Purging and the body in the therapeutic use of ayahuasca.

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant mixture used in ceremonial contexts throughout Western Amazonia. Its use has expanded globally in recent decades and become popular among westerners who travel to the Peruvian Amazon in increasing numbers to experience its reportedly healing effects. Through a review of relevant literature on Amazonian shamanism, combined with the authors' ethnographic data from shamanic tourism contexts of the Peruvian Amazon and neo-shamanic networks in Australia (collected between 2003 and 2015 - with a total of 227 people interviewed or surveyed, including healers and participants), we demonstrate that purging has been integral to the therapeutic use of ayahuasca across and beyond Amazonia. Therapeutic approaches to ayahuasca point to combined modulations of the gut and the mind, and the bodily and the social, that are expressed through discourse about healing and the body. Relating ethnographic evidence to recent scientific studies that connect the gut to emotional health, we do not approach the gut as merely biological ground on which cultural meanings are imposed, but rather as simultaneously physical and cultural. Based upon our analysis, we argue that ayahuasca purging should not be dismissed as a drug side effect or irrational belief but reconsidered for its potential therapeutic effects.

Does Mechanical Bowel Preparation Reduce the Risk of Developing Infectious Complications in Pediatric Colorectal Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the application of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before colorectal surgery reduces the risk of developing infectious complications in children. STUDY DESIGN: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify all articles comparing pediatric patients receiving MBP with pediatric patients not receiving MBP before colorectal surgery. Results are presented with weighted risk differences based on the number of events and sample size per study. RESULTS: Six original studies were included comparing MBP (n = 810) and no MBP (n = 1167). The overall risk of developing infectious complications was 10.1% in patients with MBP, compared with 9.1% in patients without MBP, resulting in a nonsignificant risk difference of -0.03% (95% CI, -0.09% to 0.03%). Concerning the number of wound infections and anastomotic leaks, we found nonsignificant risk differences of -0.03% (95% CI, -0.08% to 0.02%) and 0.01% (95% CI, -0.01% to 0.02%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that the use of MBP leads to a significant difference in the risk of developing infectious complications in pediatric colorectal surgery.

Effect of bisacodyl on rats with slow transit constipation.

The effect of bisacodyl on the treatment of rats with slow transit constipation (STC) was studied. Forty-five female Wister rats were divided into control group, STC group, and STC bisacodyl group. The immunohistochemical method was used to determine interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the expression of c-Kit protein. Body mass and the number of defecations were significantly decreased in the STC group compared with the control group on the 100th day after diphenoxylate administration, while dry weight of feces was significantly increased and the intestinal transit time was prolonged. There were significant differences in the number of defecations, dry weight of feces, and intestinal transit time among the three groups. The number of defecations was higher, dry weight of feces was lower, and intestinal transit time was shorter in the STC bisacodyl group compared to the STC group. In addition, ICC basement membrane dissolution occurred in the colon wall of the STC group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells was destroyed, and the nucleus shrunken to different degrees. Moreover, c-Kit expression in the STC group was significantly lower than the control group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells in the STC bisacodyl group was significantly stronger than the STC group, and the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit were increased. Bisacodyl could reduce the severity of STC in rats by increasing the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit.

Educational Colonoscopy Video Enhances Bowel Preparation Quality and Comprehension in an Inner City Population.

BACKGROUND: Quality of bowel preparation and patient knowledge remains a major barrier for completing colorectal cancer screening. Few studies have tested unique ways to impact patient understanding centering on interactive computer programs, pictures, and brochures. Two studies explored instructional videos but focused on patient compliance and anxiety as endpoints. Furthermore, excessive video length and content may limit their impact on a broad patient population. No study so far has studied a video's impact on preparation quality and patient understanding of the colonoscopy procedure. METHODS: We conducted a single blinded prospective study of inner city patients presenting for a first time screening colonoscopy. During their initial visit patients were randomized to watch an instructional colonoscopy video or a video discussing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). All patients watched a 6 minutes long video with the same spokesperson, completed a demographic questionnaire (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JCG/A352) and were enrolled only if screened within 30 days of their visit. On the day of the colonoscopy, patients completed a 14 question quiz of their knowledge. Blinded endoscopist graded patient preparations based on the Ottawa scale. All authors had access to the study data and reviewed and approved the final manuscript. RESULTS: Among the 104 subjects enrolled in the study, 56 were in the colonoscopy video group, 48 were in GERD video group, and 12 were excluded. Overall, 48% were male and 52% female; 90% of patients had less than a high school education, 76% were African American, and 67% used a 4 L split-dose preparation. There were no differences between either video group with regard to any of the above categories. Comparisons between the 2 groups revealed that the colonoscopy video group had significantly better Ottawa bowel preparation score (4.77 vs. 6.85; P=0.01) than the GERD video group. The colonoscopy video group also had less-inadequate repeat bowel preparations versus the GERD video group (9% vs. 23%; P<0.01). The overall score on the knowledge questionnaire (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JCG/A352) was significantly higher in the colonoscopy video group as compared with the GERD video group (12.77 vs. 11.08; P<0.001. In all patients the overall quiz score positively correlated with preparation quality (odds ratio, 2.31; confidence interval, 1.35-3.94; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our unique population represented an overwhelmingly under-educated (85% had a high school education or less) and minority group (76% African American). They are one of the most at risk of having multiple barriers such as comprehension and reading difficulties resulting in poor preparation examinations and no shows to procedures. Our instructional video proved to be high yield in this population. The patients assigned to watch the colonoscopy video showed a significant increase in "excellent" grade adequate bowel preparation quality by >23% and a significant decrease in "inadequate" bowel preparations by almost 50%. Our study proves that an educational video can improve both comprehension with regard to all aspects of colonoscopy. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02906969.

Effect of bisacodyl on rats with slow transit constipation

The effect of bisacodyl on the treatment of rats with slow transit constipation (STC) was studied. Forty-five female Wister rats were divided into control group, STC group, and STC bisacodyl group. The immunohistochemical method was used to determine interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the expression of c-Kit protein. Body mass and the number of defecations were significantly decreased in the STC group compared with the control group on the 100th day after diphenoxylate administration, while dry weight of feces was significantly increased and the intestinal transit time was prolonged. There were significant differences in the number of defecations, dry weight of feces, and intestinal transit time among the three groups. The number of defecations was higher, dry weight of feces was lower, and intestinal transit time was shorter in the STC bisacodyl group compared to the STC group. In addition, ICC basement membrane dissolution occurred in the colon wall of the STC group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells was destroyed, and the nucleus shrunken to different degrees. Moreover, c-Kit expression in the STC group was significantly lower than the control group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells in the STC bisacodyl group was significantly stronger than the STC group, and the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit were increased. Bisacodyl could reduce the severity of STC in rats by increasing the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit.

Giant rectal polyp prolapse in an adult patient with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant intestinal polyposis syndrome characterised by the presence of hamartomatous polyps and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Prolapse of the polyps through the anus is an infrequent manifestation in children with PJS, and this complication is extremely rare in adult patients. We report the case of a 30-year-old man recently diagnosed with PJS who was seen at the emergency department because of the abrupt onset of severe anal pain with a foreign body sensation in the anal canal and rectal bleeding.Physical examination revealed a giant prolapsed polyp.

Absence seizure associated with coloprep consumption in colonoscopy / Convulsão de ausência com o uso de Coloprep em colonoscopia

Coloprep is a bowel preparatory solution given before endoscopic procedures to get a unobscured internal vision. It has among its constituent's sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate and magnesium sulphate which produce an osmotic effect in the bowel. However, the use of such agents in hyponatremic and patients predisposed to seizures can have adverse ramifications. The current case outlines manifestation of absence seizure in a 52-year-old male patient who was administered Coloprep for colonoscopy. There was absence of other predisposing factors and the symptoms were ameliorated using timely identification and rectification of the underlying derangements.

Coloprep é uma solução preparatória intestinal administrada antes de procedimentos endoscópicos, com o objetivo de se ter uma visão interna não obscurecida. Entre os constituintes de Coloprep, observa-se sulfato de sódio, sulfato de potássio e sulfato de magnésio, que provocam efeito osmótico no intestino. Mas o uso de tais agentes em pacientes hiponatrêmicos e com predisposição para convulsões pode ter ramificações adversas. O caso em tela delineia uma manifestação de convulsão de ausência em paciente do gênero masculino com 52 anos e que recebeu Coloprep para colonoscopia. Não havia outros fatores predisponentes e os sintomas melhoraram graças à oportuna identificação e correção dos transtornos subjacentes.

Avaliação comparativa de eficácia clínica e tolerabilidade para a combinação de Cassia fistula e Senna alexandrina Miller em pacientes com constipação intestinal funcional crônica / Comparative evaluation of clinical efficacy and tolerability for the combination of Cassia fistula and Senna alexandrina Miller in patients with chronic functional constipation

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A constipação intestinal é um problema crônico, frequente, que afeta a Qualidade de Vida dos indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia clínica e a tolerabilidade da composição Cassia fistula e Senna alexandrina Miller, na apresentação geleia sem açúcar, em pacientes diagnosticados com constipação intestinal funcional crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo envolvendo 96 voluntários com diagnóstico de constipação intestinal funcional crônica, conforme Critérios de Roma III, randomizados em grupos ativo e placebo. A avaliação da eficácia primária foi realizada por meio da frequência média de evacuações, consistência média das fezes e melhora global da constipação. Foram realizadas ainda avaliações secundárias, como número de dias seguidos sem evacuação, proporção de evacuações com dor, esforço, sensação de evacuação incompleta ou bloqueio, uso de manobras manuais, sujeitos de pesquisa que aderiram às recomendações de hábitos de vida, uso de fármacos de resgate e melhora da constipação segundo avaliação do sujeito de pesquisa. RESULTADOS: A proporção de sujeitos da pesquisa que apresentou melhora global da constipação foi de 65,1% no grupo ativo e de 22,0% grupo placebo (p<0,0001). Para a maioria das avaliações secundárias de eficácia, o grupo ativo apresentou melhor desempenho quando comparado ao grupo pesquisa. De acordo com a avaliação dos sujeitos de pesquisa sobre a melhora da constipação, o grupo ativo apresentou melhor desempenho do que o grupo pesquisa. Quanto à segurança, os dois grupos apresentaram resultados similares. CONCLUSÃO: A geleia sem açúcar composta de Cassia fistula e Senna alexandrina Miller apresentou um comportamento seguro e eficaz, sendo uma alternativa para tratamento da constipação intestinal funcional crônica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intestinal constipation is a chronic and frequent problem that affects Quality of Life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the composition Cassia fistula and Senna alexandrina Miller, as sugar free jelly, in patients diagnosed with chronic functional constipation. METHODS: We evaluated 96 volunteers diagnosed with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria. Volunteers were randomized into active and placebo groups. Primary efficacy endpoint was evaluated by mean frequency of bowel movements, consistency of stools and global improvement of constipation. Secondary endpoints were evaluated, such as number of days without bowel movements, proportion of bowel movements with pain, with strain, sensation of incomplete or blocked bowel movement, use of, manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation, subjects who adhered to the diet recommendation, use of rescue medication, and level of constipation improvement, according to subject evaluation. RESULTS: Global improvement of constipationwas observed in 65.1% of subjects enrolled in active group versus 22% in placebo group (p<0.0001). For most secondary efficacy evaluations, the active group performed better when compared to placebo group. According to the evaluation of the subjects on the improvement of constipation, the active group performed better than the placebo group. As for security, the two groups showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Cassia fistula and Senna alexandrina Miller sugar free jelly demonstrated to be safe and effective and it can be used as an alternative for the treatment of functional constipation.

Comparison of colon-cleansing methods in preparation for colonoscopy--comparative efficacy of solutions of mannitol, sodium picosulfate and monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphates.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopy plays an essential role in the therapeutic and diagnostic approach in various colonic pathologies, the aim of the present study was to compare three solutions and their efficacy for the bowel preparation in adult patients submitted to elective colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Each group was submitted to a bowel preparation with one of the following solutions: 10% manitol, sodium picosulphate or sodium phosphate. The parameters evaluated were: taste, tolerance, associated side effects and quality of cleansing. Postural blood pressure and pulse rate as well as serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate were compared. RESULTS: Sodium phosphate and 10% manitol solutions provided superior results in terms of colon cleansing compared to sodium picosulphate solution. All serum electrolytes evaluated were significantly altered in the three groups, without important clinical signs. DISCUSSION: High levels of serum phosphate were the most striking alteration in patients prepared with sodium phosphate solution, again with no clinical signs. Variations related to blood pressure and pulse rate suggested contraction of intravascular volume, with no clinical effects. CONCLUSION: Sodium phosphate and 10% manitol solutions are equivalent in providing good quality colon cleansing, with no significant side effects that could compromise the procedure.

Comparison of colon-cleansing methods in preparation for colonoscopy - Comparative efficacy of solutions of mannitol, sodium picosulfate and monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphates / Estudo comparativo entre as soluções de manitol, picossulfato de sódio e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio no preparo de cólon para colonoscopia

PURPOSE: Colonoscopy plays an essential role in the therapeutic and diagnostic approach in various colonic pathologies, the aim of the present study was to compare three solutions and their efficacy for the bowel preparation in adult patients submitted to elective colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Each group was submitted to a bowel preparation with one of the following solutions: 10 percent manitol, sodium picosulphate or sodium phosphate. The parameters evaluated were: taste, tolerance, associated side effects and quality of cleansing. Postural blood pressure and pulse rate as well as serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate were compared. RESULTS: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions provided superior results in terms of colon cleansing compared to sodium picosulphate solution. All serum electrolytes evaluated were significantly altered in the three groups, without important clinical signs. DISCUSSION: High levels of serum phosphate were the most striking alteration in patients prepared with sodium phosphate solution, again with no clinical signs. Variations related to blood pressure and pulse rate suggested contraction of intravascular volume, with no clinical effects. CONCLUSION: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions are equivalent in providing good quality colon cleansing, with no significant side effects that could compromise the procedure.(AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: A colonoscopia é exame fundamental na avaliação das doenças do cólon e na abordagem terapêutica de determinado grupo de patologias. O preparo intestinal é obrigatório para a realização das colonoscopias eletivas, e a qualidade encontra-se relacionada ao sucesso do procedimento. Comparou-se três soluções para limpeza anterógrada do cólon em pacientes adultos, submetidos à colonoscopia. METODOS: Sessenta pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos de vinte. Cada grupo realizou o preparo do cólon com uma das três soluções estudadas: manitol a 10 por cento (MN), picossulfato sódico (PS) e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio (NaP). O sabor, a tolerância, os efeitos colaterais, os custos e a qualidade de limpeza do preparo foram avaliados. Frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial sistêmica foram analisados. Variações dos eletrólitos foram dosados antes e após o preparo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados foram semelhantes em relação aos efeitos colaterais. O sabor da solução de NaP não chegou a comprometer a sua aceitação. DISCUSSÃO: Soluções de NaP e MN proporcionaram resultados superiores tanto em qualidade de limpeza colônica, como em relação aos custos, quando comparadas à solução de PS. CONCLUSÃO: Comparados os três, os eletrólitos avaliados apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo a hiperfosfatemia dos pacientes com a solução de NaP, a mais importante.(AU)

Comparison of colon-cleansing methods in preparation for colonoscopy - Comparative efficacy of solutions of mannitol, sodium picosulfate and monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphates / Estudo comparativo entre as soluções de manitol, picossulfato de sódio e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio no preparo de cólon para colonoscopia

PURPOSE: Colonoscopy plays an essential role in the therapeutic and diagnostic approach in various colonic pathologies, the aim of the present study was to compare three solutions and their efficacy for the bowel preparation in adult patients submitted to elective colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Each group was submitted to a bowel preparation with one of the following solutions: 10 percent manitol, sodium picosulphate or sodium phosphate. The parameters evaluated were: taste, tolerance, associated side effects and quality of cleansing. Postural blood pressure and pulse rate as well as serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate were compared. RESULTS: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions provided superior results in terms of colon cleansing compared to sodium picosulphate solution. All serum electrolytes evaluated were significantly altered in the three groups, without important clinical signs. DISCUSSION: High levels of serum phosphate were the most striking alteration in patients prepared with sodium phosphate solution, again with no clinical signs. Variations related to blood pressure and pulse rate suggested contraction of intravascular volume, with no clinical effects. CONCLUSION: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions are equivalent in providing good quality colon cleansing, with no significant side effects that could compromise the procedure.

INTRODUÇÃO: A colonoscopia é exame fundamental na avaliação das doenças do cólon e na abordagem terapêutica de determinado grupo de patologias. O preparo intestinal é obrigatório para a realização das colonoscopias eletivas, e a qualidade encontra-se relacionada ao sucesso do procedimento. Comparou-se três soluções para limpeza anterógrada do cólon em pacientes adultos, submetidos à colonoscopia. METODOS: Sessenta pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos de vinte. Cada grupo realizou o preparo do cólon com uma das três soluções estudadas: manitol a 10 por cento (MN), picossulfato sódico (PS) e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio (NaP). O sabor, a tolerância, os efeitos colaterais, os custos e a qualidade de limpeza do preparo foram avaliados. Frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial sistêmica foram analisados. Variações dos eletrólitos foram dosados antes e após o preparo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados foram semelhantes em relação aos efeitos colaterais. O sabor da solução de NaP não chegou a comprometer a sua aceitação. DISCUSSÃO: Soluções de NaP e MN proporcionaram resultados superiores tanto em qualidade de limpeza colônica, como em relação aos custos, quando comparadas à solução de PS. CONCLUSÃO: Comparados os três, os eletrólitos avaliados apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo a hiperfosfatemia dos pacientes com a solução de NaP, a mais importante.

Tratamiento farmacológico de enfermedades gastrointestinales durante el embarazo / Gastrointestinal medication in pregnancy

Medication of gastrointestinal disorders in the pregnancy, as well as of other pathological conditions, represent an important challenge for gastroenterologist and obstetrician. Several new medications has been developed in the last year and an adequate knowledge about the risks and benefits of different drugs involved in the treatment of these patients is very important. Classification of the drugs used in gastrointestinal diseases as well the available evidence of the effects these drugs during pregnancy is analyzed.

El tratamiento de las enfermedades gastrointestinales en el embarazo, así como otras condiciones patológicas, representa un importante desafió para los gastroenterólogos y obstetras. Nuevos medicamentos han sido desarrollados en el último tiempo y un adecuado conocimiento sobre los riesgos y beneficios de las diferentes drogas involucradas en el tratamiento de estas pacientes es muy importante. La clasificación de las drogas usadas en las enfermedades gastrointestinales, así como la evidencia disponible de los efectos de estos medicamentos durante el embarazo es analizada.

[Intestinal constipation in patients with intracranial tumors]. / Constipação intestinal em pacientes com tumores intracranianos.

The effort that occurs during the Valsalva maneuver provokes a raise in intracranial pressure and may decompensate patients with increased intracranial pressure. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of intestinal constipation in the preoperative period of patients with intracranial tumors and establish a relationship between constipation and intracranial pressure decompensation. This study was performed at the neurosurgery unit of Hospital São Paulo, from August to October 2003, evaluating 37 patients. Preoperative time varied from 2 to 34 days (mean 12 days). During this period, 6 (16.2%) patients underwent constipation; all of them received dietary fiber and lactulose, 2 (33.3%) needed enema administration. All patients performed the Valsalva maneuver during defecation and none of them developed intracranial hypertension decompensation.

Functional constipation in infants: a follow-up study.

Our objective of this study was to describe the clinical course of severe functional constipation in early childhood. Eligible patients were 47 children (60% boys; median age, 3.5 months) who had constipation in their first year of life. Follow-up data were obtained through a standardized questionnaire. Success was defined as a period of at least 4 weeks with > or =3 painless bowel movements per week. Six months after initial evaluation, 69% of the children were recovered. After initial success, a relapse occurred in 15% of the children within 3 years. A duration of symptoms <3 months before referral correlated significantly with better outcome. We conclude that most infants with severe constipation evaluated at a tertiary center are recovered after 6 months. Early therapeutic intervention may beneficially contribute to the resolution of constipation.

Anorectal manometry in children with chronic functional constipation.

BACKGROUND: The anorectal manometry is a very utilized and well recognized examination in children with chronic functional constipation. The major manometric findings in these children are: anal hypotonia, anal hypertonia, paradoxal contraction of the external anal sphincter, decreased ability of internal anal sphincter to relax during rectal distension and alterations in rectal contractility, sensibility and compliance. AIMS: To evaluate the anal basal pressure and the relaxation reflex before and after standard treatment for a better understanding of the physiopathologic mechanisms involved in pediatric chronic functional constipation. METHODS: Anorectal manometry was performed before treatment on 20 children with chronic functional constipation aged 4 to 12 years and the results were compared to those obtained after standard treatment, with a good outcome. RESULTS: There was a reduction in anal basal pressure after treatment, but no differences were detected between the anorectal manometries performed before and after treatment in terms of amplitude and duration of relaxation, residual pressure, latency time, or descent and ascent angle. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the anal basal pressure decreased in children recovering from chronic functional constipation, but the standard treatment did not provide all the conditions necessary for the relaxation reflex of constipated children to return to the values described in normal children.

Curso Terapêutica em Gastroenterologia: constipação intestinal / Gastroenterology therapeutic courso: intestinal constipation

A constipação intestinal é uma condição clínica freqüentemente encontrada na população geral. Acomete principalmente mulheres e idosos, podendo ter causas múltiplas e variadas. Na avaliação clínica, a exclusão de sinais e sintomas de alarme é fundamental. A terapêutica farmacológica deve ser associada a orientações alimentares e modificações nos hábitos de vida

Anorectal manometry in children with chronic functional constipation

RACIONAL: A manometria é um exame bastante utilizado e bem reconhecido no diagnóstico diferencial da constipação intestinal crônica na criança. Os achados manométricos mais comumente verificados nas crianças com constipação intestinal crônica funcional são: hipotonia e hipertonia anal, contração paradoxal do esfíncter anal externo, habilidade diminuída do esfíncter anal interno para relaxar durante a distensão retal, aumento da complacência e do limiar de sensibilidade retal, além de diminuição da contratilidade retal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a pressão basal anal e o reflexo reto esfincteriano antes e após o tratamento convencional, para melhor entendimento dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos na constipação intestinal crônica funcional na criança.MÉTODOS: Compararam-se as manometrias anorretais realizadas antes e após tratamento, em 20 crianças de 4 a 12 anos com constipação intestinal crônica funcional com boa resposta terapêutica convencional. RESULTADOS: Houve redução da pressão basal anal após o tratamento mas não ocorreram diferenças na manometria realizada antes e após tratamento quanto a amplitude e duração do relaxamento, pressão residual, tempo de latência e ângulos de subida e de descida. CONCLUSÕES: Concluiu-se que a pressão basal anal diminui na criança com constipação funcional com boa resposta à terapêutica convencional, mas este tratamento não proporcionou todas as condições necessárias para que o reflexo reto esfincteriano retornasse a valores descritos em crianças normais.

Prevalence, symptoms and outcome of constipation in infants and toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of constipation in children

Management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction in cancer patients.

The gastrointestinal (GI) effects of morphine and other opioids may result in opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) and the need for treatment. Although OBD is very common in morphine-treated patients, it is usually under-diagnosed. Opioids deliver their GI effect through central and peripheral mechanisms. Laxatives are the pharmaceuticals prescribed most in this area. Prokinetics as well as cholinergic agonists have been used satisfactorily. One-third of patients with OBD have to be treated rectally. The use of opioid antagonists has been favored, but the bioavailability of oral forms is poor. Opioid antagonists with a quaternary structure have a high affinity for peripheral opioid receptors and therefore do not interfere with the analgesia, nor do they generate alkaloid withdrawal syndrome. Opioid rotation is another strategy for maintaining or improving analgesic quality directed toward decreasing the effects of previous opiates on the GI tract.