Functional iron status of chronic kidney disease patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Functional iron deficiency has been found to be a common cause of poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agents in anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: Assess the functional iron status of patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study. The study subjects were chronic kidney disease patients with age and sex matched healthy controls. Full blood count, serum ferritin, soluble transferring receptor, C-reactive protein, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were measured in the patients and healthy controls. Data was analyzed with statistical package for the social sciences software version 22.0. And the level of statistical significance was set at p. value < 0.05. Results: The mean ± SD of the age of patient with CKD was 55.0 + 15.4 years, while that of controls was 52.7 + 13.6 years. The mean serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and CRP were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (p<0.001, 0.023, <0.001 and 0.001) respectively. Functional iron deficiency was seen in 19.5% of patients with CKD. Conclusion: The predominant form of iron deficiency in our study was functional iron deficiency

Colocolic Intussusception Associated with Octangium sp. (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) in a Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas.

Reports of intussusception in sea turtles are generally linked to marine debris ingestion; therefore, only a few cases of the disease are associated with parasitic infestations. The objective of this study was to describe the necropsy findings of the first reported case of colocolic intussusception in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, associated with the helminth Octangium sp. A juvenile female green sea turtle, which was registered and rescued by the team from the Cetaceans Project of Costa Branca, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, was examined. The animal died 1 d after being treated and was immediately submitted for necropsy. Our findings indicated that parasitic infestation by Octangium sp. in the green sea turtle caused intussusception and consequently led to the animal's death. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are fundamental for a good prognosis and, consequently, for successful rehabilitation of marine species.

Assistência à saúde de pessoas com doenças colorretais no sistema público a perspectiva do usuário / Health care for people with colorectal diseases in the public system: the user's perspective

Trata-se de um estudo de desenho misto, do tipo sequencial explanatório, sendo que na etapa quantitativa descritiva e transversal, objetivou-se analisar a demanda de atendimento de assistência de pessoas com queixas colorretais em Unidades de Saúde da Família no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS); e na etapa qualitativa exploratória, interpretar o mapa de cuidado de pessoas com adoecimento colorretal crônico no SUS (Parecer No. 210/2018 CEP/EERP-USP). Na etapa quantitativa aplicou-se um instrumento de coleta de dados, elaborado pelas pesquisadoras, com base na revisão de literatura, para caracterização sociodemográfica, clínica, terapêutica e de referência de participantes usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família com queixas colorretais, mediante critérios de inclusão e exclusão, no período de abril a setembro de 2019. A análise estatística descritiva dos dados indicou, que do total de 107 participantes, predominou 78 (72,9%) que tinham idade acima de 60 anos, 64 (59,8%) eram do sexo feminino, 61 (57%) tinham até oito anos de estudos, 68 (63,65) com companheiro, 56 (52,3%) eram aposentados, 45 (42,1%) apresentavam renda de até um salário mínimo e 95 (88,8%) não possuíam plano de saúde privado, sendo que o encaminhamento para o nível secundário foi devido ao protocolo de rastreamento para 62 (57,9%) e 45 (42,1%) por queixa colorretal, todos haviam realizado a Pesquisa de Sangue Oculto e destes, 78% tiveram resultado positivo; todos os entrevistados haviam recebido encaminhamento para realizar a colonoscopia. Além disso, 78 (72,9%) eram sedentários; e 66 (61,7%) consumiam carne vermelha e 45 (42,1%) embutidos. A análise univariada da associação das variáveis hábitos de vida, resultado de colonoscopia, presença de alterações displásicas ou doença colorretal não foi estatisticamente significante entre consumo de carne vermelha, consumo de embutidos ou ambos com o desfecho de colonoscopia normal, displasia intestinal com potencial neoplásico e doença diverticular ou orificial. Estes resultados dimensionaram o contexto de atendimento desta clientela na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), auxiliando o refinamento dos critérios de seleção dos possíveis participantes da etapa qualitativa. A etapa qualitativa foi realizada, no período de junho de 2020 a julho de 2020, mediante os critérios de seleção: pessoas acima de 18 anos, de ambos os sexos, com diagnóstico colorretal crônico: Doença inflamatória intestinal ou Neoplasia colorretal em internação especialidade de Coloproctologia de um hospital universitário público, de assistência terciária/quaternária. Nesta etapa, os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais em profundidade com 14 participantes, cuja caracterização sociodemográfica, clínica e terapêutica revelou internação para tratamento cirúrgico, com maior gravidade clínica, sendo que 13 apresentavam diagnóstico de Neoplasia colorretal. Utilizou-se questões norteadoras, diário de campo, observação não participante e participante para a obtenção dos dados, que foram interpretados com Análise Temática, fundamentado pela Epidemiologia Social. O Mapa de Cuidado construído por estes, iniciou-se com queixas e sinais/sintomas gastrointestinais, envolvendo situações de maior gravidade clínica, com sofrimento físico e psicoemocional; diagnosticados como parasitose, hemorroidas e anemia na APS, cujos tratamentos não foram resolutivos. Para esta interpretação, articulou-se as ações destes participantes às suas queixas, à condição socioeconômica, cultural e psicoemocional, assim como à capacidade de enfrentamento do adoecimento oncológico e dos tratamentos, no qual ocorreu a focalização da vida destes e de suas famílias nos acontecimentos clínicos e terapêuticos do contexto de atendimento terciário/quaternário. O acesso aos serviços do SUS ocorreu de diferentes maneiras, com utilização de estratégias que agilizaram e asseguraram a resolução do seu problema de saúde, sendo que o agir leigo foi uma produção social, no cotidiano do SUS, mediado pelos acontecimentos, pelas ações dos profissionais e de suas próprias ações ou pelo sistema de apoio social, enfatizando-se o sofrimento desta clientela na busca pela assistência à saúde. Este mapa de cuidado mostrou que o agir leigo constituiu uma regulação assistencial no SUS, tão importante quanto as outras formas, composto pelos vínculos dos pacientes com profissionais dos serviços dos níveis primário, secundário, terciário/quaternário, de suas necessidades e possibilidades, além dos pontos de acesso ao sistema. Estes resultados poderão contribuir na implementação da gestão de cuidados de pessoas com adoecimento colorretal crônico no SUS, dando voz e protagonismo àquele que busca pela assistência à saúde

This is a study of mixed design, of an explanatory sequential type, and in the quantitative descriptive and transversal stage, the objective was to analyze the demand for assistance from people with colorectal symptoms in Family Health Units in the Unified System Health (SUS); and in the qualitative exploratory stage, interpret the care map for people with chronic colorectal illness in SUS (Note Nº. 210/2018 CEP / EERP-USP). In the quantitative stage, a data collection instrument was developed by the researchers, based on the literature review, for sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutic, and reference characterization of participating users of the Family Health Strategy with colorectal symptoms, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, from April to September 2019. The descriptive statistical analysis of the data indicated that, out of a total of 107 participants, 78 (72.9%) predominated who were over 60 years old, 64 (59.8%) were female, 61 (57%) had up to eight years of study, 68 (63.65) with a partner, 56 (52.3%) were retired, 45 (42.1%) had an income of up to one minimum wage and 95 (88.8%) did not have a private health plan, and the referral to the secondary level was due to the screening protocol for 62 (57.9%) and 45 (42.1%) due to colorectal complaints, all had carried out the Occult Blood Survey and of these, 78% had a positive result; all respondents had been referred for colonoscopy. In addition, 78 (72.9%) were sedentary; and 66 (61.7%) consumed red meat and 45 (42.1%) sausages. The univariate analysis of the association of the variables life habits, the result of colonoscopy, presence of dysplastic changes or colorectal disease was not statistically significant between consumption of red meat, consumption of sausages or both with the outcome of normal colonoscopy, intestinal dysplasia with neoplastic potential and diverticular or artificial disease. These results have dimensioned the context of care for this clientele in Primary Health Care (PHC), helping to refine the selection criteria of possible participants in the qualitative stage. The qualitative stage was carried out, from June 2020 to July 2020, using the selection criteria: people over 18 years of age, of both sexes, with chronic colorectal diagnosis: Inflammatory bowel disease or Colorectal neoplasia in Coloproctology specialty hospitalization of a public university hospital, of tertiary/quaternary assistance. In this stage, data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with 14 participants, whose sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characterization revealed hospitalization for surgical treatment, with greater clinical severity, with 13 presenting a diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia. Guiding questions, field diary, non-participant and participant observation were used to obtain the data, which were interpreted with Thematic Analysis, based on Social Epidemiology. The Care Map built by them started with gastrointestinal complaints and signs/symptoms, involving situations of greater clinical severity, with physical and psycho-emotional suffering; diagnosed as parasitosis, hemorrhoids, and anemia in PHC, whose treatments were not effective. For this interpretation, the actions of these participants were linked to their complaints, to their socioeconomic, cultural, and psycho-emotional condition, as well as to their ability to cope with oncological illness and treatments, in which the lives of these and their families were focused on the events and therapeutic aspects of the tertiary/quaternary care context. Access to SUS services occurred in different ways, using strategies that streamlined and ensured the resolution of their health problem, and the lay agency as social production, in the daily routine of SUS, mediated by events, by the actions of professionals and their actions or the social support system, emphasizing the suffering of this clientele in the search for health care. This care map showed that the lay act constituted an assistance regulation in SUS, as important as the other forms, composed by the bonds of patients with professionals from the services of the primary, secondary, tertiary/quaternary levels, of their needs and possibilities, in addition to the access points to the system. These results may contribute to the implementation of the care management of people with chronic colorectal illness in SUS, giving voice and leadership to those seeking health care.

Optimization of Pediatric Bowel Management Using an Antegrade Enema Troubleshooting Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: A successful flush is the ability to flush through the appendicostomy or cecostomy channel, empty the flush through the colon, and achieve fecal cleanliness. We evaluated our experience with patients who were having flush difficulties based on a designed algorithm. METHODS: Eight patients with flush difficulties were initially evaluated. Based on the need for additional surgery versus changes in bowel management therapy (BMT), we developed an algorithm to guide future management. The algorithm divided flush issues into before, during, and after flushing. Children aged <20 y who presented with flush issues from September 2018 to August 2019 were evaluated to determine our algorithm's efficacy. Specific outcomes analyzed included changes in BMT versus need for additional surgery. RESULTS: After algorithm creation, 29 patients were evaluated for flush issues. The median age was 8.4 y (interquartile range: 6, 14); 66% (n = 19) were men. Underlying diagnoses included anorectal malformations (n = 17), functional constipation (n = 7), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), spina bifida (n = 2), and prune belly (n = 1). A total of 35 flush issues/complaints were noted: 29% before the flush, 9% during the flush, and 63% after the flush. Eighty percent of issues before the flush required surgical intervention, wherease 92% of issues during or after the flush were managed with changes in BMT. CONCLUSIONS: Most flush issues respond to changes in BMT. This algorithm can help delineate which types of flush issues would benefit from surgical intervention and what problems might be present if patients are not responding to changes in their flush regimen.

European society of neurogastroenterology and motility guidelines on functional constipation in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic constipation is a common disorder with a reported prevalence ranging from 3% to 27% in the general population. Several management strategies, including diagnostic tests, empiric treatments, and specific treatments, have been developed. Our aim was to develop European guidelines for the clinical management of constipation. DESIGN: After a thorough review of the literature by experts in relevant fields, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, general practitioners, radiologists, and experts in gastrointestinal motility testing from various European countries, a Delphi consensus process was used to produce statements and practical algorithms for the management of chronic constipation. KEY RESULTS: Seventy-three final statements were agreed upon after the Delphi process. The level of evidence for most statements was low or very low. A high level of evidence was agreed only for anorectal manometry as a comprehensive evaluation of anorectal function and for treatment with osmotic laxatives, especially polyethylene glycol, the prokinetic drug prucalopride, secretagogues, such as linaclotide and lubiprostone and PAMORAs for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. However, the level of agreement between the authors was good for most statements (80% or more of the authors). The greatest disagreement was related to the surgical management of constipation. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: European guidelines on chronic constipation, with recommendations and algorithms, were developed by experts. Despite the high level of agreement between the different experts, the level of scientific evidence for most recommendations was low, highlighting the need for future research to increase the evidence and improve treatment outcomes in these patients.

Is Dyssynergic Defecation an Unrecognized Cause of Chronic Constipation in Patients Using Opioids?

OBJECTIVES: The impact of opioids on anorectal function is poorly understood but potentially relevant to the pathogenesis of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). To evaluate anorectal function testing (AFT) characteristics, symptom burden, and quality of life in chronically constipated patients prescribed an opioid (OIC) in comparison with constipated patients who are not on an opioid (NOIC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 3,452 (OIC = 588 and NOIC = 2,864) chronically constipated patients (Rome 3) who completed AFT. AFT variables included anal sphincter pressure and response during simulated defecation, balloon expulsion test (BET), and rectal sensation. Dyssynergic defecation (DD) was defined as an inability to relax the anal sphincter during simulated defecation and an abnormal BET. Patients completed Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age of the study cohort was 49 years. Most patients were women (82%) and whites (83%). Patients with OIC were older than NOIC patients (50.7 vs 48.3, P = 0.001). OIC patients were significantly more likely to have DD (28.6% vs 21.4%, P < 0.001), an abnormal simulated defecation response on anorectal manometry (59% vs 43.8%, P < 0.001), and an abnormal BET (48% vs 42.5%, P = 0.02) than NOIC patients. OIC patients reported more severe constipation symptoms (P < 0.02) and worse quality of life (P < 0.05) than NOIC patients. DISCUSSION: Chronically constipated patients who use opioids are more likely to have DD and more severe constipation symptoms than NOIC.

Abdominal functional electrical stimulation for bowel management in multiple sclerosis.

Aim: Functional constipation is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and first line treatments are frequently ineffective. The current study explored the use of abdominal functional electrical stimulation (ABFES) for treating constipation in MS. Patients/methods: 20 people with MS and constipation (ROME IV criteria). The patient assessment of constipation-related quality of life questionnaire was administered at baseline and after 6 weeks of ABFES treatment alongside semi-structured interviews. Results: All patient assessment of constipation-related quality of life subscales were significant: satisfaction (p = 0.003), psychosocial discomfort (p = 0.008), physical discomfort (p = 0.001) and worries and concerns (p = 0.003). A long-term therapeutic effect, reduction in laxative use and improved sexual functioning were also reported. Conclusion: ABFES provides a potential alternative treatment intervention for people with MS and constipation.

Retinoic acid receptor beta variant-related colonic hypoganglionosis.

Retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB) variants are heavily linked to pathologies of neural crest cell migration. The purpose of this report is to present a 23-month-old male with the previously described R387C RARB gain-of-function variant whose gastrointestinal issues and long-term constipation lead to the discovery of colonic hypoganglionosis. This case further delineates the pattern of malformation associated with RARB variants. The findings are also consistent with the known etiology of aganglionic colon due to failed neural crest cell migration.

Nonpharmacological conservative treatments for chronic functional constipation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with functional chronic constipation (CFC) often select nonpharmacological treatments. We aimed to examine the comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological conservative treatments in treating CFC. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL, AMED, ISI web of knowledge, and conference proceedings from January 2000 to June 2016. Randomized controlled trials comparing nonpharmacological conservative treatments with placebo, sham interventions, or conventional treatments were included. Nonpharmacological conservative treatments were defined as interventions without involvement of medication or surgery. We extracted trial data in duplicate and assessed the risk of bias. We pooled continuous data using standard mean differences (SMDs) and binary data using risk ratios (RRs), and we provided their 95% confidence intervals. KEY RESULTS: We included 33 trials (4324 participants and 8 nonpharmacological treatments). Compared with placebo interventions, TENS (SMD 1.60, 95% CI 0.28-2.92), probiotic (SMD 1.40, 95% CI 0.94-1.86), and acupuncture (SMD 1.00, 95% CI 0.39-1.60) had significantly larger effect on stool frequency; acupuncture (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.14-2.14) had significantly higher responder rate; and moxibustion (SMD 2.50, 95% CI 0.05-4.95) had significant larger effect on Bristol score. Compared with laxative, acupuncture had significantly larger effect on stool frequency (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.16-3.49) and had lower rate of adverse events (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: TENS and acupuncture relatively ranked the best in managing CFC, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to small study effects. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42014006686.

Nationwide Survey for Application of ROME IV Criteria and Clinical Practice for Functional Constipation in Children

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and application of ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in real-world practices and assessed differences between pediatric gastroenterologists (PGs) and general pediatricians. METHODS: A total of 239 (47.8%) out of 500 nationwide pediatricians answered a questionnaire for diagnosis and management of pediatric FC; 60 were PGs (75% of total PGs in Korea). RESULTS: A total of 16.6% of pediatricians were aware of the exact ROME IV criteria. Perianal examination and digital rectal examination were practiced less, with a higher tendency among PGs (P 6 months (63.8%) than 1-year were lactulose (59.1%), followed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 (17.7%), and probiotics (11.8%). Prescription priority significantly differed between PGs and general pediatricians; lactulose or PEG 4000 were most commonly prescribed by PGs (89.7%), and lactulose or probiotics (75.7%) were prescribed by general pediatricians (P < 0.001). For patients aged < 1-year, lactulose (41.6%) and changing formula (31.7%) were commonly prescribed. Most participants recommended diet modification, and PGs more frequently used defecation diary (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Discrepancies between actual practice and Rome IV criteria and between PGs and general pediatricians were observed. This survey may help construct practice guidelines and educational programs for pediatric FC.

The importance of calprotectin for differentiating organic inflammatory disease and avoiding unnecessary procedures in paediatrics / Importancia de la calprotectina para la diferenciación de la enfermedad inflamatoria orgánica y la evitación de procedimientos innecesarios en pediatría

Background and objective: The objective of the study was to determine the ability of faecal calprotectin to differentiate functional and organic intestinal diseases in paediatric patients, and to evaluate the correlation between inflammatory parameters and levels of faecal calprotectin. Patients and methods: This retrospective study involved clinical data from 129 paediatric patients with symptoms of intestinal pathology. Faecal calprotectin was determined by quantitative immunoassay. Patients were classified into three groups: functional (32.8% of patients); organic non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, 53.9%); and organic IBD (13.3%). Results: Calprotectin levels were significantly different among the three groups; between patients with IBD and the others, and also between patients with non-organic IBD and functional. Positive associations were found between high levels of calprotectin and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rho=0.497), C-reactive protein (rho=0.460), and platelet count (rho=0.232). Nevertheless, an inverse correlation was found between high levels of calprotectin and transferrin saturation (rho=−0.310), albumin (rho=−0.412), and haemoglobin levels (rho=−0.309). Discussion: Determination of faecal calprotectin is a complementary tool in clinical practice for discriminating between functional and organic IBD, avoiding, according to the levels of calprotectin, unnecessary invasive procedures in paediatric patients

Antecedentes y objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la capacidad de la calprotectina fecal para diferenciar las enfermedades funcionales y orgánicas en los pacientes pediátricos, y evaluar la correlación entre los parámetros inflamatorios y los niveles de calprotectina fecal. Pacientes y métodos: Este estudio retrospectivo incluyó los datos clínicos de 129 pacientes pediátricos con síntomas de enfermedad intestinal. Se determinaron los valores de calprotectina fecal mediante inmunoensayo cuantitativo. Se clasificaron los pacientes en 3 grupos: funcionales (32,8% de pacientes), enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria no orgánica (EII, 53,9%) e EII orgánica (13,3%). Resultados: Los niveles de calprotectina fueron significativamente diferentes entre los 3 grupos; entre los pacientes con EII y el resto, y también entre los pacientes con EII no orgánica e EII funcional. Se encontraron asociaciones positivas entre los niveles altos de calprotectina y la tasa de sedimentación eritrocítica alta (Rho=0,497), proteína C reactiva (Rho=0,460) y recuento plaquetario (Rho=0,232). Sin embargo, se encontró una correlación inversa entre los niveles altos de calprotectina y la saturación de transferrina (Rho=−0,310), albúmina (Rho=−0,412) y niveles de hemoglobina (Rho=−0,309). Discusión: La determinación de la calprotectina fecal es una herramienta complementara en la práctica clínica para discriminar entre EII funcional y EII orgánica, y evitar con arreglo a los niveles de calprotectina, los procedimientos invasivos innecesarios en pacientes pediátricos

Demonstration of differences in colonic volumes, transit, chyme consistency, and response to psyllium between healthy and constipated subjects using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: In functional gastrointestinal disorders a lack of objective biomarkers limits evaluation of underlying mechanisms. We aimed to demonstrate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging for this task using psyllium, an effective constipation treatment, in patients and controls. METHODS: Two crossover studies: (i) adults without constipation (controls, n = 9) took three treatments in randomized order for 6 days - maltodextrin (placebo), psyllium 3.5 g t.d.s and 7 g t.d.s., (ii) adults with chronic constipation (patients, n = 20) took placebo and psyllium 7 g t.d.s. for 6 days. MRI was performed fasting and postprandially on day 6. Measurements included small bowel and ascending colon water content, colonic volume, transit time, and MR relaxometry (T1, T2) to assess colonic chyme. Stool water percentage was measured. RESULTS: 7 g psyllium t.d.s. increased fasting colonic volumes in controls from median 372 mL (IQR 284-601) to 578 mL (IQR 510-882), and in patients from median 831 mL (IQR 745-934) to 1104 mL (847-1316), P < .05. Mean postprandial small bowel water was higher in controls and patients after 7 g psyllium t.d.s. vs placebo. Whole gut transit was slower in patients than controls (P < .05). T1 of the descending colon chyme (fasting) was lower in patients (213 ms, 176-420) than controls (440 ms, 352-884, P < .05) on placebo, but increased by 7 g psyllium t.d.s. (590 ms, 446-1338), P < .001. Descending colon T1 correlated with baseline stool water content and stool frequency on treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: MRI measurements can objectively demonstrate the mode of action of therapy targeting intestinal fluid content in constipation.

Motility of the left colon in children and adolescents with functional constpation; a retrospective comparison between solid-state and water-perfused colonic manometry.

BACKGROUND: Using water-perfused (WP) high-resolution manometry, we recently demonstrated that children with functional constipation (FC) lacked the postprandial increase in distal colonic cyclic motor patterns that was observed in healthy adults. Our aim was to determine if similar results could be detected using a solid-state (SS) manometry catheter. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 19 children with FC (median age 11.1 years, 58% male) who underwent colonic manometry with a SS catheter (36 sensors, 3 cm apart). Data were compared with previously published data using a WP catheter (36 sensors, 1.5 cm apart) recorded from 18 children with FC (median age 15 years; 28% male). KEY RESULTS: The cyclic motor patterns recorded by the SS catheter did not differ from those previously recorded by the WP catheter. There was no detected increase in this activity in response to the meal in either group. Long-single motor patterns were recorded in most patients (n = 16, 84%) with the SS catheter. The number of these events did not differ from the WP recordings. In the SS data, HAPCs were observed in 4 children prior to the meal, in 5 after the meal. This did not differ significantly from the WP data. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: These data recorded by SS manometry did not differ from WP manometry data. Regardless of the catheter used, both studies revealed an abnormal colonic response to a meal, indicating a pathology which is not related to the catheter used to record these data.

The "Biology-First" Hypothesis: Functional disorders may begin and end with biology-A scoping review.

While it is generally accepted that gastrointestinal infections can cause functional disturbances in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract-known as postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) and functional dyspepsia (PI-FD)-it has still not been widely recognized that such an infection can also initiate functional non-intestinal diseases, and that non-intestinal infections can provoke both intestinal and non-intestinal functional disturbances. We conducted a scoping review of the respective literature and-on the basis of these data-hypothesize that medically unexplained functional symptoms and syndromes following an infection may have a biological (genetic, endocrine, microbiological) origin, and that psychological and social factors, which may contribute to the disease "phenotype," are secondary to this biological cause. If this holds true, then the search for psychological and social theories and factors to explain why one patient develops a chronic functional disorder while another does not is-at least for postinfectious states-misleading and detracts from exploring and identifying the true origins of these essentially biological disorders. The biopsychosocial model may, as the term implies, always begin with biology, also for functional (somatoform) disorders.

[Hypnotherapeutic treatment of children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorder].

Many school children complain about recurrent abdominal pain. These children have diminished quality of life, increased school absence and functional disability. Despite the high prevalence and well-documented consequences for patients, their families and society, there is a remarkable lack of evidence-based treatments available. Hypnotherapeutic treatment (HT) has shown promising results. In this review, we discuss current research on HT of these patients. In conclusion, further studies are needed to confirm the effect of HT on functional abdominal pain disorder and to optimise the treatment format.