Symptomatic Diverticular Disease Research Articles

Долгосрочная эффективность рифаксимина в лечении симптоматической неосложненной дивертикулярной болезни толстой кишки

Долгосрочная эффективность рифаксимина в лечении симптоматической неосложненной дивертикулярной болезни толстой кишки

Italian nationwide survey of pharmacologic treatments in diverticular disease: Results from the REMAD registry.

Although diverticular disease is a common condition, its effective treatment is challenging in clinical practice. The objective of this article is to assess pharmacological management in different clinical settings of diverticular disease and factors associated with treatment using the Italian registry Registro Malattia Diverticolare (REMAD). At study enrolment, patients were categorised into subgroups: diverticulosis, symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and previous diverticulitis. We registered demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors, quality of life and the use of treatments for diverticular disease in the last year. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between clinical factors and treatment consumption. A total of 500 of the 1206 individuals included had had at least one treatment for diverticular disease in the last year: 23.6% (166/702) of patients with diverticulosis, 55.9% (165/295) of patients with symptomatic diverticular disease, and 80.9% (169/209) of patients with previous diverticulitis (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with treatment use: female gender, family history of colonic diverticula, organic digestive comorbidity and impaired physical quality of life components. Individuals with diverticular disease take medications based on the different clinical settings of disease. We identified different features associated with treatment use in the distinct clinical entities of diverticular disease.ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT03325829.

Cyclic rifaximin and soluble dietary fiber therapy for symptomatic diverticular disease: effective prevention of complications

The article discusses the current issues of managing patients with colonic diverticular disease. The prevalence of pathology is steadily increasing, which is due to the more frequent diagnosis of the disease and the increase in life expectancy of the population. Meanwhile, the wrong approaches to the management of this category of patients can result in the development of serious complications that often result in fatal outcomes. The paper presents data on the efficacy of rifaximin therapy of colonic diverticular disease, including using cyclic courses that significantly reduce the risk of complications. Particular attention is paid to the role of dietary fiber in the prevention of the inflammation development in the diverticular disease, including dietary fiber combined with rifaximin.

A pilot study of visceral fat and its association with adipokines, stool calprotectin and symptoms in patients with diverticulosis.

BackgroundComplications of diverticular disease are increasingly common, possibly linked to increasing obesity. Visceral fat could contribute to the development of symptomatic diverticular disease through its pro-inflammatory effects.ObjectiveThe study had 2 aims. A) to develop a semi-automated algorithm to measure abdominal adipose tissue from 2-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data; B) to use this to determine if visceral fat was associated with bowel symptoms and inflammatory markers in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic diverticular disease.DesignAn observational study measuring visceral fat using MRI together with serum adiponectin, leptin, stool calprotectin and patient-reported somatisation and bowel habit.SettingMedical and imaging research centres of a university hospital.ParticipantsMRI scans were performed on 55 patients after an overnight fast measuring abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue volumes together with small bowel water content (SBWC). Blood and stool samples were collected and patients kept a 2 week stool diary and completed a somatisation questionnaire.Main outcome measuresDifference in the volume of visceral fat between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.ResultsThere were no significant differences in visceral (p = 0.98) or subcutaneous adipose (p = 0.60) tissue between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. However measured fat volumes were associated with serum adipokines. Adiponectin showed an inverse correlation with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (Spearman ρ = -0.5, p = 0.0003), which correlated negatively with SBWC (ρ = -0.3, p = 0.05). Leptin correlated positively with subcutaneous adipose tissue (ρ = 0.8, p < 0.0001). Overweight patients (BMI > 25 kgm-2) showed a moderate correlation between calprotectin and VAT (ρ = 0.3, p = 0.05). Somatization scores were significantly higher in symptomatic patients (p < 0.0003).ConclusionsIncreasing visceral fat is associated with lower serum adiponectin and increased faecal calprotectin suggesting a pro-inflammatory effect which may predispose to the development of complications of diverticulosis.

Nerve fiber overgrowth in patients with symptomatic diverticular disease.

Colonic diverticulosis is a common condition in industrialized countries. Up to 25% of patients with diverticula develop symptoms, a condition termed symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). The aim of the present study was to characterize neuroimmune interactions and nerve fiber plasticity in the colonic mucosa of patients with diverticula. Controls, patients with diverticulosis and with SUDD were enrolled in the study. Mucosal biopsies were obtained close to diverticula (diverticular region) and in a normal mucosa (distant site), corresponding to sigmoid and descending colon in the controls. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to assess mast cells, T cells, macrophages, nerve fibers, and neuronal outgrowth (growth-associated protein 43, GAP43+fibers). No difference emerged in mast cells and T cells among the three groups. Macrophages were increased in patients with SUDD and diverticulosis as compared to controls. Nerve fibers were enhanced in patients with SUDD and diverticulosis in comparison with controls in the diverticular region. GAP43+fibers were increased only in patients with SUDD as compared to controls and to patients with diverticulosis in the diverticular region. In patients with SUDD, GAP43 density was increased in the diverticular region compared to distant site. Macrophages close to GAP43+ fibers were increased in the diverticular region of patients with SUDD. Significant correlations were found between GAP43+ fibers and immune cells. Patients with diverticula are characterized by increased macrophage counts, while nerve fiber sprouting is increased only in the diverticular region of patients with SUDD suggesting a role in symptom generation.

Evolving Options in Management of Minimally Invasive Diverticular Disease: A Single Surgeon's Experience and Review of the Literature.

Background: Esophageal thoracic diverticular disease is a rare condition resulting from multiple etiologies. Surgical management is recommended when symptomatic. Traditionally, a thoracotomy was considered the standard approach; however, the use of minimally invasive approaches has been associated with improved outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon's experience with minimally invasive esophageal diverticulectomy. Results: Fifteen patients with symptomatic esophageal diverticular disease underwent minimally invasive diverticulectomy between 2005 and 2018. Most patients (86.7%) had epiphrenic diverticula and 53.3% underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach. All patients had a diverticulectomy, while 14 patients (93.3%) also had an esophageal myotomy. Three patients (20%) underwent an extended myotomy, 4 patients (26.7%) underwent a concomitant fundoplication, and 2 patients (13.3%) underwent a concomitant paraesophageal hernia repair. Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-16 days). There were no mortalities. Two patients (13.3%) were readmitted with delayed esophageal leaks. Median follow-up was 10.7 months (range, 10 days to 6.3 years). One patient presented with recurrent disease 5 years after his initial operation. Conclusions: In experienced hands, a minimally invasive diverticulectomy is safe, effective, and associated with excellent patient outcomes. A minimally invasive approach should be performed when possible and should be tailored to the individual patient's disease and preoperative workup.

Diverticulosis, Symptoms and Colonic Inflammation: A Population-Based Colonoscopy Study.

Low-grade chronic inflammation has been suggested to play a role in uncomplicated asymptomatic and symptomatic diverticular disease. However, population-based studies are lacking. We investigated whether community participants with diverticulosis, with or without symptoms, would have colonic inflammation on histology and serology. In a nested case-control study of 254 participants from the population-based colonoscopy (PopCol) study, colonic histological inflammatory markers and serological C-reactive protein levels were analyzed in cases with diverticulosis and controls without diverticulosis. Statistical methods included logistic and linear regression models. Background variables including age (P = 0.92), sex (P = 1.00), body mass index (P = 0.71), smoking (P = 0.34), and recent antibiotic exposure (P = 0.68) were similar between cases and controls. Cases reported more abdominal pain (P = 0.04) and diarrhea symptoms (mushy and high-frequency stools) than controls (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively) but were otherwise similar. The median C-reactive protein levels were similar among cases and controls [1.05 mg/L (0.3, 2.7) vs 0.8 (0.4, 2.2), P = 0.53]. There was a trend of increased numbers of cecal lymphoid aggregates in cases vs controls (P = 0.07), but no other associations between diverticulosis and inflammatory markers on histology were found. Similarly, no serological or mucosal inflammation was associated with symptomatic cases of diarrhea or abdominal pain vs asymptomatic controls. In a general community sample, both asymptomatic and symptomatic diverticulosis are not associated with colonic mucosal inflammation. Other explanations for symptomatic colonic diverticulosis need to be identified.

Paradigm shift: the Copernican revolution in diverticular disease.

Diverticular disease (DD) is an umbrella definition that includes different clinical conditions ranging from diverticulosis to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. In the last decade, new concepts regarding pathogenetic alterations have been developed, while the diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic approaches to the management of DD patients have changed. The protective role of dietary factors (i.e., fiber) has been questioned, whilst some drugs widely used in clinical practice have been found to have a deleterious effect. The use of antibiotics in all patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis was reconsidered, as well as the need for a surgical approach in these patients. Conflicting recommendations in different guidelines were proposed for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated DD. An endoscopic classification of DD was introduced, and a “curative” endoscopic approach has been pioneered. Based on these observations, which together amount to a kind of “Copernican revolution” in the management of DD patients, we performed a comprehensive and critical reappraisal of the proposed modifications, aiming to discriminate between certainties and doubts on this issue.

A Worldwide Perspective on Diagnosis and Management of Diverticular Disease: Understanding Similarities and Differences

The epidemiology of diverticular disease (DD) is changing, with an increasing prevalence in younger patients from Europe and the USA, and changing disease patterns also seen in Asian populations. This epidemiological shift has substantial implications for disease management policy and healthcare costs. Most (75–80%) patients with diverticulosis never develop symptoms. Around 5% develop acute diverticulitis or other complications, while 10–15% develop symptomatic uncomplicated DD (SUDD) with symptoms resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, most available guidelines highlight the importance of diverticulitis, with less emphasis on and often limited discussion about SUDD and its management. Recent data suggest an important relationship between gut microbiota and DD, including SUDD. In healthy individuals, the gut microbiota exists in harmony (eubiosis); in individuals with disease, quantitative and qualitative changes in microbial diversity (dysbiosis) may adversely influence colonic metabolism and homeostasis. Addressing this imbalance and restoring a healthier microbiota via eubiotic or probiotic therapy may be of value. In SUDD, clinical benefit has been seen with the use of rifaximin, which acts by multiple mechanisms: direct antibiotic activity, a modulatory eubiotic effect with an increase in muco-protective Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium organisms, and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. Clinical studies have demonstrated symptom improvement and reduction in complications in patients with SUDD, with a favourable safety and tolerability profile and no evidence of microbial resistance. Evidence for other agents in DD is less robust. Mesalamine is not effective at preventing recurrence of acute diverticulitis, although it may provide some symptom improvement. At present, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of probiotics in SUDD symptom management.

Alterations in enteric calcitonin gene-related peptide in patients with colonic diverticular disease: CGRP in diverticular disease.

Diverticular disease (DD) is one of the most prevalent diseases of the large bowel. Lately, imbalance of neuro-muscular transmission has been recognized as a major etiological factor for DD. Neuronal calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxant shown to have a widespread effect within the alimentary tract. Nevertheless, CGRPergic innervation of the enteric ganglia has never been considered in the context of motility impairment observed in DD patients. Changes in CGRP and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) abundance within enteric ganglia were investigated in sigmoid samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic DD patients using quantitative fluorescence microscopy. CGRP effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle was investigated using organ bath technique. We found CGRP levels within the enteric ganglia to be declined by up to 52% in symptomatic DD patients. Conversely, CRLR within the enteric ganglia was upregulated by 41% in symptomatic DD. Longitudinal smooth muscle displayed an elevated (+10.5%) relaxant effect to the exogenous application of CGRP in colonic strips from symptomatic DD patients. Samples from asymptomatic DD patients consistently showed intermediate values across different experiments. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that CGRPergic signaling is subject to alteration in DD. Our results suggest that a hypersensitization mechanism to gradually decreasing levels of CGRP-IR nerve fibers takes place during DD progression. Alterations to CGRPergic signaling in DD disease may have implications for physiological abnormalities associated with colonic DD.

Su1444 EUS COLONOSCOPY DETECTION OF THE RUPTURED DIVERTICULUM IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT DIVERTICULAR DISEASE OF THE COLON

Rupture of the diverticulum is a predictor of failure of conservative treatment and evidence in favor of surgical intervention. The role of colonoscopy in diverticular disease of the colon is controversial and not defined in case of recurrent diverticular disease with ruptured diverticulum. The role of EUS in diagnosis of this complication not defined. The study was due to these reasons and the aim of the study was to clarify indicators for EUS colonoscopy to identification of the ruptured diverticulum in patients with recurrent diverticular disease of the colon. Pre-operative EUS colonoscopy data of patients with symptomatic recurrent diverticular disease of the colon with repeated attacks and courses of antibiotic therapy during a period of at least 6 months, operated on and diagnosis confirmed by the histological examination of the surgical specimens collected prospectively in our Center from 2000 to 2016. We excluded EUS colonoscopies that were incomplete due to the difficulties of positioning the ultrasonic probe, so prognostic significance of EUS colonoscopy not evaluated. Comparative analysis of histological and EUS colonoscopy data was performed. 23 patients (53.3 ± 9.6 years; male - 43.5%) were included. Histological specimens revealed the ruptured diverticulum in 21 (91.3%) cases, so the patients were divided into three groups according to the histological results: group1 (not ruptured diverticulum with inflammation) - 2 (8.7%) cases, group2 (ruptured diverticulum with inflammation of adjacent pericolic tissue) - 9 (39.1%) cases, group3 (destroyed diverticulum with infiltrate) - 12 (52.2%) cases. EUS colonoscopy identified thickening, hyperechogenic muscular layer in group1, local interruption of the hyperechogenic muscular layer with the presence of a small hypoechogenic cavity (1.0-2.0 cm) adjacent to the rupture zone in group2 and destruction of the muscular layer with the presence of pericolic infiltrates of different sizes and ultrasound characteristics in group3. EUS colonoscopy reveals the first step of the destruction of the diverticulum. The presence of local interruption of the hyperechogenic muscular layer with small hypoechogenic cavity (1.0-2.0 cm) adjacent to the rupture zone is the EUS colonoscopy indicator of the ruptured diverticulum in case of recurrent diverticular disease of the colon. The information obtained in this study within limitations of the small group and may be used for the generation of hypotheses in future studies.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and diverticular disease: just two distinct age-related disorders or more? Results from a case-control study.

In a previous report of two married cohabiting couples affected by polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), we noticed that the wife of one couple and both members of the other couple suffered from symptomatic diverticular disease (DD), whose diagnosis was made before the onset of PMR. We investigated whether DD might be a risk factor for the development of PMR. We conducted a case-control study informed on a database containing the prospectively collected medical records of consecutive PMR patients. Among comorbidities, attention was focused on symptomatic DD, provided that the diagnosis had been made by colonoscopy and/or computed tomography scan. As controls, we identified one control per case at random among those matched by age and sex attending the ophthalmic and orthopedic outpatient clinics, as long as a PMR diagnosis had been excluded. A logistic regression model was used, following a multiplicative model, and results were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The most frequent comorbidities in the two groups of patients (121 cases and 121 controls) were chronic coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, DD, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and cholelithiasis. The association between PMR and DD (OR = 4.06; 95% CI: 1.76-9.35) was by far stronger than that found comparing PMR with the other comorbidities. The chronic bowel inflammation induced by dysbiosis in patients with symptomatic DD could be a critical immunopathological mechanism supporting the development or exacerbation of PMR in susceptible individuals.

Clinical and symptom scores are significantly correlated with fecal microbiota features in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: a pilot study.

There is growing consensus that symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, and that alterations in the fecal microbiota may contribute to its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to relate the fecal microbiota composition in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease to measures of inflammation, symptoms, and history of previous acute diverticulitis. Fecal microbiota composition in 28 individuals with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease was characterized by 16S RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Microbiota composition was related to clinical history, symptom and inflammation measures, and demographic variables. Previous acute diverticulitis was associated with higher relative abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio, Bifidobacterium, Christensenellaceae family, and Mollicutes RF9 order (P=0.004, 0.006, 0.010, and 0.019, respectively), but not microbiota alpha or beta diversity. A higher bloating severity score was significantly correlated with a higher relative abundance of Ruminococcus (P=0.032), and significantly inversely correlated with the relative abundance of the Roseburia (P=0.002). Fecal calprotectin levels were positively correlated with alpha diversity (Shannon index, P=0.005) and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P=0.004). Pain score was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Cyanobacterium (adjusted P=0.032). Patient symptoms in symptomatic diverticular disease are significantly correlated with features of the fecal microbiota. Our findings suggest the potential utility of therapies that target intestinal microbiology, such as dietary prebiotic supplements.

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a multi-strain probiotic in treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Diverticular disease is a significant burden on healthcare systems that is managed, surgically or medically, mainly as an emergency or acute condition. There are no standardized treatment recommendations for symptomatic uncomplicated disease. We hypothesized that a probiotic would reduce abdominal pain in such patients. We conducted a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of probiotic treatment (Symprove) in adult patients with moderate-to-severe chronic, non-acute symptomatic diverticular disease. 143 patients were randomized to receive 1mL/kg/day of probiotic liquid (N=72) or placebo (N=71) daily for 3 months. The primary endpoint was abdominal pain severity. Secondary endpoints consisted of the change in the frequency of eight abdominal symptoms and the level of intestinal inflammation (fecal calprotectin). 120 patients completed the trial. Abdominal pain score, the primary end point, decreased in both groups, but no significant difference between the groups was found (P=0.11). In relation to placebo, the probiotic significantly decreased the frequency of four of the eight secondary endpoints: constipation, diarrhea, mucorrhea, and back pain (P<0.04). No significant differences were found in frequency of abdominal pain, PR bleeding, dysuria, and bloating. Multi-strain liquid probiotic did not improve abdominal pain scores significantly, but significantly improved the frequency of four other symptoms associated with chronic, non-acute symptomatic diverticular disease.

Mo1880 - The Effect of Severely Reduced Kidney Function on Symptomatic Diverticular Disease

Mo1880 - The Effect of Severely Reduced Kidney Function on Symptomatic Diverticular Disease

Rifaximin and diverticular disease: Position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE)

Management of diverticular disease has significantly improved in the last decade. Antibiotic treatment is used for symptom relief and prevention of complications. In Italy, the non-absorbable antibiotic rifaximin is one of the most frequently used drugs, and it is perceived as the reference drug to treat symptomatic diverticular disease. Its non-systemic absorption and high faecal concentrations have oriented rifaximin use to the gastrointestinal tract, where rifaximin exerts eubiotic effects representing an additional value to its antibiotic activity. This position paper was commissioned by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology governing board for a panel of experts (RC, GB, BA) to highlight the indications for treatment of diverticular disease. There is a lack of rationale for drug use for the primary prevention of diverticulitis in patients with diverticulosis; thus, rifaximin use should be avoided. The cyclic use of rifaximin, in association with high-fibre intake, is safe and useful for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, even if the cost-efficacy of long-term treatment remains to be determined. The use of rifaximin in the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence is promising, but the low therapeutic advantage needs to be verified. No evidence is available on the efficacy of rifaximin treatment on acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

The effect of cyclic rifaximin therapy on symptoms of diverticular disease from the perspective of the gastroenterology outpatient clinic: a “real-life” study

IntroductionSymptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon (SUDD) is one of the most common diseases with which patients present to a gastroenterologist. Mild forms of diverticulitis can also be treated using rifaximin. Although numerous randomised controlled trials have already demonstrated the efficacy of rifaximin therapy, there is still a lack of data from daily medical practice.AimTo assess the effect of rifaximin on the symptoms of diverticular disease (SUDD and mild diverticulitis) in patients undergoing routine treatment in gastroenterology outpatient clinics in Poland.Material and methodsThe retrospective study included 142 patients with a diagnosis of SUDD and mild diverticulitis, with a mean age of 60–69 years (41%), of whom 65% were women. Patients underwent three cycles of rifaximin therapy at a dose of 2 × 400 mg daily for 7 days over 3 consecutive months. Survey data were collected during monthly clinic appointments using a questionnaire completed by 48 gastroenterologists, and in selected cases standard inflammatory parameters were also determined.ResultsAfter just one cycle of therapy a significant reduction in disease symptoms was observed (abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, bloating, disturbances in bowel habit), defined over a scale of 0–3 points. The mean intensity of symptoms decreased from 1.7 ±0.7 to 0.8 ±0.3 points (with a maximum symptom intensity of 3.0 points). After three cycles, the severity of symptoms decreased markedly to an average of 0.3 ±0.1, and as many as 75% of patients reported no abdominal pain (previously the percentage was only 4%). These differences were statistically significant, p < 0.001. The decrease in inflammatory parameters (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was statistically significant.ConclusionsRifaximin is highly effective in the symptomatic relief of uncomplicated diverticular disease of the large bowel, and it is also effective in the treatment of mild forms of diverticulitis. Although the effects were already visible after the first cycle of therapy, the highest efficacy was obtained after three cycles of therapy. Rifaximin can be successfully used in routine medical practice.

Symptomatic Diverticular Disease in Patients With Severely Reduced Kidney Function: Higher Rates of Complications and Transfusion Requirement.

BackgroundThe prevalence of diverticulosis is increasing with 5-10% of patients developing diverticulitis and 5-15% developing symptomatic bleeding. Diverticulitis can result in abscess, perforation, fistula, or obstruction. Bleeding has combined morbidity and mortality rates of 10-20%. The purpose of this study was to compare diverticulitis-related complications and transfusion requirements for diverticular bleeding in patients with normal to moderately reduced kidney function (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and patients with severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), and identify factors associated with these outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed records of all patients with diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding treated at our hospital from January 1, 2011 to July 31, 2016. Patients were evaluated for baseline characteristics, GFR, baseline hemoglobin, medications, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), presence of perforations or abscesses and the need for transfusion.ResultsOf the 291 patients included, males were 167 (58%). Perforations and abscesses complicating diverticulitis developed in 31/136 (23%) of patients with GFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and in 13/26 (50%) of patients with GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio (OR): 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.423 - 8.06; P = 0.0073). Mean LOS (days) was 6.3 ± 4 in the GFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 group and 8.5 ± 4.4 in GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 group (P = 0.0001). Blood transfusion for diverticular bleeding occurred in 11/78 (14%) of patients with GFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and in 22/51 (43%) of patients with GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR: 4.6; 95% CI: 1.99 - 10.76; P = 0.0004). Among patients who needed transfusion, mean LOS was 8.5 ± 2.5 in GFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 group and 9 ± 5 in those with GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.04). There were no differences in age, gender or race between the study groups.ConclusionThere was a significant increase in complicated diverticulitis cases, transfusion requirements for diverticular bleeding and LOS in patients with severely reduced kidney function compared to patients with normal-moderately reduced renal function.

Probiotics and Diverticular Disease: Evidence-based?

Diverticular disease (DD) is a common gastrointestinal condition. Clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic uncomplicated or complicated DD. Symptoms related to uncomplicated DD are not specific and may be indistinguishable from those of irritable bowel syndrome. Low-grade inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal colonic motility have been identified as factors potentially contributing to symptoms. Probiotics may modify the gut microbial balance leading to health benefits. Probiotics, due to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to maintain an adequate bacterial colonization in the colon, are promising treatment options for DD. This review focuses on the available evidence on the efficacy of prebiotics in uncomplicated DD.

Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Multi-Strain Probiotic in Treatment of Chronic Symptoms in Diverticular Disease

Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Multi-Strain Probiotic in Treatment of Chronic Symptoms in Diverticular Disease