Neurogastroenterology and Motility最新文献

Background: Colonic transit (CT) measured by validated scintigraphy using ¹¹¹In-labeled activated charcoal particles is summarized using geometric center (GC) of isotopic distribution in four colonic regions and stool at 24 and 48 h. Diagnosis of rapid CT is currently based on GC24 ≥4.4 in females and >4.7 in males, which lack sensitivity. Our aim was to evaluate, in patients with chronic diarrhea with normal CT by GC24 and GC48, the diagnostic utility of CT change (∆GC) relative to sex-matched normal values.

Methods: We evaluated two adult patient cohorts: 701 clinical patients (1994-2023) with chronic diarrhea and 76 research participants with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (N = 63) or bile acid diarrhea (BAD, N = 13). Results of ∆GC were compared to 220 healthy controls' 95th percentiles (%ile) (≥2.0 females and ≥2.2 males). In the research cohort, we also analyzed (Spearman correlation) colonic ∆GC with ascending colon emptying T_1/2 (AC T_1/2), average stool frequency and consistency based on a daily diary, total fecal bile acid (BA) concentration, and % primary BA in a single stool sample.

Key results: Among 701 clinical patients with normal GC24, 160 (22.3%) had rapid CT based on ∆GC 95th %ile in health. Among 76 research participants, an additional 20.6% IBS-D and 23% BAD had rapid CT ∆GC. Younger age and absence of diabetes mellitus were predictive of rapid ∆GC. ∆GC significantly correlated with AC T_1/2 and with fecal BA.

Conclusions & inferences: ∆GC identified an additional 21%-23% patients with rapid colonic transit among patients with diarrhea and normal GC24.

Background: Supplementation with the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans is a feasible treatment option for functional constipation (FC). However, its effects on colonic function have not yet been studied. This study assessed whole gut transit time (WGTT) and regional transit time using a wireless motility capsule (WMC) before and after supplementation with different fiber treatments in patients with FC.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing agave fructans with psyllium plantago. WGTT, regional transit time, contractility, and pH were measured using WMC before and after fiber supplementation. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests.

Key results: Twenty patients with FC were evaluated, with a median age of 39 (25-54 years), and 18 (90%) were women. Five patients were included in each intervention group. There were no changes in WGTT or regional transit times between the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in the changes experienced by regional or general contractility among the groups (p > 0.05). The cecal pH profile did not differ between the groups before and after fiber supplementation (p > 0.05). The percentages of clinical responses and consistency of bowel movements between the groups were similar.

Conclusions & inferences: FC presents a clinical response to a fiber challenge, regardless of the administered intervention. However, this response was not associated with improvement in contractility or regional transit time. We speculate that there are other mechanisms by which fiber consumption may improve FC.

Background and purpose: The definitive diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often requires invasive investigations like upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or reflux monitoring. We aimed to explore the relationship between salivary pepsin and GERD and its value as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.

Methods: Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochran Library, and EMBASE) were searched from their inception to January 22, 2024 to explore the correlation of salivary pepsin with GERD. The meta-analysis data retrieved were summarized, including the salivary pepsin concentration, sensitivity of diagnosis (SEN), specificity of diagnosis (SPE), negative likelihood ratio, positive likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results: The meta-analysis comparing salivary pepsin concentration in two groups (proven GERD and non-GERD) with 18 studies revealed that the proven GERD group had higher salivary pepsin concentration than the non-GERD group (SMD = 1.74 [95% CI 1.14-2.34]). The meta-analysis of salivary pepsin diagnostic value for proven GERD incorporated 23 studies. The results showed pooled SEN (0.73 [95% CI 0.66-0.80]), SPE (0.72 [95% CI 0.65-0.78]), positive likelihood ratio (2.61 [95% CI 2.02-3.39]), negative likelihood ratio (0.37 [95% CI 0.28-0.50]), diagnostic odds ratio (7.03 [95% CI 4.24-11.66]) and area under the SROC curve (0.79 [95% CI 0.75-0.82]).

Conclusion: GERD patients presented a higher salivary pepsin concentration. Salivary pepsin is both sensitive and specific in identifying GERD, making it a promising non-invasive marker for diagnosis.

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) commonly occurs in neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Appropriate management involves early detection, clinical evaluation, and tailored follow-up to minimize complications. Various assessment tools exist, including the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ), a patient-reported outcome measure for assessing OD severity in adult patients. This paper proposes utilizing an innovative risk matrix (OD-Risk-Matrix) to enhance SSQ interpretation. This matrix categorizes OD risk for each SSQ question, offering valuable assistance to clinicians.

Methods: This study analyzes SSQ results from a cohort of individuals with NMD (n = 57). Patients filled in the SSQ during outpatient visits at our neuromuscular center. Subsequently, SSQ scores were grouped by NMD conditions and interpreted using the OD-Risk-Matrix categorizing each question's risk as low, moderate, or high. This matrix is based on the SSQ results by categorizing the risk of OD for each question, as well as the likelihood of occurrence of OD.

Key results: In light of the OD-Risk-Matrix, the interpretation of SSQ scores revealed various risk categories associated with each question, while also highlighting distinct OD characteristics and discrepancies among the different NMDs.

Conclusion and inferences: In conclusion, the OD-Risk-Matrix offers a framework for interpreting the SSQ, revealing variations in the risks of OD among different questions in patients with NMD. This novel approach could be a valuable tool in SSQ interpretation to identify specific fields of OD and could lead to a tailored management plan, prioritizing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of aspiration, ensuring proper nutrition, and enhancing swallowing safety and efficiency.

Background: Several organizations have proposed guidelines or clinical decision tools for the management of patients with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI) affecting the lower digestive tract including irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation. Such algorithms are based on sequential therapeutic trials and modifying the treatment strategy based on efficacy and adverse events.

Purpose: The aims of this review are to evaluate the evidence for efficacy of second- and third-line pharmacotherapies and to assess the evidence for the alternative option to manage subgroups of patients with symptoms suggestive of lower DGBI based on diagnostic tests or documented dysfunctions. The preeminent tests to identify such subgroups that present with symptoms that overlap with lower DGBI are detailed: digital rectal examination as well as anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion for evacuation disorders, detailed measurements of colonic transit, and diagnosis of bile acid diarrhea or carbohydrate malabsorption based on biochemical measurements. The review also addresses the cost implications of screening to exclude alternative diagnoses and the costs of therapy associated with the therapeutic options following an algorithmic approach to treatment from the perspective of society, insurer, or patient. Finally, the costs of the diagnostic tests to identify actionable biomarkers and the evidence of efficacy of individualized therapy based on formal diagnosis or documentation of abnormal functions are detailed in the review.

Background: Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry assesses esophageal motility in response to controlled volumetric distension. This study aimed to describe the physiomechanical states of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in response to serial filling/emptying regimes for esophageal motility disorders.

Methods: Fourty-five patients with absent contractile response on FLIP and diagnoses of normal motility (n = 6), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM; n = 8), scleroderma (SSc; n = 10), or nonspastic achalasia (n = 21) were included, as were 20 patient controls with normal motility on FLIP and manometry. LES diameter and pressure were measured after stepwise FLIP filling at 60 mL, 70 mL, and emptying to 60 mL with relative changes used to define physiomechanical states.

Key results: Passive dilatation after FLIP filling occurred in 63/65 (97%) patients among all diagnoses. After FLIP emptying, passive shortening occurred in 12/14 (86%) normal motility/IEM, 10/10 (100%) SSc, 9/21(43%) achalasia, and 16/20 (80%) controls, with auxotonic relaxation seen in 2/14 (14%) normal motility/IEM, 12/21 (57%) achalasia, and 4/20 (20%) controls. After achalasia treatment (LES myotomy), 21/21 (100%) achalasia had passive shortening after FLIP emptying.

Conclusions & inferences: Physiomechanical states of the LES can be determined via response to FLIP filling and emptying regimes. While passive shortening was the general response to FLIP emptying, auxotonic relaxation was observed in achalasia, which was disrupted by LES myotomy. Further investigation is warranted into the clinical impact on diagnosis and treatment of esophageal motility disorders.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, with patient-perceived dissatisfaction of treatment symptom control. We assessed disease burden, satisfaction with medication use, and impact on activities, in participants with IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and diarrhea (IBS-D).

Methods: This study assessed data from a large, United States survey of adults querying demographics, comorbid conditions, quality of life, medication use, satisfaction with symptom control, and work productivity. Participants were grouped into the IBS-C or IBS-D cohort if they met Rome IV criteria, with controls matched 1:1 according to age, sex, race, region, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. All data were self-reported.

Key results: Nine hundred and ten participants with IBS-C and 669 with IBS-D were matched to controls. The most reported symptoms were abdominal discomfort for IBS-C and abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort for IBS-D. Among the IBS-C and IBS-D cohorts, 74.2% and 65.9%, respectively, took prescription and/or over-the-counter medication for their symptoms. Respondents were more dissatisfied than satisfied with control of their symptoms. Respondents taking prescription medication(s) with or without over-the-counter medication(s) reported better symptom control than respondents only taking over-the-counter medications (p < 0.001). There was significantly higher mean presenteeism, work productivity loss, and daily activity impairment (p < 0.001 for all) in respondents with IBS compared with controls.

Conclusions and inferences: This study provides insight into respondents' experiences of IBS symptoms, including the impact on daily activity, as well as satisfaction with control of symptoms and prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Background: The diagnosis of small bowel motility disorders is performed by manometric evaluation of the contractile patterns of the small intestine. Conventional intestinal manometry systems include few pressure sensors at relatively long intervals. We have recently shown that high-resolution jejunal manometry, with multiple closely spaced recording sites, allows the analysis of propagation patterns of intestinal motility in healthy subjects that cannot be detected with conventional manometry. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic value of high-resolution intestinal manometry in patients with suspected small bowel dysmotility.

Methods: Prospective pilot study evaluating intestinal motility patterns in 16 consecutive patients (16-61 years; 11 women) with severe, chronic digestive symptoms referred for the evaluation of intestinal motility and in 18 healthy controls (21-38 years; 8 women). A 36-channel high-resolution manometry catheter was orally placed under radiological guidance in the jejunum. Intestinal motility was continuously recorded for 3 h fasting and 2 h after a 450 kcal meal. The manometric recordings were analyzed in two formats: (a) with the high-resolution data from 34 channels and (b) showing only the recordings from 5 channels separated by 7 cm intervals, mimicking a conventional manometry recording.

Key results: In the analysis mimicking conventional manometry, abnormal motility criteria were detected in six patients and in no healthy subject [bursts (n = 3), postprandial minute rhythm (n = 1) and myopathic pattern (n = 2)]. These classical dysmotility criteria were also detected by high-resolution manometry. High-resolution analysis detected one or more abnormal findings in seven additional patients that were not observed in any healthy subject, specifically: (a) abnormal propagation of Phase III (n = 3); (b) reduced propagated activity during Fasting Phase II (n = 4); (c) increased propagated activity during Fasting Phase II and postprandial phase (n = 1).

Conclusions and inferences: This pilot study suggests that high-resolution intestinal manometry may improve the sensitivity of conventional manometry in the detection of intestinal motor dysfunction.

Background: Post-infectious disorders of gut-brain interaction (PI-DGBI) have significant impact on children and adolescents. The effect of COVID-19 on PI-DGBI-associated symptoms in this population, however, is unknown.

Methods: We performed electronic medical record searches to identify patients 8-17 years old with a SARS-CoV2 PCR test at Lurie Children's Hospital between November 2020 and March 2021 (cohort 1) and April-October 2021 (cohort 2). Questionnaires were administered to assess symptoms prior to and 3 months following the test. This included the Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score (PEESS), questionnaire of pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms-Rome IV, Nausea Profile (NP), dyspepsia symptom survey (DSS), nausea severity profile (NSP), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). We grouped patients based on the presence of symptoms prior to COVID-19 test or the test result.

Results: One hundred and ninety-six parent(s) or guardian(s) in cohort 1 and 274 in cohort 2 completed surveys and self-reported their child's COVID-19 result. Cohort 1 had increased PEESS and DSS scores, lower PedsQL scores, and increased frequency of abdominal pain disorders among patients with symptoms prior to COVID-19 testing. Both cohorts had increased NP and NSP scores among patients with symptoms prior to COVID-19 testing that was highest among patients with a positive COVID-19 test. Abdominal pain and diarrhea prior to COVID-19 testing predicted higher NP scores.

Conclusions: Among symptomatic COVID-19 tested children, we found increased severity of nausea-associated somatic, emotional, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the 3 months following the test that was most increased among patients with a positive COVID-19 test.