorrectal y que presentaron patología anorrectal adquirida. Resultados: Se revisaron 170 expedientes. Edad 7,18 ± 4,51 años. La prevalencia de patología anorrectal (PA) fue de 73%. Síntomas con mayor incidencia: dificultad para evacuar (78%), dolor al evacuar (67%), heces duras (50%) e incontinencia fecal asociado (49%). El 44% de los pacientes con esfínter anal externo (EAE) hipotónico presentaron incontinencia y 74% estos últimos, presentaron menor volumen máximo tolerable (VMT). Los valores manométricos con mayor significancia: presión en reposo del EAE (promedio ± DE) 14,16 ± 10,19 en PA y de 26,08 ± 13,65 en SPA; presión en contracción del EAE 48,4 ± 34,1 en PA y 68,3 ± 37,7 en SPA; VMT 120,8 ± 60,4 en PA y de 173,2 ± 78,0 en SPA. El 97,97% de los pacientes en los que se evaluó la coordinación abdomino-pélvica tuvieron disinergia del piso pélvico. Conclusiones: A diferencia de la población adulta, los valores manométricos de niños con patología anorrectal se encontraron dentro de rangos normales excepto por el EAE y el VMT los cuales estuvieron disminuidos. Esto puede sugerir un mecanismo diferente en la población pediátrica. La disinergia del piso pélvico podría explicar el estreñimiento crónico en estos pacientes.

Objective: To describe the anorectal manometry results in the pediatric population with chronic constipation and acquired anorectal disease. Materials and methods: We reviewed the records of children who were referred to the Motility and Pelvic Floor Laboratory of the Hospital San Jose Tecnologico de Monterrey between 2004-2016 for further evaluation with anorectal manometry and who presented acquired anorectal disease. Results: We reviewed 170 records. The mean age was 7.18 ± 4.51 years old. The prevalence of anorectal disease was 73%. The symptoms more frequently presented were difficult evacuation (78%), painful defecation (67%), large and hard stool (50%) and fecal soiling (49%). 44% of patients with hypotonic external anal sphincter (EAS) presented with soiling and 74% of those had diminished critical volume. Significant manometric values (p<0.05) were EAS resting pressure, maximal squeeze pressure, and critical volume. 97.7% of those who underwent abdomino pelvic coordination evaluation had pelvic floor dyssynergia (anismus). Conclusions: Contrary to adult population, the manometric values in children with acquire anorectal pathology were within normal values except for the EAS resting pressure and critical volume that were diminished. This could suggest a different mechanism in the pediatric population. Pelvic floor dyssynergia could explain chronic constipation in these patients.

A experiência do médico examinador tem influência na avaliação do tônus anal em comparação à manometria anorretal? / Is the physician expertise in digital rectal examination of value in detecting anal tone in comparison to anorectal manometry?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is part of the physical examination, is also essential for the colorectal surgeon evaluation. A good DRE offers precious information related to the patient's complaints, which will help in decision making. It is simple, quick and minimally invasive. In many centers around the world, the DRE is still the only method to evaluate the anal sphincter prior to patient's management. On the other hand, anorectal manometry (ARM) is the main method for objective functional evaluation of anal sphincter pressures. The discrepancy of DRE depending on the examiner to determine sphincter tonus in comparison to ARM motivated this study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the DRE performed by proficient and non-experienced examiners to sphincter pressure parameters obtained at ARM, depending on examiners expertise. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with complaints of fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, from the anorectal physiology clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, were prospectively included. Each patient underwent ARM and DRE performed by two senior colorectal surgeons and one junior colorectal surgeon prior to the ARM. Patient's history was blinded for the examiner's knowledge, also the impressions of each examiner were blinded from the others. For the DRE rest and squeeze pressures were classified by an objective scale (DRE scoring system) that was compared to the parameters of the ARM for the analysis. The results obtained at the ARM were compared to the DRE performed by the seniors and the junior colorectal surgeons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis was performed for all parameters. For the rest and squeeze pressures the Gamma index was used for the comparison between the DRE and ARM, which varied from 0 to 1. The closer to 1 the better was the agreement. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years old and 55.5% of patients were female. The agreement of rest anal pressures between the ARM and the DRE performed by the senior proficient examiners was 0.7 (CI 95%; 0.32-1.0), while for the junior non-experienced examiner was 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.09-0.96). The agreement of squeeze pressures was 0.96 (CI 95%; 0.87-1.0) for the seniors and 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.16-0.89) for the junior examiner. CONCLUSION: More experienced colorectal surgeons used to DRE had a more significant agreement with the ARM, thereafter would have more appropriate therapeutic management to patients with sphincter functional problems. ARM, therefore, persists as an important exam to objectively evaluate the sphincter complex, justifying its utility in the clinical practice.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Exame anorretal digital (EAD) faz parte do exame físico, também é essencial para a avaliação do cirurgião colorretal. Um bom EAD oferece informações preciosas relacionadas às queixas do paciente, que auxiliam na tomada de decisões. Sua realização é simples, rápida e minimamente invasiva. Em diversos centros ao redor do mundo, o toque retal ainda é o único método para avaliar o esfíncter anal antes do tratamento. Por outro lado, a manometria anorretal (MAR) é o principal método para avaliação funcional objetiva das pressões esfincterianas. A discrepância entre o EAD, dependendo do examinador para determinar o tônus esfincteriano em comparação à MAR motivou este estudo. OBJETIVO: Comparar o EAD com os parâmetros de pressão esfincteriana obtidos na MAR, dependendo da experiência dos examinadores. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes consecutivos com queixas de incontinência fecal ou constipação crônica, do ambulatório de Fisiologia Anorretal da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, foram prospectivamente incluídos. Cada paciente foi submetido a MAR e EAD realizados por dois cirurgiões colorretais seniores e um júnior antes da MAR. A história dos pacientes propositalmente omitida dos examinadores, e os resultados de cada examinador foram cegos dos demais. Para o EAD, as pressões de repouso e contração foram classificadas por uma escala objetiva (EAD Scoring System), realizada pelos examinadores seniores e pelo júnior em todos os pacientes, que foi comparada com os parâmetros da MAR para a análise. ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: A análise descritiva foi feita para todos os parâmetros. Para as pressões de repouso e contração, o índice Gamma foi utilizado para a comparação entre o EAD e a MAR, que variou de 0 a 1. Quanto mais próximo de 1 melhor a concordância entre os dois métodos de avaliação. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 48 anos e 55,5% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A concordância das pressões anais de repouso entre a MAR e o EAD realizadas pelos examinadores seniores, proficientes, foi de 0,7 (IC 95%; 0,32-1,0), enquanto para o examinador júnior, menos experiente, foi de 0,52 (IC95%; 0,09-0,96). A concordância das pressões de contração foi de 0,96 (IC 95%; 0,87-1,0) para os examinadores seniores e de 0,52 (IC 95%; 0,16-0,89) para o júnior. CONCLUSÃO: Cirurgiões colorretais mais experientes, o EAD teve concordância mais significativa com a MAR, o que poderia levar a um manejo terapêutico mais adequado aos pacientes portadores de doença anorretais funcionais. A manometria anorretal permanece, portanto, como método de avaliação objetiva da função esfincteriana.