Life In Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Articles

Satisfaction With Life in IBS Is Associated With Psychological Burden Rather than Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a major impact on emotional, social, and professional life. This study aimed to evaluate general life satisfaction, a subjective measure of well-being, in IBS patients, and to determine which factors are associated with higher life satisfaction. IBS patients (n = 195, mean age 51.4 ± 16.5 years, 73.8% female) recruited from primary and secondary/tertiary care completed questionnaires regarding gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, psychological factors, and life satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale, 5 items, range 5-35). A finite mixture model analysis was performed to identify latent classes. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify variables associated with life satisfaction. Overall, 71.3% of the patients were satisfied about their life (Satisfaction With Life Scale-score ≥21). Three latent subgroups could be identified with significantly higher life satisfaction in the subgroup with higher mental quality of life, fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms, lower gastrointestinal specific anxiety, and lower gastrointestinal symptom severity, compared with the other 2 groups. Multivariable linear regression showed that higher physical quality of life (B0.168, P < 0.001) and higher mental quality of life (B0.199, P < 0.001) were associated with higher life satisfaction. Using multivariable regression, no significant association was found between gastrointestinal symptom severity and life satisfaction. Higher physical and mental quality of life, but not gastrointestinal symptom severity, were independently associated with higher general life satisfaction in IBS. These findings reinforce the clinical need in IBS treatment to focus on the full extent of the disorder and not merely on gastrointestinal symptom improvement. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00775060.

A Randomised Double Blind Control Trial of Add-on Duloxetine on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Protocol of a Proof-of- Concept Study

Background: Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which has been approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes and fibromyalgia, but it has not been approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. In an open-label study on the duloxetine impact on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, duloxetine resulted in significant improvement in the severity of pain, the severity of illness, quality of life, anxiety, and disability at work and life, but this study was conducted on small sample size. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of duloxetine on Symptom Severity And Quality Of Life In Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Methods: A total of 62 patients will be enrolled in the study and will be randomized into two groups (cases and control). Randomisation will be done using a computer generated random number table. Rome IV Criteria will be applied for diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Informed consent will be taken. Severity will be assessed by IBS Severity Scoring System. Screening for psychiatric disorders will be done following a clinical interview. Diagnosis will be confirmed as per ICD-10. Socio-demographic and clinical details of patients will be recorded on the semi-structured proforma. Specified rating scales (IBS-SSS, IBS-QOL) will be applied appropriately. The clinician can change the dosages as per the tolerability within the range. Control group shall receive treatment as usual only. Both the cases and controls will not be given any other psychotropic medications in addition to Duloxetine during the study period. Both cases and controls shall be assessed on the start of the treatment and by 2nd, 4th and 8th week. Drug adverse effects and compliance to treatment will be evaluated every 2 weeks after starting the treatment. Data obtained will be analysed statistically with appropriate statistical tools. The trial has been registered in the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2023/04/051948). Result: After the collection of data, statistical analysis will be done by using a computerized statistical program, Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Mean changes in the rating scale scores will be compared after each assessment and between the groups. Conclusion: The findings will help to assess the efficacy of Add-On Duloxetine On Symptom Severity And Quality Of Life In Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Alexithymia impairs quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome.

Our objectives were to compare the frequency of alexithymia and the alteration of quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to determine the factors associated with alexithymia and quality of life deterioration. This is a comparative study which collected 80 IBS patients and 80 controls. Quality of life was impaired in 75% of patients vs 37.5% (p<0.0001). The prevalence of alexithymia was 50% in patients vs 1.2% (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, an impaired quality of life was associated with alexithymia (p=0.003). The factors associated with impaired quality of life were anxiety and alexithymia. Alexithymia was present in half of patients with IBS and its was associated with impaired quality of life.

Impact of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is recognised to have an association with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the impact of SIBO on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in IBS patients is still unknown. A cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients who underwent glucose hydrogen breath test was conducted. Factors associated with SIBO were evaluated. Symptom and HRQOL of IBS patients with and without SIBO were compared. The independent factors associated with severe IBS (i.e. IBS symptom severity score: IBS-SSS > 300) were explored. A total of 160 patients were included (median age 40 years, males 31.3%). IBS was present among 53.8% of subjects, with 33.8% having diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). SIBO was diagnosed in 22.5% of the study population. Patients with SIBO were more commonly diagnosed with IBS-D than those without SIBO (SIBO: 50.0% vs non-SIBO: 29.0%, p = 0.019). Amongst IBS patients, severe IBS was associated with SIBO (36.4% vs 15.6%, p = 0.043). The presence of SIBO was associated with poorer HRQOL (EQ-5D utility score: 0.73 (0.69-0.78) vs 0.80 (0.73-1.00), p = 0.024]. The presence of SIBO (44.4% vs 20.6%, p = 0.043), anxiety (77.8% vs 39.7%, p = 0.004) and depression (50.0% vs 19.1%, p = 0.011) were associated with severe IBS at univariate analysis. However, SIBO was the only independent factor associated with severe IBS at multivariate analysis [OR: 3.83 (95% CI: 1.02-14.34), p = 0.046]. There was a significant association between IBS-D and SIBO. The co-existence of SIBO had a significant negative impact on IBS patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Factors associated with lower disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life in Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome.

Little is known about associations with reduced quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or impact of IBS on quality of life compared with other chronic conditions. We collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, healthcare usage, direct healthcare costs, impact on work and activities of daily living data from 752 individuals with Rome IV-defined IBS. We used the irritable bowel syndrome quality of life (IBS-QOL) and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaires to examine characteristics associated with lower quality of life. The mean IBS-QOL among all 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was 48.4 (SD 22.3) and the mean EQ-5D score was 0.570 (SD 0.283), the latter being comparable to people with stroke, leg ulcers or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lower levels of both disease-specific and generic quality of life were associated with severe IBS symptom scores, abnormal anxiety or depression scores, and higher somatoform symptom-reporting and gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety scores (p < 0.001 for all analyses). Those with lower quality of life had significantly higher healthcare usage and direct healthcare costs and more impairment in work and activities of daily living (p < 0.01 for all analyses). Avoidance of alcohol, lower educational level, abnormal anxiety, depression or somatoform symptom-reporting scores, and impairment in social leisure activities, home management or maintaining close relationships were all independently associated with lower quality of life. IBS has a substantial impact on the quality of life of those affected, and worse than observed in some severe chronic organic conditions.

Clinical evidence of acupuncture and moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Acupuncture and moxibustion have been widely used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But the evidence that acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS reduction of symptom severity and abdominal pain, and improvement of quality of life is scarce. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), and unpublished sources were searched from inception until June 30, 2022. The quality of RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The strength of the evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to determine whether the participants in the included trials had reached optimal information size and whether the cumulative data was adequately powered to evaluate outcomes. A total of 31 RCTs were included. Acupuncture helped reduce the severity of symptoms more than pharmaceutical drugs (MD, -35.45; 95% CI, -48.21 to -22.68; I 2 = 71%). TSA showed the cumulative Z score crossed O'Brien-Fleming alpha-spending significance boundaries. Acupuncture wasn't associated with symptom severity reduction (SMD, 0.03, 95% CI, -0.25 to 0.31, I 2 = 46%), but exhibited therapeutic benefits on abdominal pain (SMD, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.01; I 2 = 8%) compared to sham acupuncture. Moxibustion show therapeutic benefits compared to sham moxibustion on symptom severity (SMD, -3.46, 95% CI, -5.66 to -1.27, I 2 = 95%) and abdominal pain (SMD, -2.74, 95% CI, -4.81 to -0.67, I 2 = 96%). Acupuncture (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.24; I 2 = 47%) and the combination of acupuncture and moxibustion (SMD, -2.00; 95% CI, -3.04 to -0.96; I 2 = 90%) showed more benefit for abdominal pain compared to pharmacological medications as well as shams. Acupuncture (MD, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.46-7.67; I 2 = 79%) and moxibustion (MD, 6.97; 95% CI, 5.78-8.16; I 2 = 21%) were more likely to improve quality of life than pharmaceutical drugs. Acupuncture and/or moxibustion are beneficial for symptom severity, abdominal pain and quality of life in IBS. However, in sham control trials, acupuncture hasn't exhibited robust and stable evidence, and moxibustion's results show great heterogeneity. Hence, more rigorous sham control trials of acupuncture or moxibustion are necessary. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=262118, identifier CRD42021262118.

Quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome: Exploring mediating factors through structural equation modelling

BackgroundIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) negatively influences mental and physical quality of life (QoL), but factors that explain this impact are still unclear. Increasing evidence has associated IBS severity, psychological distress, somatic symptoms, and gastrointestinal (GI)-specific anxiety with QoL in IBS. The aim of this study is to further explore these associations and to analyze potential mediating factors. MethodA total of 1017 IBS patients (69.3% female, mean age 40.6 years) who completed a QoL measure (SF-36) were included in this study. A proportion of these participants (N = 183; 72.7% female, mean age 41.7), who additionally completed psychological distress, somatic symptoms, and GI-specific anxiety measures, was included in the mediation analysis. This analysis was conducted via structural equation modelling to identify factors of importance for generic QoL, using a cross-sectional design. ResultsIBS patients reported lower QoL than what is observed in the general population, in particular regarding role limitations caused by health and emotional functioning, vitality, and social functioning. Female patients scored lower than male patients on most QoL dimensions. The effects of IBS severity on mental and physical QoL were mediated by GI-specific anxiety. In addition to GI-specific anxiety, depressive symptoms were also of importance for mental QoL, and somatic symptom severity for physical QoL. ConclusionQoL is reduced in patients with IBS and GI-specific anxiety, depressive symptoms, and somatic complaints are particularly important for this outcome. Future trials should test the efficacy of psychological interventions specifically targeting these factors in improving QoL in IBS.

Effects of Ellagic Acid on Oxidative Stress Index, Inflammatory Markers and Quality of Life in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in IBS. Considering the antioxidant properties of ellagic acid (EA), this study was designed to evaluate the effect of EA on oxidative stress index, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with IBS. This research was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial; 44 patients with IBS were recruited. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to consume a capsule containing 180 mg of EA per day (n = 22) or a placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Also, quality of life was assessed using a self-report questionnaire for IBS patients (IBS-QOL). At the end of the study, we saw a significant decrease and increase in the MDA and TAC in the intervention group, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, EA consumption reduced CRP and IL-6 levels, and these changes were significant in comparison with placebo group changes (p < 0.05). The overall score of IBS-QOL significantly decreased, and quality of life was increased (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in the placebo group. According to these findings, receiving polyphenols, such as EA, may help maintain intestinal health by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress and ultimately improving the quality of life in IBS patients.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20141025019669N11

The Impact of Diagnostic Status on Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of diagnostic status (i.e., having a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or being symptomatic but undiagnosed on quality of life (QoL)). We also examined whether the relationships between QoL and variables such as symptom frequency, pain catastrophizing, visceral sensitivity, and psychological distress are moderated by diagnostic status. The online sample comprised 404 participants (Mage = 33.59, SD = 12.43), of which 98 had been diagnosed with IBS and 306 were symptomatic but undiagnosed. The findings suggest that even after adjusting for symptom frequency, those diagnosed with IBS experience poorer QoL, relative to those without a diagnosis. Moreover, there was evidence that the relationship between specific QoL domains (namely, sex, food avoidance, and health worry) and psychological variables (namely, pain catastrophizing, and depression) was moderated by diagnostic status. The results indicate that diagnostic status in relation to IBS has psychological implications for QoL outcomes distinct from symptom frequency, age, and gender. This highlights a substantial gap in our current understanding of how a diagnosis of IBS can impact the lives of those suffering from IBS symptomology and calls into question the intended purpose of diagnosis.

Personality Traits and Health-Related Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Patients: The Mediating Role of Illness Perceptions

Personality Traits and Health-Related Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Patients: The Mediating Role of Illness Perceptions

Health-Related Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20% of the global population and is associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate differences in HRQoL of those with IBS compared with healthy controls and to examine whether HRQoL improves following psychological intervention. Online databases were searched for articles from 2002 to 2017. Studies were screened and data extracted according to predetermined criteria. A total of 4,154 citations were identified from which 36 were eligible for inclusion. Eight studies compared HRQoL of those with IBS (n = 822) with that of healthy individuals (n = 3,809). Those with IBS suffered significant impairment across all HRQoL domains compared with healthy individuals, with the majority of effects (Cohen's d) being moderate to large. Twenty-eight studies investigated HRQoL in IBS following psychological intervention (n = 1,308) relative to controls (n = 1,006). All HRQoL domains improved with large effects following treatment; however, maintenance of these effects was inconsistent. Those with IBS experience poorer HRQoL than the wider community; nevertheless, psychological interventions are associated with improved HRQoL across all domains. High-quality studies are needed to better inform gastroenterological nurses of which interventions are most efficacious in alleviating the burden of IBS, and which IBS subpopulations would benefit.

Is body mass index associated with symptom severity and health-related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome? A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the body mass index (BMI) distribution in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on the Rome III criteria and to evaluate...

Doctor-patient relationship and quality of life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: an exploratory study of the potential mediating role of illness perceptions and acceptance

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by unpredictable bowel symptoms. These can be difficult to manage, consequently impacting quality of life (QoL). In addition, a strained doctor–patient relationship is independently reported in the qualitative literature. Given the doctor is often the first port of call for people with IBS, a difficult relationship may influence subsequent IBS management. Research suggests illness perceptions are important in determining IBS outcomes in therapy; however, their association with doctor–patient relationship and QoL is yet to be investigated. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the association between these constructs in IBS, as well as potential mediation by illness perceptions. Online questionnaires measuring doctor–patient relationship, illness perceptions, acceptance and QoL, were completed by 167 participants who reported an IBS diagnosis (144 female, mean age = 44.22 years, SD = 15.91 years). Bootstrapped pathway analysis was used to model the relationship and mediation effects. There was a significant positive correlation between patient–doctor relationship and QoL, r = .258, n = 167, p = .001. There was a significant indirect effect between doctor–patient relationship and QoL through illness coherence and acceptance (bootstrapped estimate = .058, 95%CI Lower-Upper = .02, .095, p = .002). No other indirect effects were observed in combination with good fit indices for the other illness perceptions. Findings suggest a doctor–patient relationship which fosters mutual understanding and helps patients make sense of symptoms, increases their ability to manage their IBS in a psychologically flexible manner, subsequently helping them maintain their QoL.

Gender and Weight Influence Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction in the absence of structural abnormality. Diagnosis can be challenging and often leads to extensive medical tests, non-effective therapeutic modalities, and reduced quality of life (QOL). Identifying factors associated with dysfunction have the potential to enhance outcomes. Participants with IBS (n = 41) and healthy volunteers (n = 74) were recruited into this cross-sectional, descriptive, natural history protocol at the National Institute of Health, Clinical Center. Demographic characteristics were self-reported. QOL was assessed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, factorial ANOVA, and multiple regression. Individuals with IBS reported lower QOL scores across all QOL-subscales compared to healthy controls. Normal-weight women and overweight men with IBS reported the greatest QOL impairment. Body fat percent had confounding effects on the relationship between IBS and QOL. The disparity between QOL scores in participants with IBS by both gender and weight groups may reflect different social pressures perceived by normal and overweight women and men. These findings enhance the recognition of the disparities in patients with chronic symptoms and thereby lead to personalized assessment and interventions to improve their QOL.

Mo1549 - Predictors of Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Compared to Healthy Controls

Mo1549 - Predictors of Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Compared to Healthy Controls

The relationship between beliefs about emotions and quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome

Suppression of undesirable emotions, as well as beliefs about the unacceptability of experiencing and expressing emotions, have both been shown to be related to poorer health-related outcomes in several clinical groups. Potential models through which these variables relate have yet to be tested in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and are therefore examined in the current article. Online questionnaires were administered to people with IBS (n = 84) to test a mediation model in which beliefs about the unacceptability of emotions are associated with greater emotional suppression, which in turn relates to increased affective distress and consequently poorer quality of life. An alternate model to test the direction of effect along with two further models using support-seeking as mediators of the same predictor and outcome were also tested. Emotional suppression and affective distress (in that particular order) mediate the relationship between beliefs about emotions and quality of life IBS. The models using support-seeking as mediators of the relationship between beliefs about emotions and the two outcomes were not supported. These findings suggest a role for emotional processing in medically unexplained symptoms and imply the need to address such beliefs about emotions in psychological therapies.

The impact of abuse and mood on bowel symptoms and health-related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common abdominal pain disorder without an organic explanation. Abuse histories (physical, sexual, emotional) are prevalent in IBS. While abuse relates to mood disorders (depression and anxiety) also common in IBS, the influence of abuse on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its independence from psychological symptom comorbidity has not been studied. Consecutive GI outpatients completed the ROME III Research Diagnostic Questionnaire and questionnaires on trauma (Life-Stress Questionnaire), mood (Beck Depression/Anxiety Inventories), somatic symptoms (PHQ-12), and HRQOL (SF-36). Current GI symptom severity and bother were assessed using 10-cm Visual Analog Scales. 272 ROME-defined IBS (47.6 ± 0.9 years, 81% female) and 246 non-FGID (51.6 ± 1.0 years, 65% female) subjects participated. IBS patients reported greater rates of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse (p < 0.006 each), and higher depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (p < 0.001). Greater bowel symptom bother (7.4 ± 0.2 vs 6.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.040), severity (7.7 ± 0.2 vs 6.5 ± 0.2, p < 0.001), recent symptomatic days (9.8 ± 0.4 vs 8.5 ± 0.3, p = 0.02), and poorer HRQOL (40.9 ± 2.3 vs 55.5 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) were noted in IBS with abuse. Abuse effects were additive, with greater IBS symptom severity and poorer HRQOL noted in cases with multiple forms of abuse. Mediation analyses suggested that abuse effects on GI symptoms and HRQOL were partially mediated by mood. Abuse experiences common among IBS sufferers are associated with reports of greater GI symptoms and poorer HRQOL, particularly in those with multiple forms of abuse; this relationship may be partially mediated by concomitant mood disturbances.

Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Overview

Context: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly important in the assessment of chronic conditions, especially for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which has no associated mortality, but is prevalent and significantly impacts patient’s lives. Disease-specific instruments such as the irritable bowel syndrome quality of life instrument (IBS-QOL), in addition to generic instruments such as the short form (SF)-36, are useful in measuring health-related quality of life, and have been shown to be reliable in assessing disease severity and as an endpoint to monitor treatment response. We reviewed the impact of IBS on patients’ HRQoL, the factors causing HRQoL impairments, and the utility of HRQoL instruments in the assessment of IBS. Evidence Acquisition: We performed electronic literature searches in Medline, the Cochrane library, and digestive disease week (DDW) meeting abstracts. Across all databases searched, common keywords included “Irritable bowel syndrome”, “Quality of life” and “Health related quality of life”. For databases that accommodated Boolean searches, terms specifically related to QOL and military were added. Results: We summarized the data available in the literature to show that HRQoL is poorer in patients with IBS compared to healthy controls, and compared to most serious chronic conditions. There are several factors that contribute to HRQoL impairments in IBS, of which gastrointestinal symptoms, physical co-morbidities, psychosocial factors and demographics all play significant roles. Conclusions: It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of the importance of measuring HRQoL. Understanding the factors causing impairment of HRQoL is also important for clinicians seeing these patients as it helps to individualise treatment and treat the patient more holistically, to achieve greater patient satisfaction.

Beliefs about emotions mediate the relationship between emotional suppression and quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome

Background: Cross-sectional and experimental research has demonstrated an association between emotional suppression and IBS. However, the relationship is not well understood.Aim: To examine the relationships between emotional suppression, we compare the measures of beliefs about emotions and quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with healthy controls.Method: Online questionnaires measured beliefs about emotions, emotional suppression and IBS-related quality of life in participants with (n = 87) and without (n = 37) IBS. Mediation analyses and group comparisons were used to explore the role of emotional suppression and beliefs about emotions in this sample.Results: IBS participants held significantly more beliefs about the unacceptability of emotions compared to healthy controls despite no differences in emotional suppression. The relationship between beliefs about emotions and quality of life was not mediated by emotional suppression. However, the relationship between emotional suppression and quality of life was mediated by beliefs about emotions.Conclusion: The findings suggest a role of beliefs about emotions and emotional suppression in IBS, where emotional suppression may relate to changes in beliefs about emotions and consequently quality of life. This is discussed in relation to the cognitive-behavioural model of medically unexplained symptoms.

Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are non-fatal, unknown etiology disorders with absence of a structural or biochemical explanation and accounting for up to 50% of gastroenterology referrals. Infant regurgitation, rumination and cyclic vomiting constitute the vomiting disorders. Abdominal pain disorders are classified as: functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional abdominal pain, abdominal migraine and aerophagia. Disorders of defecation include: infant dyschezia, functional constipation, functional fecal retention and functional non-retentive fecal soiling. Current researches suggest a role of gut microbiota in pathogenesis of FGID and qualitative and quantitative alterations in the normal gut flora in some functional disorder such as IBS, chronic constipation and formula-fed infants which suffering colic or regurgitation have been described. Probiotics are nonpathogenic microorganisms, when they are ingested, have positive effects on the host’s health. They influence intestinal physiology by different ways. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates which promote the growth and/or activity of probiotic bacteria. Evidences for the therapeutic or preventive effect of particular probiotic strains with or without prebiotics in FGID are available in many of articles. Results are encouraging in symptomatic alleviation and improvement in quality of life in IBS, functional constipation, functional abdominal pain, infantile colic, aerophagia and infantile regurgitation. Conclusion: Different probiotic strains have different effects, so selection of strains with specific health benefits is important. In general according to review of articles, although some of specific probiotic strains can provide a health benefit in these disorders, it seems, more high-quality and long-duration placebo-con-trolled trials are required. Keywords: Functional gastrointestinal disorders, Probiotic.