DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC CONSTIPATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW FROM A BRAZILIAN EXPERT TASK FORCE.

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

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

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

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

High prevalence of functional dyspepsia in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequent complaints from individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dyspepsia is a universal clinical symptom and is among the most common GI complaints observed in the general population, but its prevalence in the population with NAFLD has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) between patients with NAFLD and controls without liver disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Outpatient Liver Clinic, University Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: We included 96 NAFLD patients and 105 controls without liver disease. All participants were assessed for GI symptoms in accordance with the Rome III criteria. Evaluation methods included a questionnaire for FD (validated in Brazil), laboratory tests and upper GI endoscopy. RESULTS: Mean age and sex were similar between the groups. The NAFLD group presented higher frequency of proton-pump inhibitor usage (31.3% vs 4.8%; P < 0.001) and prevalence of FD (25.0% versus 12.4%; P = 0.021). The symptom frequencies were as follows: postprandial distress, 22.9% versus 11.4% (P = 0.030); postprandial fullness, 18.8% versus 10.5% (P = 0.095); early satiation, 8.3% versus 5.7% (P = 0.466); and epigastric pain or burning, 18.8% versus 5.7% (P = 0.004), in NAFLD patients and controls, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female sex (odds ratio, OR 6.97; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.51-32.12; P = 0.013) and NAFLD diagnosis (OR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14-5.27; P = 0.021) were independently associated with FD occurrence. CONCLUSION: FD occurs more frequently in individuals with NAFLD than in controls without hepatic disease.

High prevalence of functional dyspepsia in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequent complaints from individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dyspepsia is a universal clinical symptom and is among the most common GI complaints observed in the general population, but its prevalence in the population with NAFLD has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) between patients with NAFLD and controls without liver disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Outpatient Liver Clinic, University Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: We included 96 NAFLD patients and 105 controls without liver disease. All participants were assessed for GI symptoms in accordance with the Rome III criteria. Evaluation methods included a questionnaire for FD (validated in Brazil), laboratory tests and upper GI endoscopy. RESULTS: Mean age and sex were similar between the groups. The NAFLD group presented higher frequency of proton-pump inhibitor usage (31.3% vs 4.8%; P < 0.001) and prevalence of FD (25.0% versus 12.4%; P = 0.021). The symptom frequencies were as follows: postprandial distress, 22.9% versus 11.4% (P = 0.030); postprandial fullness, 18.8% versus 10.5% (P = 0.095); early satiation, 8.3% versus 5.7% (P = 0.466); and epigastric pain or burning, 18.8% versus 5.7% (P = 0.004), in NAFLD patients and controls, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female sex (odds ratio, OR 6.97; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.51-32.12; P = 0.013) and NAFLD diagnosis (OR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14-5.27; P = 0.021) were independently associated with FD occurrence. CONCLUSION: FD occurs more frequently in individuals with NAFLD than in controls without hepatic disease.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: lubiprostone efficacy on the treatment of patients with constipation.

BACKGROUND: Lubiprostone is a type 2 chloride channel activator that has been shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment for chronic constipation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of lubiprostone for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Lubiprostone RCTs reporting outcomes of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and abdominal pain or discomfort were deemed eligible. Meta-analysis was performed calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model. RESULTS: Searches yielded 109 records representing 93 non-duplicate publications, and 11 RCTs (978 CIC, 1,366 IBS-C, 1,300 OIC, total = 3,644) met inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed that for CIC patients, lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM outcomes. Meta-analysis for CIC was feasible for full responder and SBM within 24h rates, indicating superiority of lubiprostone over placebo. For IBS-C, lubiprostone was significantly superior for all SBM outcomes in follow-ups ranging from 1 week-3 months. In terms of abdominal pain, lubiprostone provided significantly better symptoms relief, particularly after 1 month of treatment. For OIC, lubiprostone was more effective than placebo for both SBM and discomfort measures. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM frequency for CIC, IBS-C and OIC. In terms of abdominal symptoms, the most pronounced effect was seen for abdominal pain in IBS-C patients.

GUT MICROBIOTA, PREBIOTICS, PROBIOTICS, AND SYNBIOTICS IN GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER DISEASES: PROCEEDINGS OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF HEPATOLOGY (SBH), BRAZILIAN NUCLEUS FOR THE STUDY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND MICROBIOTA (NBEHPM), AND BRAZILIAN FEDERATION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY (FBG).

Over the last years, there is growing evidence that microorganisms are involved in the maintenance of our health and are related to various diseases, both intestinal and extraintestinal. Changes in the gut microbiota appears to be a key element in the pathogenesis of hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and Clostridium difficile - associated diarrhea. In 2019, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) in cooperation with the Brazilian Nucleus for the Study of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota (NBEHPM), and Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG) sponsored a joint meeting on gut microbiota and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting. It is intended to provide practical information about this topic, addressing the latest discoveries and indicating areas for future studies.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: lubiprostone efficacy on the treatment of patients with constipation / Revisão sistemática com metanálise: eficácia da lubiprostona no tratamento de pacientes com constipação

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lubiprostone is a type 2 chloride channel activator that has been shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment for chronic constipation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of lubiprostone for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Lubiprostone RCTs reporting outcomes of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and abdominal pain or discomfort were deemed eligible. Meta-analysis was performed calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model. RESULTS: Searches yielded 109 records representing 93 non-duplicate publications, and 11 RCTs (978 CIC, 1,366 IBS-C, 1,300 OIC, total = 3,644) met inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed that for CIC patients, lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM outcomes. Meta-analysis for CIC was feasible for full responder and SBM within 24h rates, indicating superiority of lubiprostone over placebo. For IBS-C, lubiprostone was significantly superior for all SBM outcomes in follow-ups ranging from 1 week-3 months. In terms of abdominal pain, lubiprostone provided significantly better symptoms relief, particularly after 1 month of treatment. For OIC, lubiprostone was more effective than placebo for both SBM and discomfort measures. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM frequency for CIC, IBS-C and OIC. In terms of abdominal symptoms, the most pronounced effect was seen for abdominal pain in IBS-C patients.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Lubiprostona é um ativador de canal de cloreto tipo 2 que tem se demonstrado eficaz e seguro no tratamento da constipação crônica. OBJETIVO: Revisar sistematicamente ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) avaliando a eficácia da lubiprostona para pacientes com constipação idiopática crônica (CIC), síndrome do intestino irritável com constipação predominante (IBS-C) e constipação induzida por opioide (OIC). MÉTODOS: Buscas foram conduzidas no PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database e Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. ECRs de lubiprostona relatando desfechos de movimentos intestinais espontâneos (SBM) e dor ou desconforto abdominal foram considerados elegíveis. Metanálise foi realizada calculando razão de riscos e intervalos de confiança de 95%, utilizando o método de Mantel-Haenszel e modelo de efeitos aleatórios. RESULTADOS: As buscas identificaram 109 registros representando 93 publicações não-duplicadas e 11 ECRs (978 pacientes de CIC, 1366 de IBS-C e 1300 OIC, total = 3644) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Síntese qualitativa mostrou que, para pacientes com CIC, a lubiprostona foi superior ao placebo em termos de desfechos SBM. Metanálise para CIC foi possível para os desfechos de responder completo e taxa de SBM em 24 horas, indicando superioridade da lubiprostona sobre o placebo. Para IBS-C, lubiprostona foi significativamente superior para todos os desfechos de SBM em tempos de seguimento variando de 1 semana a 3 meses. Em termos de dor abdominal, lubiprostona proporciono alívio dos sintomas significativamente melhor, particularmente após 1 mês de tratamento. Para OIC, lubiprostona foi mais efetiva do que placebo tanto para medidas de SBM quando de desconforto abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados demonstraram que lubiprostona é superior ao placebo em termos de frequência de SBM para CIC, IBS-C e OIC. Em termos de sintomas abdominais, o efeito mais pronunciado foi visto para dor abdominal em pacientes com IBS-C.

Microbiota intestinal, prebióticos, probióticos e simbióticos em doenças gastrointestinais e hepáticas: procedimentos de reunião conjunta da Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia (SBH), Núcleo Brasileiro de Estudos do Helicobacter pylori e Microbiota (NBEHPM) e Federação Brasileira de Gastroenterologia (FBG) / Gut microbiota, prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in gastrointestinal and liver diseases: proceedings of a joint meeting of the brazilian society of hepatology (sbh), brazilian nucleus for the study of helicobacter pylori and microbiota (nbehpm), and brazilian federation of gastroenterology (fbg)

ABSTRACT Over the last years, there is growing evidence that microorganisms are involved in the maintenance of our health and are related to various diseases, both intestinal and extraintestinal. Changes in the gut microbiota appears to be a key element in the pathogenesis of hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and Clostridium difficile - associated diarrhea. In 2019, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) in cooperation with the Brazilian Nucleus for the Study of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota (NBEHPM), and Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG) sponsored a joint meeting on gut microbiota and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting. It is intended to provide practical information about this topic, addressing the latest discoveries and indicating areas for future studies.

RESUMO Nos últimos anos, um volume crescente de evidências indica que os microrganismos estão envolvidos na manutenção da saúde humana e também estão relacionados a várias doenças, tanto intestinais quanto extraintestinais. Alterações na microbiota intestinal parecem ser um elemento chave na patogênese de doenças hepáticas e gastrointestinais, incluindo doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica, doença hepática alcoólica, cirrose hepática, doenças inflamatórias intestinais, síndrome do intestino irritável e diarreia associada ao Clostridium difficile. Em 2019, a Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia (SBH) em colaboração com o Núcleo Brasileiro para Estudo do Helicobacter pylori e Microbiota (NBEHPM) e a Federação Brasileira de Gastroenterologia (FBG) realizaram um encontro exclusivamente voltado para a discussão sobre microbiota e uso de prebióticos, probióticos e simbióticos em doenças hepáticas e gastrointestinais. Este texto resume os principais pontos discutidos durante o evento, e tem a intenção de fornecer informações práticas sobre o assunto, abordando as descobertas mais recentes e indicando áreas para estudos futuros.

PATTERNS OF FIBER INTAKE AMONG BRAZILIAN ADULTS: PERCEPTIONS FROM AN ONLINE NATIONWIDE SURVEY.

BACKGROUND: Adequate fiber intake is associated with digestive health and reduced risk of several noncommunicable diseases and is recognized as essential for human health (World Health Organization, 2003). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily fiber consumption of ≥25 g, but previous studies observed a fiber intake in Brazil lower than recommended. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe fiber intake among adults in Brazil and also respondents' knowledge and perceptions about their fiber intake. METHODS: National online survey with community-dwelling Brazilian individuals. The survey was conducted during September 2018, using an online platform with closed-ended questions. A representative sample of Brazilian internet users stratified by sex, age, socioeconomic status and geographic region was adopted. Sample size was calculated using a 2% error margin and 95% confidence interval (n=2,000). Data was descriptively analyzed using measures of frequency, central tendency and dispersion. RESULTS: Sample included 2,000 individuals who were well-balanced in terms of sex (51.2% female), with mean age of 35.9 years (most represented age group was 35-54 years, 39.6%) and from all country geographic regions (49.4% from Southeast). A total of 69.7% of them consider their usual diet as healthy and 78.4% reported consuming fibers regularly. Fibers from natural sources are consumed at least once a day by 69.5% of the sample, while daily fiber supplements were reported by 29.9%. Absence of regular fiber intake was reported by 21.7% of respondents and the most common reason was "lack of knowledge about fiber sources" (39.3%). When informed about the food sources of each type of fiber (soluble and insoluble) and asked about the regular intake, only 2.5% answered that they do not consume any of them regularly (as opposed to 21.7% before receiving information about specific fiber sources). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that fiber intake in Brazil is probably insufficient with a high proportion of individuals reporting irregular or absent ingestion of fiber sources in their daily lives. Lack of knowledge about fiber sources and fiber types seems to play a role in this inadequate intake, highlighting the need for nutritional education to achieve healthy dietary patterns in the country.

O padrão de consumo de fibras entre adultos brasileiros: percepções de um inquérito nacional online / Patterns of fiber intake among brazilian adults: perceptions from an online nationwide survey

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Adequate fiber intake is associated with digestive health and reduced risk of several noncommunicable diseases and is recognized as essential for human health (World Health Organization, 2003). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily fiber consumption of ≥25 g, but previous studies observed a fiber intake in Brazil lower than recommended. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe fiber intake among adults in Brazil and also respondents' knowledge and perceptions about their fiber intake. METHODS: National online survey with community-dwelling Brazilian individuals. The survey was conducted during September 2018, using an online platform with closed-ended questions. A representative sample of Brazilian internet users stratified by sex, age, socioeconomic status and geographic region was adopted. Sample size was calculated using a 2% error margin and 95% confidence interval (n=2,000). Data was descriptively analyzed using measures of frequency, central tendency and dispersion. RESULTS: Sample included 2,000 individuals who were well-balanced in terms of sex (51.2% female), with mean age of 35.9 years (most represented age group was 35-54 years, 39.6%) and from all country geographic regions (49.4% from Southeast). A total of 69.7% of them consider their usual diet as healthy and 78.4% reported consuming fibers regularly. Fibers from natural sources are consumed at least once a day by 69.5% of the sample, while daily fiber supplements were reported by 29.9%. Absence of regular fiber intake was reported by 21.7% of respondents and the most common reason was "lack of knowledge about fiber sources" (39.3%). When informed about the food sources of each type of fiber (soluble and insoluble) and asked about the regular intake, only 2.5% answered that they do not consume any of them regularly (as opposed to 21.7% before receiving information about specific fiber sources). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that fiber intake in Brazil is probably insufficient with a high proportion of individuals reporting irregular or absent ingestion of fiber sources in their daily lives. Lack of knowledge about fiber sources and fiber types seems to play a role in this inadequate intake, highlighting the need for nutritional education to achieve healthy dietary patterns in the country.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A adequada ingestão de fibras está diretamente associada à saúde digestiva e é reconhecida como essencial à saúde humana (World Health Organization, 2003). A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) recomenda consumo diário de fibras de ≥25 g, mas estudos prévios observaram uma ingesta de fibras no Brasil abaixo do recomendado. OBJETIVO: Descrever a ingestão, o conhecimento e as percepções sobre o consumo de fibras entre adultos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Inquérito nacional online com indivíduos brasileiros na comunidade. O inquérito foi conduzido em setembro de 2018, usando uma plataforma online com questões fechadas. Uma amostra representativa dos usuários de internet no Brasil estratificada por sexo, idade, status socioeconômico e região geográfica foi utilizada. O tamanho da amostra foi calculado usando uma margem de erro de 2,0% em um intervalo de confiança de 95% (n=2.000). Os dados foram analisados descritivamente usando medidas de frequência, tendência central e dispersão. RESULTADOS: A amostra incluiu 2.000 indivíduos equilibrados em termos de sexo (51,2% mulheres), com idade média de 35,9 anos (faixa etária mais representada foi 35-54 anos, 39,6%) e de todas as regiões geográficas do país (49,4% do Sudeste). Dos respondentes, 69,7% consideram sua dieta usual como saudável e 78,4% relataram consumir fibras regularmente. Fibras de fontes naturais são consumidas pelo menos uma vez ao dia por 69,5% da amostra, enquanto que suplementos de fibras, por 29,9%. O não consumo regular de fibras foi relatado por 21,7% dos respondentes e a causa mais comum para tal foi "falta de conhecimento sobre fontes de fibras" (39,3%). Quando informados sobre fontes de fibra de cada tipo (solúvel e insolúvel) e interrogados sobre a ingestão regular, apenas 2,5% responderam não consumir nenhuma delas regularmente (por oposição a 21,7% antes de receberem informação sobre fontes específicas de fibras). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados indicam que a ingestão de fibras no Brasil é provavelmente insuficiente com uma alta proporção de indivíduos relatando consumo ausente ou irregular de fontes de fibras no cotidiano. Falta de conhecimento sobre fontes e tipos de fibras parece desempenhar um papel relevante nesta ingestão inadequada, reforçando a necessidade de educação nutricional para alcançar padrões alimentares saudáveis no país.

IVTH BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS CONFERENCE ON HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION.

Significant progress has been obtained since the III Brazilian Consensus Conference on H. pylori infection held in 2012, in Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, and justify a fourth meeting to establish updated guidelines on the current management of H. pylori infection. Therefore, the Núcleo Brasileiro para Estudo do Helicobacter pylori e Microbiota (NBEHPM), association linked to Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG) held its fourth meeting again in Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil, on August 25-27, 2017. Twenty-six delegates, including gastroenterologists, endoscopists, and pathologists from the five regions of Brazil as well as one international guest from the United States, participated in the meeting. The participants were invited based on their knowledge and contribution to the study of H. pylori infection. The meeting sought to review different aspects of treatment for infection; establish a correlation between infection, dyspepsia, intestinal microbiota changes, and other disorders with a special emphasis on gastric cancer; and reassess the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of H. pylori infection. Participants were allocated into four groups as follows: 1) Epidemiology and Diagnosis, 2) Dyspepsia, intestinal microbiota and other afections, 3) Gastric Cancer, and, 4) Treatment. Before the consensus meeting, participants received a topic to be discussed and prepared a document containing a recent literature review and statements that should be discussed and eventually modified during the face-to-face meeting. All statements were evaluated in two rounds of voting. Initially, each participant discussed the document and statements with his group for possible modifications and voting. Subsequently, during a second voting in a plenary session in the presence of all participants, the statements were voted upon and eventually modified. The participants could vote using five alternatives: 1) strongly agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree; and 5) strongly disagree. The adopted consensus index was that 80% of the participants responded that they strongly or partially agreed with each statement. The recommendations reported are intended to provide the most current and relevant evidences to management of H. pylori infection in adult population in Brazil.

INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN DIGESTIVE DISEASES.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, especially after the development of sophisticated metagenomic studies, research on the intestinal microbiota has increased, radically transforming our knowledge about the microbiome and its association with health maintenance and disease development in humans. Increasing evidence has shown that a permanent alteration in microbiota composition or function (dysbiosis) can alter immune responses, metabolism, intestinal permeability, and digestive motility, thereby promoting a proinflammatory state. Such alterations can mainly impair the host's immune and metabolic functions, thus favoring the onset of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, digestive, neurological, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. This comprehensive review is a compilation of the available literature on the formation of the complex intestinal ecosystem and its impact on the incidence of diseases such as obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and digestive neoplasms. CONCLUSION:: Alterations in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) have a direct impact on human health and seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases, whether inflammatory, metabolic, or neoplastic ones.

Microbiota intestinal nas doenças digestivas / Intestinal microbiota in digestive diseases

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND In recent years, especially after the development of sophisticated metagenomic studies, research on the intestinal microbiota has increased, radically transforming our knowledge about the microbiome and its association with health maintenance and disease development in humans. Increasing evidence has shown that a permanent alteration in microbiota composition or function (dysbiosis) can alter immune responses, metabolism, intestinal permeability, and digestive motility, thereby promoting a proinflammatory state. Such alterations can mainly impair the host's immune and metabolic functions, thus favoring the onset of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, digestive, neurological, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. This comprehensive review is a compilation of the available literature on the formation of the complex intestinal ecosystem and its impact on the incidence of diseases such as obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and digestive neoplasms. CONCLUSION: Alterations in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) have a direct impact on human health and seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases, whether inflammatory, metabolic, or neoplastic ones.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Nos últimos anos, especialmente a partir do desenvolvimento de sofisticados estudos metagenômicos, as pesquisas acerca da microbiota intestinal se intensificaram, transformando de forma radical os nossos conhecimentos sobre o microbioma e sua relação com a manutenção da saúde e o desenvolvimento de doenças no ser humano. Evidências crescentes demonstram que uma alteração permanente da composição ou da função da microbiota (disbiose) pode alterar as respostas imunológicas, o metabolismo, a permeabilidade intestinal e a motilidade digestiva, promovendo, dessa maneira, um estado pró-inflamatório. Tais alterações podem comprometer, sobretudo, as funções imunes e metabólicas do hospedeiro, favorecendo o aparecimento de doenças como diabetes, obesidade, doenças digestivas, neurológicas, autoimunes e neoplásicas. Este artigo de revisão é uma compilação da literatura disponível sobre a formação do complexo ecossistema intestinal e seu impacto na incidência de doenças como obesidade, esteatohepatite não alcoólica, síndrome do intestino irritável, doença inflamatória intestinal, doença celíaca e neoplasias digestivas. CONCLUSÃO: Alterações na composição e função da microbiota gastrointestinal (disbiose) têm um impacto direto sobre a saúde humana e parecem ter um papel importante na patogênese de várias doenças gastrointestinais, sejam elas inflamatórias, metabólicas ou neoplásicas.

Prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms / Prevalência de supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado em pacientes com sintomas intestinais funcionais

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by an increase in the number and/or the presence of atypical microbiota in the small intestine. The symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth are unspecific, encompassing abdominal pain/distension, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to the increased cost and complexity for carrying out the jejunal aspirate, the gold standard for diagnosis of the syndrome, routinely the hydrogen (H 2 ) breath test has been used, utilizing glucose or lactulose as substrate, which is able to determine, in the exhaled air, the H 2 concentration produced from the intestinal bacterial metabolism. However, due to a number of individuals presenting a methanogenic microbiota, which does not produce H 2 , the testing on devices capable of detecting, concurrently, the concentration of exhaled H 2 and methane (CH 4 ) is justified. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with digestive symptoms, through a comparative analysis of breath tests of H 2 or H 2 and CH 4 associated, using glucose as substrate . METHODS A total of 200 patients of both sexes without age limitation were evaluated, being directed to a Breath Test Laboratory for performing the H 2 test (100 patients) and of exhaled H 2 and CH 4 (100 patients) due to gastrointestinal complaints, most of them patients with gastrointestinal functional disorders. RESULTS The results indicated a significant prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth in the H 2 test and in the test of exhaled H 2 and CH 4 (56% and 64% respectively) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and higher prevalence in females. It found further that methane gas was alone responsible for positivity in 18% of patients. CONCLUSION The data found in this study is consistent with the findings of the current literature and underscores the need for using devices capable of capturing the two gases (exhaled H 2 and CH 4 ) to improve the sensitivity and hence the accuracy of small intestine bacterial overgrowth diagnosis in daily medical practice.

RESUMO CONTEXTO O supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado é uma síndrome heterogênea, caracterizada pelo aumento no número e/ou presença de uma microbiota atípica no intestino delgado. Os sintomas do supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado são inespecíficos englobando quadro de dor/distensão abdominal, diarreia e flatulência. Devido ao maior custo e complexidade para a realização do aspirado jejunal, padrão ouro para o diagnóstico da síndrome, tem sido utilizado rotineiramente o teste do hidrogênio (H 2 ) expirado, utilizando glicose ou lactulose como substrato, que é capaz de determinar, no ar expirado, a concentração de H 2 produzida a partir do metabolismo bacteriano intestinal. Entretanto, em decorrência de uma parcela de indivíduos apresentar uma microbiota metanogênica, não produtora de H 2 , justifica-se a realização do teste em aparelhos capazes de detectar, concomitantemente, a concentração de H 2 e metano (CH 4 ) expirados. OBJETIVO O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado em pacientes com sintomas digestivos, através de uma análise comparativa dos testes respiratórios empregando H 2 ou H 2 e CH 4 associados, utilizando a glicose como substrato. MÉTODOS Foram avaliados 200 pacientes de ambos os sexos, sem limitação de idade, encaminhados a um Laboratório de Teste Respiratório para realização do teste de H 2 (100 pacientes) e de H 2 e CH 4 expirados (100 pacientes) devido a queixas gastrointestinais, a maioria deles portadores de distúrbios funcionais gastrointestinais. RESULTADOS Os resultados obtidos indicaram uma significativa prevalência do supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado no teste do H 2 e no teste do H 2 e CH 4 expirados (56% e 64%, respectivamente) em pacientes com sintomas gastrointestinais, além de maior predominância no sexo feminino. Constatou-se ainda, que o gás metano foi isoladamente responsável pela positividade em 18% do total de pacientes. CONCLUSÃO Os dados encontrados no presente estudo demonstram condizentes com os achados da literatura atual e reforçam a necessidade da utilização de aparelhos capazes de captar os dois gases (H 2 e CH 4 expirados) para melhorar a sensibilidade e, consequentemente, a acurácia do diagnóstico de supercrescimento bacteriano do intestino delgado na prática médica diária.

PREVALENCE OF SMALL INTESTINE BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS.

BACKGROUND: Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by an increase in the number and/or the presence of atypical microbiota in the small intestine. The symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth are unspecific, encompassing abdominal pain/distension, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to the increased cost and complexity for carrying out the jejunal aspirate, the gold standard for diagnosis of the syndrome, routinely the hydrogen (H 2 ) breath test has been used, utilizing glucose or lactulose as substrate, which is able to determine, in the exhaled air, the H 2 concentration produced from the intestinal bacterial metabolism. However, due to a number of individuals presenting a methanogenic microbiota, which does not produce H 2 , the testing on devices capable of detecting, concurrently, the concentration of exhaled H 2 and methane (CH 4 ) is justified. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with digestive symptoms, through a comparative analysis of breath tests of H 2 or H 2 and CH 4 associated, using glucose as substrate . METHODS: A total of 200 patients of both sexes without age limitation were evaluated, being directed to a Breath Test Laboratory for performing the H 2 test (100 patients) and of exhaled H 2 and CH 4 (100 patients) due to gastrointestinal complaints, most of them patients with gastrointestinal functional disorders. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant prevalence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth in the H 2 test and in the test of exhaled H 2 and CH 4 (56% and 64% respectively) in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and higher prevalence in females. It found further that methane gas was alone responsible for positivity in 18% of patients. CONCLUSION: The data found in this study is consistent with the findings of the current literature and underscores the need for using devices capable of capturing the two gases (exhaled H 2 and CH 4 ) to improve the sensitivity and hence the accuracy of small intestine bacterial overgrowth diagnosis in daily medical practice.

Prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn of adults in Belo Horizonte, Brazil / Prevalência de sintomas dispépticos e de pirose em uma população de adultos em Belo Horizonte, Brasil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Medical literature has shown dyspepsia and heartburn-related symptoms occur among 15% to 40% of the population. These symptoms can occur at any age and are more prevalent in women. OBJECTIVE Investigate the prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn among individuals over 18. METHODS Individuals over 18 were randomly selected in public venues in Belo Horizonte/MG to participate. A standardized questionnaire that included questions related to social-demographic characteristics, eating habits, digestive symptoms, medical appointments, medications, exams, previous surgeries and comorbidities was applied. A questionnaire about functional dyspepsia diagnosis (Rome III) was also applied. RESULTS A total of 548 individuals were interviewed. Among these, 58.4% were women, 59.3% were white, 55.9% were single and the average age was 36 years. Within this group, 376 individuals (68.6%) declared to have some symptom and/or use medication to relieve dyspepsia symptoms, and for these patients were applied the Rome III questionnaire. Based on the diagnostic criteria for the questionnaire proposed by the Rome III consensus, the symptom of postprandial fullness was reported by 6.7% of the individuals, early satiety (3.5%) and epigastric pain (10.6%). The overlap of these symptoms was very frequent. The prevalence of functional dyspepsia was 10.6% (postprandial discomfort syndrome (8.2%) and epigastric pain syndrome (2.4%). Among all participants, 52.5% reported heartburn, and 11.1% presented this symptom at least once a week. The most used drug was omeprazole. CONCLUSION The prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn among a Brazilian adult urban population is similar to those described in other countries.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Tem sido relatado que cerca de 15% a 40% da população geral apresenta alguma queixa dispéptica e/ou pirose. Os sintomas dispépticos podem surgir em qualquer idade e são mais prevalentes no sexo feminino. OBJETIVO Investigar a prevalência de sintomas dispépticos e pirose em indivíduos com idade superior a 18 anos. MÉTODOS Foram selecionados aleatoriamente indivíduos com idade superior a 18 anos, entrevistados em praças públicas de Belo Horizonte/MG, por meio de um questionário que abordou características sócio-demográficas, questões relacionadas aos hábitos alimentares, sintomas digestivos, consultas médicas, medicamentos, exames, antecedentes cirúrgicos, comorbidades e questionário específico para diagnóstico de dispepsia funcional (Roma III). RESULTADOS Foram entrevistados 548 participantes. Destes, 58,4% eram mulheres, 59,3% da raça branca, 56% solteiros e a idade média foi de 36 anos. Neste grupo, 376 indivíduos (68,6%) declararam ter algum sintoma e/ou utilizar algum medicamento para aliviar sintomas dispépticos. Para esses indivíduos, foi utilizado o questionário Roma III para o diagnóstico de dispepsia sendo sintoma de plenitude pós-prandial (6,7%), saciedade precoce (3,5%) e a dor ou queimação no estômago (azia) presente em 10,6%. A sobreposição desses sintomas foi muito frequente. A prevalência de dispepsia funcional foi de 10,6% (síndrome de desconforto pós-prandial (8,2%), síndrome da dor epigástrica (2,4%)). Dentre os participantes, 52,5% relatavam pirose, sendo que desses 11,1% apresentavam este sintoma, no mínimo, uma vez por semana. O medicamento mais utilizado foi o Omeprazol. CONCLUSÃO A prevalência dos sintomas dispépticos e pirose na população urbana adulta brasileira é semelhante a descrita em outros países.

Prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn of adults in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: - Medical literature has shown dyspepsia and heartburn-related symptoms occur among 15% to 40% of the population. These symptoms can occur at any age and are more prevalent in women. OBJECTIVE: - Investigate the prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn among individuals over 18. METHODS: - Individuals over 18 were randomly selected in public venues in Belo Horizonte/MG to participate. A standardized questionnaire that included questions related to social-demographic characteristics, eating habits, digestive symptoms, medical appointments, medications, exams, previous surgeries and comorbidities was applied. A questionnaire about functional dyspepsia diagnosis (Rome III) was also applied. RESULTS: - A total of 548 individuals were interviewed. Among these, 58.4% were women, 59.3% were white, 55.9% were single and the average age was 36 years. Within this group, 376 individuals (68.6%) declared to have some symptom and/or use medication to relieve dyspepsia symptoms, and for these patients were applied the Rome III questionnaire. Based on the diagnostic criteria for the questionnaire proposed by the Rome III consensus, the symptom of postprandial fullness was reported by 6.7% of the individuals, early satiety (3.5%) and epigastric pain (10.6%). The overlap of these symptoms was very frequent. The prevalence of functional dyspepsia was 10.6% (postprandial discomfort syndrome (8.2%) and epigastric pain syndrome (2.4%). Among all participants, 52.5% reported heartburn, and 11.1% presented this symptom at least once a week. The most used drug was omeprazole. CONCLUSION: - The prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn among a Brazilian adult urban population is similar to those described in other countries.

Síndrome do intestino irritável / Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A síndrome do intestino irritável é uma entidade clínica de natureza funcional diagnosticada a partir dos critérios de Roma III, que considera a dor e/ou desconforto abdominal por, pelo menos, três vezes/mês nos últimos três meses e que melhoram com a evacuação, associados a alteração no aspecto das fezes. A depender do hábito intestinal, pode apresentar-se com predomínio de diarreia, constipação ou alternância dessas manifestações. A fisiopatologia, que é complexa e não totalmente esclarecida, é multifatorial envolvendo hipersensibilidade visceral, alterações na flora bacteriana, infecções intestinais prévias e distúrbios psicológicos e psiquiátricos. O diagnóstico é estabelecido pela história clínica (Critérios de Roma III) e, eventualmente, exames laboratoriais básicos, com atenção para a ocorrência de sinais de alarme, porque, quando presentes, estes sugerem afecção orgânica que deve ser investigada apropriadamente. O tratamento é essencialmente sintomático, visando a normalização do hábito intestinal e redução da dor ou desconforto intestinal. Podem ser empregados probióticos e fármacos (antiespasmódicos, antidepressivos etc.). As possibilidades da medicina alternativa e complementar são mencionadas.