Prospective Stool Diaries Research Articles

Review article: advances in the diagnosis and management of anorectal motility disorders.

Anorectal motility disorders such as dyssynergic defecation (DD), faecal incontinence (FI) and anorectal pain affect 40% of the population and are a frequent reason for gastroenterology consultation. They significantly affect the quality of life and lead to psychological distress. Lack of understanding of these problems compounded by a lack of availability and knowledge of diagnostic tools in most medical centres and/or trained physicians has significantly hampered this field. To discuss the latest advances in pathophysiology, diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for these disorders using an evidence-based approach. We reviewed the published literature over the past 20 years on DD, FI and anorectal pain and distilled these into a narrative review. A detailed history, prospective stool diary and digital rectal exam, together with diagnostic tests such as anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation test for assessing neuropathy, defecography and anal ultrasound, can provide detailed mechanistic and structural information. Such knowledge can pave the way for a meaningful and pathophysiologic-based management approach. This could include biofeedback therapy for DD or FI, sensory training for rectal hyposensitivity or sensory adaptation training for rectal hypersensitivity or sphincter bulking agents or neuromodulation therapies. These treatments are effective and safe. Anorectal motility disorders are common, but either less well recognized or poorly managed by most gastroenterologists. Equipped with the practical and up-to-date knowledge provided in this review, physicians could provide improved health care for these patients.

Evaluation of bidirectional gut-brain axis and anorectal function in Parkinson's disease with constipation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder with prodromal and highly prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, especially constipation. Although PD models suggest gut-brain axis dysfunction, the mechanistic underpinnings and their correlation with GI symptoms are poorly understood. To examine the bidirectional gut-brain axis function in PD and correlate it with constipation severity, PD duration, and severity. Rectal sensory thresholds and afferent cortical evoked potentials (CEP) were assessed using a 4-ring EMG electrode probe. Efferent anal and rectal motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were obtained following transcranial and lumbosacral magnetic stimulation. Bowel symptoms were assessed by prospective stool diary. The CEP and MEP latencies, rectal sensory thresholds, and anorectal sensorimotor data were compared between PD subjects and age-adjusted healthy subjects. Twenty-five PD subjects with constipation (F/M = 6/19) and 20 healthy subjects (F/M = 14/6) were enrolled. The first and pain sensation thresholds were higher in PD subjects than healthy subjects (p < 0.002) but lost significance after adjustment for age. Age-adjusted rectal CEP and right-sided cortico-anal MEP latencies were prolonged in PD subjects compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.04). Also, half (4 of 8) age-adjusted spino-anal and rectal MEP latencies in PD subjects were significantly longer. In multivariate linear analysis, first rectal sensation and right-sided MEP latencies showed moderate correlation with constipation severity. Parkinson's disease is associated with significant bidirectional gut-brain axis dysfunction as evidenced by prolonged afferent and efferent neuronal signaling. Constipation severity in PD is correlated to abnormal rectal sensation and lateralized disturbance of efferent brain-gut signaling.

MO515CONSTIPATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS

Abstract Background and Aims Among various gastrointestinal disorders, constipation is one of the most common symptom in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However it is often neglected by nephrologists as self-limiting condition. Constipation impacts quality of life in multiple ways and increases socio-psychological burden. Constipation and associated risk factors have been poorly studied and most studies are retrospective. Method We enrolled CKD stage 3 to 5 patients on regular follow-up with nephrologist from June 2018 to June 2020, at a tertiary care centre in North India. Constipation was defined using Rome IV criteria (Functional constipation) which is composed of six constipation related symptoms, and diagnosis of constipation is established by presence of two or more symptoms for at least 3 months. Patients were also asked to maintain a 7 day prospective stool diary. It consisted of seven day written prospective chart of stool form and frequency. Patients were instructed to record when each bowel movement happened and to mark stool form type for each movement as described in words and pictures on Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Opioid induced constipation was defined as per Rome IV criteria. The diagnostic criteria is similar to functional constipation, but with requisite that new or worsening symptoms occurred when initiating, changing or increasing opioid therapy. Results Two hundred twenty five patients were studied out of which 59 (26.2%) patients were in CKD stage3, eighty one (36%) patients were in CKD stage4 and 85 (37.8%) patients were in stage5. Out of 85 CKD stage5 patients, 23 (27%) were on dialysis. Mean age of patients was 49.1 years. Out of 225 patients, 135 (60%) were male. Constipation symptoms and diagnosis reported in each stage has been depicted in Table 1. Clinical correlates of constipation has been depicted in Table 2. Conclusion Constipation measured using Rome IV criteria affects around two-third of CKD stage 3-5 patients. Diabetes, hypertension and opioid use has been found to be significantly associated with constipation.

S0500 Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) in Parkinson's Disease: High Prevalence and Correlation With Constipation

INTRODUCTION: Recent ACG guidelines have defined intestinal methanogenic overgrowth (IMO) and described its clinical significance. The prevalences of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and IMO in Parkinson's disease (PD) are unclear. SIBO in PD is linked to worse motor symptoms. Treatment of SIBO can improve motor function in PD. Our aim is to quantify the prevalence of SIBO and IMO in Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects with constipation compared to patients with unexplained GI symptoms undergoing glucose breath testing (GBT). METHODS: After an overnight fast and day of low-CHO diet, subjects brushed their teeth and rinsed their mouth with antiseptic mouthwash 2h before test. During GBT, 75 g of glucose dissolved in 250 mL water was administered. Breath samples were obtained at baseline and 15 min intervals for 2 h. Samples are collected in a bag (QuinTron Instrument Company, Inc.) and alveolar gas was analyzed for both H2 and CH4 levels by chromatography (QuinTron Micro Analyzer, QuinTron, Inc.). SIBO was defined as H2 rise of ≥20 ppm from baseline and/or CH4 rise of ≥10 ppm. IMO was defined as any measured CH4 ≥ 10 ppm. Daily bowel movements were assessed by prospective stool diary. Constipation was defined by <3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs)/week. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with PD (68.2 ± 7.0 years, F/M = 6/13) underwent breath testing and compared to 158 subjects with unexplained GI symptoms (47.4 ± 15.3 years, F/M = 119/39). 31.6% (6/19) of PD subjects had SIBO versus 23.4% (37/158) of subjects with unexplained GI symptoms (P = 0.95), shown in Table 1. 52.6% (10/19) of PD subjects had IMO compared to 14.6% (23/158) subjects with unexplained GI symptoms (P < 0.001). 36.8% (7/19) had < 3 CSBMs per week. There was significant correlation between constipation and IMO, but not SIBO, Table 2. Higher maximum methane levels during GBT also significantly correlated with the presence of constipation. CONCLUSION: Rates of SIBO are similar between PD subjects with constipation and symptomatic patients undergoing GBT. More than half and significantly more PD subjects with constipation than symptomatic patients undergoing GBT have IMO. IMO and higher methane levels correlate with constipation in PD quantified by a stool diary. Methanogens may play a critical role in non-motor symptoms of PD patients such as constipation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Parkinson's Foundation Translational Research Award.Table 1.: SIBO and IMO prevalence in subjects with PD vs unexplained GI symptomsTable 2.: Correlation between IMO, maximum methane level, and SIBO with constipation

Clinical Evaluation of a Patient With Symptoms of Colonic or Anorectal Motility Disorders.

Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, and anorectal pain are problems that affect 40% of the population. They commonly present with overlapping symptoms indicating that their pathophysiology affects multiple segments of the gut as well as brain and gut interactions. Clinically, although some conditions are readily recognized, dyssynergic defecation, fecal incontinence, and anorectal pain are often missed or misdiagnosed. Consequently, the assessment of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with suspected colonic or anorectal motility disorder(s) remains challenging for most clinicians. A detailed history, use of the Bristol stool form scale, prospective stool diaries, ideally through a phone App, digital rectal examination, and judicious use of complementary diagnostic tests are essential. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the impact of these problems on quality of life and psychosocial issues, because they are intricately linked with these disorders. The Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders can provide additional information often missed during history taking. Here, we discuss a systematic approach for the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected lower gastrointestinal problems, grouped under 4 common diagnostic categories. We describe how to take a detailed history, perform meticulous digital rectal examination, and use validated tools to supplement clinical evaluation, including assessments of quality of life and scoring systems for disease severity and digital Apps. These tools could facilitate a comprehensive plan for clinical management including diagnostic tests, and translate the patients’ complaints into definable, diagnostic categories.

Sa1654 – Validation of a Prospective Stool Diary Instrument for Assessment of Fecal Incontinence

Sa1654 – Validation of a Prospective Stool Diary Instrument for Assessment of Fecal Incontinence

Endpoints for therapeutic interventions in faecal incontinence: small step or game changer.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is common and its pathophysiology and treatments continue to evolve. However, a standard measure(s) for assessing its clinical outcome has been elusive. Consequently, over 100 measures and scoring systems, each with intrinsic biases have been reported. These include adequate relief or global satisfaction, ≥50% reduction in episodes or days without FI, quality of life (QOL), FI severity scales and composite indices. Earlier scales relied on the frequency and type of solid, liquid or flatus incontinence and effects on life style whereas newer scales have incorporated urgency, use of pads, antidiarrhoeals and amount of leakage, using prospective daily stool diaries or retrospective weekly or single point assessments. Such a plethora of measures have negatively impacted the assessment and outcome of clinical trials, and have made comparisons difficult. So, how does one sort out the grain from the chaff? In a provocative, post-hoc analysis published in this issue, the minimal clinically important difference, i.e. the smallest change detected by an instrument that is associated with a clinically meaningful change was used to assess FI endpoint. Based on this a ≥50% reduction in FI episodes is recommended as a clinically meaningful outcome measure when assessed by prospective stool diary, and it correlates with symptoms and severity. However, this requires further validation in multi-centre, longer duration and therapeutically effective clinical trial(s). Simultaneous assessment of coping strategies, QOL and psychosocial domains can provide further insights regarding the overall impact of treatments. This mini-review discusses the advances and controversies in defining meaningful FI endpoints.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation.

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioral problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. A detailed history, prospective stool diaries, and a careful digital rectal examination will not only identify the nature of bowel dysfunction, but also raise the index of suspicion for this evacuation disorder. Anorectal physiology tests and balloon expulsion test are essential for a diagnosis. Newer techniques such as high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography can provide mechanistic insights. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is more effective than laxatives and other modalities, both in the short term and long term, without side effects. Also, symptom improvements correlated with changes in underlying pathophysiology. Biofeedback therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Here, we provide an overview of the burden of illness and pathophysiology of dyssynergic defecation, and how to diagnose and treat this condition with biofeedback therapy.

Biofeedback therapy for constipation in adults

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioural problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. Today, it is possible to diagnose this problem and treat this effectively with biofeedback therapy, history, prospective stool diaries, and anorectal physiological tests. Several randomised controlled trails have demonstrated that biofeedback therapy using neuromuscular training and visual and verbal feedback is not only efficacious but superior to other modalities such as laxative or sham training. Also the symptom improvement is due a change in the underlying pathophysiology. Development of user friendly approaches to biofeedback therapy and use of home biofeedback programs will significantly enhance the adoption of this treatment by gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the future. Improved reimbursement for this proven and relatively inexpensive treatment will carry a significant impact on the problem.

Methanogenic flora is associated with altered colonic transit but not stool characteristics in constipation without IBS.

About 35% of humans have methane-producing gut flora. Methane-producing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subjects are generally constipated. In animal models, methane infusion slows intestinal transit. Whether methanogenic flora alters colonic transit or stool characteristics and its relationship to constipation is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and association of methanogenic flora in patients with slow transit (ST) constipation and normal transit (NT) constipation and non-constipated controls. Ninety-six consecutive subjects with chronic constipation (CC) (Rome III) were evaluated with radio-opaque marker (ROM) transit studies and were classified as ST (>20% ROM retention) or NT. All constipated subjects and 106 non-constipated controls underwent breath tests to assess methane production. Baseline CH4 of >or=3 p.p.m. was used to define presence of methanogenic flora. Stool frequency and consistency were assessed using a prospective stool diary. Correlation analyses were performed. Forty-eight subjects had ST and 48 had NT. Prevalence of methanogenic flora was higher (P<0.05) in ST (75%) compared to NT (44%) or controls (28%). ST patients had higher methane production compared to NT and controls (P<0.05). NT patients also produced more methane compared to controls (P<0.05). There was moderate(P<0.05) correlation among baseline, peak, and area under the curve (AUC) of methane response with colonic transit but not with stool characteristics. Presence of methanogenic flora is associated with CC. Methane production after carbohydrate challenge and its prevalence were higher in ST than NT, although stool characteristics were similar in both groups. Methane production correlated with colonic transit, suggesting an association with stool transport but not with stool characteristics.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Biofeedback, Sham Feedback, and Standard Therapy for Dyssynergic Defecation

Constipation is a common disorder, and current treatments are generally unsatisfactory. Biofeedback might help patients with constipation and dyssynergic defecation, but its efficacy is unproven, and whether improvements are due to operant conditioning or personal attention is unknown. In a prospective randomized trial, we investigated the efficacy of biofeedback (manometric-assisted anal relaxation, muscle coordination, and simulated defecation training; biofeedback) with either sham feedback therapy (sham) or standard therapy (diet, exercise, laxatives; standard) in 77 subjects (69 women) with chronic constipation and dyssynergic defecation. At baseline and after treatment (3 months), physiologic changes were assessed by anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion, and colonic transit study and symptomatic changes and stool characteristics by visual analog scale and prospective stool diary. Primary outcome measures (intention-to-treat analysis) included presence of dyssynergia, balloon expulsion time, number of complete spontaneous bowel movements, and global bowel satisfaction. Subjects in the biofeedback group were more likely to correct dyssynergia (P < .0001), improve defecation index (P < .0001), and decrease balloon expulsion time (P = .02) than other groups. Colonic transit improved after biofeedback or standard (P = .01) but not after sham. In the biofeedback group, the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements increased (P < .02) and was higher (P < .05) than in other groups, and use of digital maneuvers decreased (P = .03). Global bowel satisfaction was higher (P = .04) in the biofeedback than sham group. Biofeedback improves constipation and physiologic characteristics of bowel function in patients with dyssynergia. This effect is mediated by modifying physiologic behavior and colorectal function. Biofeedback is the preferred treatment for constipated patients with dyssynergia.

DYSSYNERGIC DEFECATION

Dyssynergic defecation is a common clinical problem that affects half of patients with chronic constipation. In many patients, there is a significant overlap with slow transit constipation. The chief underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is a failure of rectoanal coordination. By using a combination of history, prospective stool diaries, detailed clinical evaluation, and anorectal physiologic tests, it is possible to diagnose this problem. Controlled trials are under way to evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy. Meanwhile, it is possible to treat most patients by using neuromuscular conditioning and biofeedback therapy. Further refinements in diagnostic criteria and in rehabilitation therapy programs should facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of patients with dyssynergic defecation.