For Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Articles

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in adolescents during online learning

Background The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the use of online schooling in order to comply with national and local lockdown guidelines. Online learning required students and teachers to adapt to a new method of schooling. The inability of adolescents to adapt to their environment can interfere with their psychosocial condition and become a risk factor for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID).
 Objective To determine the prevalence of FGID in adolescents and evaluate possible risk factors that existed during online learning.
 Methods This cross-sectional study was done in children aged 12-18 years who participated in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The diagnosis of FGID was based on Rome IV criteria. Psychosocial problems were assessed using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire–17 (PSC-17) which includes internalization, externalization, and attention subscales. Subjects with a PSC-17 mixed subscale total score of >15 were considered as having an increased likelihood of having a behavioral health disorder. Data were collected by online questionnaires via Google Forms.
 Results Of 1,413 participants, 23% experienced FGID; of these, 32.6% had >2 FGID diagnostic criteria. Upon multivariate analysis, internalization psychosocial problems were the most common risk factors for FGID, followed by mixed subscale psychosocial problems, unstable internet connection, and not understanding of the material.
 ConclusionThe prevalence of FGID in adolescents in this study is 23%. Environmental and psychosocial conditions are interrelated as risk factors for FGID in adolescents during online learning in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of acupuncture on functional gastrointestinal disorders: special effects, coeffects, synergistic effects in terms of single or compatible acupoints.

To investigate how the "special effect"/ "coeffect"/"synergistic effect" can achieve a positive result using an "acupuncture prescription" for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in clinical practice, based on the characteristics of single/compatible acupoints and acupuncture techniques. According to the search strategy, we searched six electronic bibliographic databases and provided a summary for this overview. A large body of evidence has shown that acupuncture has positive effects in the treatment of FGIDs. However, the "prescription" intervention involved different single acupoints, compatible acupoints and acupoints based on expert consensus. The core acupoints, including Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37), emphasize the application of special acupoints, meridian points and nerve segments, and the two-way regulatory effect found in this study is often used as the basis of acupoint selection and acupoint prescription for acupuncture treatment of FGIDs.

Фактори ризику розвитку функціональних гастроінтестинальних розладів у дітей

The purpose is to analyze the risk factors for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children, which will prevent their development and optimize therapy. The article presents an analysis of the literature on risk factors for the most common disorders: functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Among all potential predictors of FGID, chronic psychological stress is the most significant. The main triggers for its occurrence are sleep disturbance, excessive mental stress, dissatisfaction with family relationships with friends and parents, abuse of gadgets, smartphones, etc. Among the predictors of FGID, scientists consider malnutrition, starting from an early age, namely artificial feeding, to be no less important. In older adults, excessive lipid intake, adherence to FODMAPs diets, and consumption of ultra-processed foods are considered risk factors for FGID. In addition, a violation of the diet, the use of cold dishes also contribute to the occurrence of dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract. An important aspect of studying risk factors for FGID is the level of physical activity of children, as well as their nutritional status. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are conditions characterized by recurrent abdominal pain not explained by structural or biochemical disorders. The interest in functional pathology is quite justified and understandable: despite the fact that functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life, they significantly reduce its quality: they affect all segments of society, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender or race, violate the microclimate in the family, which leads to anxiety of the child and parents, form long-term consequences in the future, contribute to a long diagnostic search, repeated consultations, unjustified appointments and expenses. Such a subject of discussion cannot remain without research interest due to the fact that the identification of the main risk factors for FGID will prevent their development, improve the quality of life, reduce the time and cost of examining a patient, and optimize therapy. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Integrated Treatment Approach Versus Standard Model of Care for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDS): A Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are linked to a variety of potential causes, and treatments include reassurance, life-style (including diet), psychological, or pharmacologic interventions.AimsTo assess whether a multidisciplinary integrated treatment approach delivered in a dedicated integrated care clinic (ICC) was superior to the standard model of care in relation to the gastrointestinal symptom burden.MethodsA matched cohort of 52 consecutive patients with severe manifestation of FGID were matched with 104 control patients based upon diagnosis, gender, age, and symptom severity. Patients in the ICC received structured assessment and 12-weeks integrated treatment sessions provided as required by gastroenterologist and allied health team. Control patients received standard medical care at the same tertiary center with access to allied health services as required but no standardized interprofessional team approach. Primary outcome was reduction in gastrointestinal symptom burden as measured by the Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS). Secondary outcome was reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsMixed models estimated the within ICC change in SAGIS total as −9.7 (95% CI −13.6, −5.8; p < 0.0001), compared with −1.7 (95% CI −4.0, 0.6; p = 0.15) for controls. The difference between groups reached statistical significance, −7.6 (95% CI −11.4, −3.8; p < 0.0001). Total HADS scores in ICC patients were 3.4 points lower post-intervention and reached statistical significance (p = 0.001).ConclusionThis matched cohort study demonstrates superior short-term outcomes of FGID patients in a structured multidisciplinary care setting as compared to standard care.

Diagnostic Effect of Consultation Referral from Gastroenterologists to Generalists in Patients with Undiagnosed Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate consultation outcomes from gastroenterologists to generalist physicians for the diagnostic workup of undiagnosed chronic abdominal pain. This was a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study. Patients were included who were ≥15 years old and consulted from the Department of Gastroenterology to the Department of Diagnostic Medicine, to establish a diagnosis for chronic abdominal pain, at the Dokkyo University Hospital from 1 April 2016 to 31 August 2020. We retrospectively reviewed the patients’ medical charts and extracted data. A total of 12 cases were included. Eight patients (66.7%) were diagnosed with and treated for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) at the Department of Gastroenterology; their lack of improvement under treatment for FGID was the reason for their referral to the Department of Diagnostic Medicine for further examination. After this consultation, new possible diagnoses were generated for eight patients (66.7%). Six of the eight patients (75.0%) were diagnosed with abdominal wall pain (anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, n = 3; myofascial pain, n = 1; falciform pain, n = 1; and herpes zoster non-herpeticus; n = 1). Consultation referral from gastroenterologists to generalists could generate new possible diagnoses in approximately 70% of patients with undiagnosed chronic abdominal pain.

Electrocardiogram Before Tricyclic Antidepressant Use: Minimal Impact in Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings on the initiation of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and to evaluate cardiac outcomes related to low dose TCA use. We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric outpatients at a tertiary pediatric hospital with an ECG ordered by a pediatric gastroenterologist when considering initiation of a TCA between January 2011 and February 2018. We collected demographics, previous cardiovascular testing results, TCA dosing, and pertinent outcomes, including cardiology referrals, emergency department, and hospital admissions, and death during the study period. All ECGs were reviewed for corrected QT (QTc) interval, heart rate, and other abnormalities. Of 233 patients with screening ECGs, most (84.1%) were prescribed a TCA. Functional abdominal pain or dyspepsia account for 82.0% of diagnoses. Initial TCA dosing of amitriptyline varied widely, 10-50 mg/day, and the dose was not associated with QTc intervals. TCAs were not started in only 1.7% (4/233) due to ECG results. A significant ECG abnormality prompting cardiology referral was found in eight (3.4%) with a prolonged QTc interval in one (0.4%). In 10.7% (25/233) of patients, screening ECG was obtained despite available ECG in the chart. No deaths and no emergency department or hospital visits for arrhythmia or drug overdose occurred. Screening ECGs infrequently influence TCA initiation and may lead to increased resource utilization. The overall frequency of cardiology referral due to ECG results is low. Serious adverse cardiac events are unlikely with low dose TCA administration.

Is there a relationship between joint hypermobility and gastrointestinal disorders in children?

The main aim of the study was to assess the association between joint hypermobility (JH) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in children. All children aged 4-17 years attending the clinics of the participating Pediatric Gastroenterology Centres for functional GI disorders (FGIDs) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were screened for joint laxity. JH diagnosis was inferred using the Beighton Score. JHS diagnosis was inferred based on the Brighton Criteria. Rome III Diagnostic Criteria were used to diagnose possible FGIDs. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn`s disease diagnoses were made according to the Porto Criteria. Age and sex- matched healthy children were enrolled as controls. One-hundred-seventy children with GI disorders (70 with FGIDs, 50 with Crohn`s disease, and 50 with ulcerative colitis) and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. JH was reported in 7/70 (10%) children with FGIDs (p=0.26 compared to controls), 4/50 (8%) children with Crohn`s disease (p=0.21 compared to controls) and 15/50 (30%) children with ulcerative colitis (p=0.09 compared to controls; p=0.01 compared to FGIDs; p=0.01 compared to Crohn`s). JH is more prevalent in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis compared to the healthy general population, yet the difference did not reach statistical significance. Likely, a proportion of children with ulcerative colitis and JH may show connective tissue abnormalities. However, whether JH can be considered a possible feature of pediatric GI disorders deserves further investigation.

Evaluation of the Anti-constipation Effects of Abdominal Application of Olive Oil Ointment in Children 1-4Years Old: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

With a prevalence of 0.7 to 29.6%, functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric complaint worldwide. Current therapeutic strategies for FC mainly include prevention and treatment of fecal impaction, by administration of oral laxatives or rectal medications. However, these agents have been reported to have limited efficacy and a number of serious side effects. In traditional Persian medicine, local application of olive oil was used to relieve childhood constipation. In this pilot placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the laxative effects of the external use of olive oil ointment in 1- to 4-year-old children with functional constipation were investigated. Forty patients with FC were randomly assigned in olive oil ointment or placebo groups, receiving either an ointment containing 85% olive oil or a comparable placebo or an ointment containing 85% liquid paraffin adjusted to have color and odor similar to those of intervention ointment, twice a day for 4days. Rome III criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were used to identify eligible patients from three hospitals. The primary outcome measure was treatment success, defined as ≥1 spontaneous stools per day, without episodes of fecal impaction at endpoint (day 4). The secondary outcome measure was the frequency of fecal incontinence, abdominal discomfort or flatulence, painful defecation, and dermal irritations (adverse effect). Improvements in stool frequency started from day 1 and continued up to day 4 (end of the study) and were significantly greater in patients receiving olive oil ointment in comparison with placebo group (p<0.05). No adverse effect (including fecal incontinence, painful defecation, gripe and skin reaction, etc.) was reported in intervention and placebo groups during the study. Olive oil ointment used in this study can be presented as a safe, well-tolerated, and effective herbal preparation in children with functional constipation.

Prevalence, overlap, and risk factors for Rome IV functional gastrointestinal disorders among college students in northern India.

There is scarcity of data on prevalence, overlap, and risk factors for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) by Rome IV criteria. We evaluated these factors among medical, nursing, and humanities students. Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (for all FGIDs), Rome III questionnaire (for irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], functional diarrhea [FDr], and functional constipation [FC]), and questionnaires assessing demography, physical activity, anxiety, and depression were used. A total of 1309 college students were included (medical 425, nursing 390, humanities 494; mean age 20.5 ± 2.1years; 36.5% males). Prevalence of Rome IV FGIDs was 26.9% (n = 352), significantly higher among females compared with males (32.3% vs. 17.6%; p < 0.001) and significantly higher among medical (34.4%) and nursing students (29.2%) compared with humanities students (18.6%) (p < 0.05). Most common FGIDs were functional dyspepsia (FD) (15.2%), IBS (6.2%), reflux hypersensitivity (3.5%), FDr (2.9%), FC (2.1%), and unspecified functional bowel disorder (2.1%). FGID overlap was present in 9.3%, most common being FD-IBS overlap (4.4%). With Rome III criteria, prevalence of IBS was higher (9.5%), while that of FDr (0.92%) and of FC (1.3%) were lower. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors for FGIDs were female gender, medical student, non-vegetarian diet, junk food, tea/coffee, poor physical activity, anxiety, and insomnia. Rome IV FGIDs were present among one-fourth of college students with preponderance among females and medical students. FD, IBS, and reflux hypersensitivity were the most common FGIDs. Rome IV criteria led to a reduction in IBS prevalence and increase in FDr and FC prevalence. Dietary factors, physical activity, anxiety, and insomnia affected FGID prevalence.

Celiac Disease in Children with Functional Constipation: A School-Based Multicity Study

To determine whether children in the community with functional constipation have increased prevalence of celiac disease. Between April 4, 2015, and April 25, 2017, we enrolled 1809 children from 5 schools in Colombia and screened them for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including functional constipation, using questionnaires recommended in the Rome III/IV criteria. We matched children with functional constipation with healthy controls without a FGID and tested them for celiac disease with tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total IgA screening. In those who tested positive for tTG-IgA, we performed HLA genotyping and endoscopy to obtain 4 duodenal biopsy specimens for classification of celiac disease using the Marsh criteria. Analysis of statistical significance between groups of children with and without functional constipation was done using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test. Patients diagnosed with functional constipation (n=203) were matched with 419 healthy controls without FGIDs. The overall prevalence of celiac disease in the entire cohort was 0.6%. Of those with functional constipation, 1 (0.5%) was diagnosed with celiac disease, and 3 (0.7%) of the control patients without FGIDs had celiac disease (P=.743). The prevalence of celiac disease in our cohort was similar to worldwide estimates. The prevalence of celiac disease in schoolchildren with functional constipation in Colombia is similar to those without FGIDs. Thus, routine testing of schoolchildren with functional constipation for celiac disease is not indicated.

Association of Habitual Dietary Fiber Intake and Fecal Microbiome Gene Abundance with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cohort

Abstract Objectives Dietary fibre supplementation is recognised as important for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The exact role of the microbiome in this relationship remains unclear. We explored differences in dietary fibre intake, GI symptoms and the fecal microbiome in those with FGID. Methods The COMFORT cohort is an observational case control study examining FGID, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) aetiology (Ethics 16/NTA/21). Participants prospectively completed a food and GI symptoms diary over 3 days. Severity of GI symptoms and mood disorders were assessed using clinical questionnaires; SAGIS and PROMIS for GI symptoms and HADS for anxiety and depression. Fecal samples were analysed by shotgun sequencing; 95 healthy controls (HC), 22 constipation IBS (IBS-C) and 50 diarrhea IBS (IBS-D). Taxonomic classifications were assigned by aligning sequences against the NCBI non-redundant database using DIAMOND. Results Diet diaries were completed by 292 participants (176 cases, 71.2% female). Average daily fibre intake was higher in HC compared to FGID (23.99g, 95% CI = –2.06-0.55; 20.28g, 95% CI = -1.96-0.45; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Low fibre daily intake (&amp;lt; 15g) was associated with higher depression scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and increased anxiety in those with functional diarrhea (r2 = -0.554, P = 0.03). A negative association between fibre consumption and increased bloating in IBS (r2 = -0.19, P = 0.04) was also found. The GI microbiome in IBS was characterised by differences in Firmicutes belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family (e.g., Blautia and Ruminococcus, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Other differentiating taxa included Bilophila (higher in IBS-D) and Methanobrevibacter (lower in IBS-D) (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At the phylum level, bloating and constipation were correlated with Firmicutes relative abundance, and negatively correlated with Bacteroides (canonical r &amp;gt; |0.5|). At the genus level, Blautia were correlated with diarrhea and faecal incontinence (canonical r &amp;gt; 0.5). Conclusions Higher fibre consumption was associated with decreased bloating, anxiety and depression in different FGID subgroups. IBS was also associated with altered fecal microbiome composition including some taxa linked to carbohydrate and hydrogen metabolism. Funding Sources Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge.

Функциональные нарушения пищеварения у детей раннего возраста. Результаты онлайн-анкетирования

Aim: to study the possibilities of online surveys for mothers using a questionnaire on the basis of the Rome IV criteria (2016) as a screening for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in infants and toddlers. Patients and Methods: an anonymous online survey of 477 mothers was conducted regarding the health condition of their children under the age of 4 years. The survey consisted of 2 question pools. The first pool included general questions regarding the age of the mother at the time of delivery, obstetric and gynecological history, feeding of an infant/toddler at the time of the survey. The second pool included questions regarding FGID in infants and toddlers on three separate topics: functional disorders of the first year of life; diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome; bowel movement disorder. Results: among 130 infants, regurgitation was in 50% of cases (at the age of 6 months — in 75%, at the age of 6 to 12 months — in 35%), baby colic — in 49%. The incidence of functional constipation in children under 6 months was 5.8%, from 6 to 12 months — 7.6%, gradually increasing by 3–4 years to 21.5%. Toilet skills were taught to 15 (12%) children aged 1 year — 1 year 11 months, 58 (59%) — at the age of 2 years — 2 years 11 months, and 119 (98%) — at the age of 3 years — 3 years 11 months. Mothers who were unaware of their child’s physical development and/or defecation problems accounted for 20.1% of those who took part in the survey. Conclusion: online survey results of mothers coincide with modern statistical data on FGID disorder. The survey results generally reflect the anatomical and physiological patterns of the child’s GI development. Online survey on the detection of FGID in infants/toddlers allows to make a preliminary diagnosis, identify existing problems and determine further patient management tactics. KEYWORDS: functional gastrointestinal disorders, infant, toddler, Rome IV criteria, questionnaire for parents, functional constipation, online survey, baby colic, regurgitation, toilet skills. FOR CITATION: Dubrovskaya M.I., Gryaznova E.I. Functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers. Online survey results. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(5):274–281. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-5-274-281.

Herbal medicine in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The efficacy of herbal medicines (HMs) for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD) and functional constipation (FC) is controversial. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to determine their effectiveness for FGIDs. We searched the following electronic databases till July 2019 with English language restriction: The Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PUBMED. Randomized double-blind controlled trials of HMs compared with placebo or conventional pharmacological drugs for adult FGIDs patients were included. In total, 49 trials involving 7396 participants with FGIDs were included. The risk of bias was low in 9, unclear in 36, and high in 4 trials. More than 33 different herbal formulae were tested. HMs demonstrated statistically significant benefits for symptom improvement compared with placebo in 46 trials (RR=1.67, 95% CI 1.48-1.88). When compared with conventional pharmacological therapy in 5 trials, HMs were found to be non-inferior (RR=1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18). The number of trials with regards to FD, IBS and FC were 19, 23 and 7 respectively. Subgroup analysis found that HMs were better than placebo in alleviating symptoms for FD (RR=1.50, 95% CI 1.32-1.69), IBS (RR=1.62, 95% CI 1.32-1.97) and FC (RR=3.83, 95% CI 2.26-6.50). HMs tended to have more patients with adverse events than placebo, but similar to conventional pharmacological drugs. Our findings provide a positive signal for HMs as a potentially well-tolerated and effective treatment for FGIDs, deserving further examination in high-quality trials.

473 The Prevalence and Burden of Rome IV Functional Colorectal Disorders in Ulcerative Colitis

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) therapies, many patients suffer refractory symptoms in the absence of active inflammation. For this group, treatment remains challenging, with a paucity of therapeutic options. In this prospective, ongoing study, we aim to determine the prevalence and burden of functional colorectal disorders inpatients with quiescent UC. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with UC attending Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) clinicscompleted a series of validated questionnaires; including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), an IBD-QoL score and the IBD-control questionnaire. Participants were asked to return a Fecal Calprotectin (FCP) within 2 weeks of completing questionnaires. Quiescent UC was defined as IBD-control 8 score ≥13 and IBD-control-VAS ≥85, and/or FCP levels ≤250 (where available, FCP was used in preference to IBD-control to classify UC activity). Based on Rome IV diagnosis and UC disease activity (active or quiescent), patients were divided into groups and data compared using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Overall, n = 97 UC patients (n = 50 males, mean age 48 (range 18-82)) participated. 41/97, (42%) UC patients met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs (irritable bowel syndrome n = 26, functional constipation n=6 and faecal incontinence (FI) n = 22). Disease activity data (IBD-control and/or FCP) were available for all patients, and based on these 61/97, 63% had quiescent UC. Within the quiescent UC group, 25/61 (41%) met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs (irritable bowel syndrome n = 14, functional constipation n = 3 and FI n = 13). In the active UC group, those with co-existing FGIDs, compared to those without FGIDs, had significantly worse median QoL scores (P = 0.02), higher HADS-depression (P = 0.005) and HADS-anxiety (P = 0.05). By contrast, in those with quiescent UC, those with an FGID did not have different median HADS scores (depression P = 0.15, anxiety P = 0.62) or IBD-QoL scores (P = 0.20), compared those without FGIDs. CONCLUSION: This study is one of the first to use Rome IV criteria in UC and confirms that the prevalence of FGIDs is high. Patients with active disease and overlapping functional symptoms appear to have worse QoL and more psychological distress compared to those with quiescent disease. Clinicians should be vigilant to this functional overlap and treat both functional and inflammatory driven symptoms.

273 – A Multidisciplinary Integrated Treatment Approach is Superior to Standard Care for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDS): A Case-Control Study

273 – A Multidisciplinary Integrated Treatment Approach is Superior to Standard Care for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDS): A Case-Control Study

Pathways to Leadership and Collaborative Success for Emerging Researchers in Complementary Medicine

To determine whether children in the community with functional constipation have increased prevalence of celiac disease.Between April 4, 2015, and April 25, 2017, we enrolled 1809 children from 5 schools in Colombia and screened them for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including functional constipation, using questionnaires recommended in the Rome III/IV criteria. We matched children with functional constipation with healthy controls without a FGID and tested them for celiac disease with tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total IgA screening. In those who tested positive for tTG-IgA, we performed HLA genotyping and endoscopy to obtain 4 duodenal biopsy specimens for classification of celiac disease using the Marsh criteria. Analysis of statistical significance between groups of children with and without functional constipation was done using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test.Patients diagnosed with functional constipation (n = 203) were matched with 419 healthy controls without FGIDs. The overall prevalence of celiac disease in the entire cohort was 0.6%. Of those with functional constipation, 1 (0.5%) was diagnosed with celiac disease, and 3 (0.7%) of the control patients without FGIDs had celiac disease (P = .743).The prevalence of celiac disease in our cohort was similar to worldwide estimates. The prevalence of celiac disease in schoolchildren with functional constipation in Colombia is similar to those without FGIDs. Thus, routine testing of schoolchildren with functional constipation for celiac disease is not indicated.

Gut-focused hypnotherapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Evidence-base, practical aspects, and the Manchester Protocol.

BackgroundDespite their high prevalence and advances in the field of neurogastroenterology, there remain few effective treatment options for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). It is recognized that approximately 25% of sufferers will have symptoms refractory to existing therapies, causing significant adverse effects on quality of life and increased healthcare utilization and morbidity. Gut‐focused hypnotherapy, when delivered by trained therapists, has been shown to be highly effective in severe refractory FGIDs. However, hypnotherapy continues to be surrounded by much misunderstanding and skepticism.PurposeThe purpose of this review is to provide a contemporary overview of the principles of gut‐focused hypnotherapy, its effects on gut‐brain interactions, and the evidence‐base for its efficacy in severe FGIDs. As supplementary material, we have included a hypnotherapy protocol, providing the reader with an insight into the practical aspects of delivery, and as a guide, an example of a script of a gut‐focused hypnotherapy session.

Clinical and psychological correlates of soiling in adult patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Fecal soiling (FS) is the staining of underwear without loss of significant amounts of fecal material. It is frequently associated with defecation disorders in children. The aim of this study was to search for psychological and clinical correlates of adult patients with soiling. Clinically, the complaint of staining is confused with that of fecal incontinence (FI) in the mind of both patients and attending physicians. Observational study PATIENTS AND METHOD: We included 1454 consecutive outpatients (71% females). They filled out the Rome III questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs); Beck depression inventory, and state and trait anxiety questionnaires; and Likert scales for constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and logistic regression analysis. Soiling was found in 123 patients (8.5%). They reported similar frequencies of esophageal, gastroduodenal, and abdominal pain as patients without soiling. In contrast, patients with soiling reported higher prevalence of IBS, such as IBS-Diarrhea, Mixed-IBS, functional diarrhea, functional constipation, and levator ani syndrome, and higher Likert scale for diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and softer stools. The multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that patients with soiling have increased odds to report IBS (P = 0.019; OR = 1.958; 95% CI = [1.118-3.431]), functional diarrhea (P = 0.040; OR = 1.901; 95% CI = [1.028-3.513]), and high Diarrhea Likert scale (P < 0.001; OR = 1.215; 95% CI = [1.130-1.306]). No association was found with psychological evaluation. In FGID patients, soiling is not associated with psychological disorders and is mainly associated with IBS and functional diarrhea.

Pilot-RCT of an integrative group therapy for patients with refractory irritable bowel syndrome (ISRCTN02977330)

ObjectiveDifferent forms of psychotherapeutic treatments have been proven effective in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but disorder-oriented and integrative concepts are still rare. Therefore, we implemented and evaluated an integrative group therapeutic concept within an interdisciplinary tertiary care clinic for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Aims: present our integrative group concept, assess feasibility issues, and evaluate efficacy. MethodsA pilot-RCT with a randomized controlled wait-listed group design was conducted. The treatment concept was a disorder-oriented multicomponent group therapy (12 90-min weekly sessions) integrating interactive psychoeducation, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and open group phases. All patients received enhanced medical care and completed a short online diary as an active wait-listed control condition. Inclusion criteria: refractory IBS diagnosed as somatoform autonomic dysfunction of the lower gastrointestinal tract (SAD). Primary outcome: IBS symptom severity (IBS-SSS). ResultsOf 294 patients, 220 had IBS (ROME III), 144 were diagnosed as SAD (ICD-10), 51 were eligible regarding inclusion/exclusion criteria, and 30 consented to participate (group intervention: n=16, wait-listed control condition: n=14). Only 1 patient dropped out. Intention-to-treat-analysis with repeated-measures mixed ANOVA showed that the group intervention was not significantly superior to the wait-listed control condition. Nevertheless, the calculated effect size for the between-group difference in IBS-SSS at the end of treatment (post) was moderate (d=0.539). ConclusionOur disorder-oriented integrative group intervention for IBS proved to be acceptable and feasible in an interdisciplinary tertiary care setting. There is promise in this intervention, but a larger RCT may be needed to investigate efficacy.

Performance of an algorithm-based approach to the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A pilot trial.

Recent advances in the development of diagnostic criteria and effective management options for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) have not yet been integrated into clinical practice. There is a clear need for the development and validation of a simple clinical pathway for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs which can be used in primary care. In this controlled pilot study, we designed and evaluated a non-specialist-dependent, algorithm-based approach for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs (ADAM-FGID). Patients referred to 1 tertiary referral center with clinically suspected functional gastrointestinal disorders were allocated to waitlist control or algorithm group. The algorithm group was screened for organic disease, and those without clinical alarms received a written FGID diagnosis and management options. All participants were followed up for 1year. The ADAM-FGID was found to be feasible and acceptable to both patients and primary healthcare providers. The diagnostic component identified that 39% of referrals required more urgent gastroenterological review than original triage category, with organic disease subsequently diagnosed in 31% of these. The majority of patients (82%) diagnosed with a FGID did not receive a relevant alternative diagnosis during follow-up. Patient buy-in to the model was good, with all reading the diagnostic/management letter, 80% entering management, and 61% reporting symptom improvement at 6weeks. Moreover, 68% of patients and all referring doctors found the approach to be at least moderately acceptable. Patients reported being reassured by the approach and found the management options useful. Primary healthcare providers acknowledged the potential of this approach to reduce waiting times for endoscopic procedures and to provide reassurance to both patients and themselves. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support a clinical pathway for the diagnosis and management of FGIDs which does not depend upon specialist review. Further rigorous testing within primary care is needed to conclusively establish safety and efficacy. However, this approach is safer than current management and has potential to build capacity by reducing specialist burden and expediting effective care.