Efficacy of a Synbiotic Containing Lactobacillus paracasei DKGF1 and Opuntia humifusa in Elderly Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background/AimsThere is increasing evidence that supplementation with pre- and probiotics appears to have positive effects on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a new synbiotic formulation on gastrointestinal symptoms in elderly patients with IBS.MethodsSixty-seven IBS patients aged ≥60 years were randomly assigned to either a placebo group (n=34) or a synbiotic group (n=33). During a 4-week intervention, subjects used a placebo or a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus paracasei DKGF1 and extracts of Opuntia humifusa once a day. Patients were evaluated with the subject global assessment, visual analog scale, and Bristol stool chart. The primary outcome was the overall responder rate and the secondary outcome was the responder rates for abdominal symptom reduction at week 4.ResultsOverall, responder rates were significantly higher in the synbiotic group (51.5%) than in the placebo group (23.5%) (p=0.017). Abdominal pain (58.8% vs 81.8%) and psychological well-being (26.4% vs 60.6%) were noticeably improved in the synbiotic group (p=0.038 and p=0.004, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in gas and bloating symptoms (p=0.88 and p=0.88, respectively). In patients with constipation-dominant and diarrhea-dominant IBS (n=16), the synbiotic significantly improved abdominal pain and defecation symptoms (responder rates for the placebo vs the synbiotic 22.2% vs 85.7%, p=0.04). There were no adverse events in either group.ConclusionsThe results indicate that this new synbiotic supplement can potentially relieve abdominal symptoms in elderly IBS patients.     

肠易激综合征患者的胃排空

应用锝＾９０标记的固体试餐对３０例健康者及５６例肠是铁激综合征患者的胃排空功能进行了观察。５６例肠易激合征患乾按临床症状分为２组，第１组为腹泻为主者，共２０例，第２组３６例系以腹痛及便秘为主要表现者。     

The Efficacy of an Herbal Medicine, Carmint, on the Relief of Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Carmint contains total extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, and Coriandrum sativum, which have antispasmodic, carminative, and sedative effects. As abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating are commonly observed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, we decided to evaluate the effectiveness of Carmint in relieving these symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients. We randomly assigned 32 irritable bowel syndrome patients to receive either Carmint or placebo, plus Loperamide or psyllium (based on their predominant bowel function), for 8 weeks. T-test analysis of the results showed that the severity and frequency of abdominal pain/discomfort were significantly lower in the Carmint group than the placebo group at the end of the treatment (P=0.016 and P=0.001, respectively), as were the severity and frequency of bloating (P=0.02 and P=0.002, respectively). This pilot study suggests that Carmint plus loperamide or Carmint plus psyllium (depending on the irritable bowel syndrome subtype) might be effective in these patients.     

Efficacy of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized,Controlled Trials

Purpose  This study was designed to evaluate whether probiotics improve symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Methods  PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies that investigated the efficacy of probiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical improvement was the key outcome of interest. Data were searched within the time period of 1966 through September 2007. Results  Eight randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials met our criteria and were included in the analysis. Pooling of eight trials for the outcome of clinical improvement yielded a significant relative risk of 1.22 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.07–1.4; P = 0.0042). Conclusions  Probiotics may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and can be used as supplement to standard therapy.     

肠易激综合征血浆及乙状结肠粘膜中生长抑素的变化

应用放射免疫分析法检测正常组２４例及肠易激综合征组２６例受检者血浆及乙状结肠粘膜中生长抑素的含量，旨在探讨ＩＢＳ患者历浆及乙状结肠粘膜中ＳＳ的含量有无变化，以及它在ＩＢＳ疾病过程中的可能作用和临床意义。结果；ＩＢＳ组血浆中ＳＳ的浓度明显高于正常组；乙状结肠粘膜中的ＳＳ的含量痛秘型ＩＢＳ显著高于痛泻型，痛泻型ＩＢＳ显著高于正常组。     

Patient Educational Media Preferences for Information About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Purpose To identify the educational media preferences of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods The IBS-Patient Education Questionnaire (PEQ) was administered to a national sample of IBS patients. Frequencies of item endorsements were compared and meaningful clinical differences were used to identify differences among subgroups. Results 1,242 patients completed the survey, mean age 39.3 years, 85% female, IBS duration 6.9 years, 79% had seen an MD for IBS within 6 months, and 92.6% used the web for medical information. The most desired source of education was “my doctor” (68%), followed by Internet (62%) and brochure (45%). Notably, patients favored an increase in use of media in the future (past vs. future): doctor (43 vs. 68%); Internet (36 vs. 62%); and brochures (26 vs. 45%). Conclusion IBS patients expect more education than they have received. Understanding IBS patients’ learning preferences can be highly valuable in the development or implementation of educational interventions.     

得舒特治疗肠易激综合征的临床疗效观察

目的:评价得舒特对肠易激综合征(IBS)的疗效。方法:56例根据罗马标准诊断为IBS的患者进入本研究。所有患者在服用得舒特治疗前一周服用安慰剂6天。安慰剂治疗无效的47例患者随后进入得舒特治疗,50mg,每日3次口服,疗程4周。结果:得舒特对肠易激综合征患者腹痛、腹泻和便秘单项症状的有效率分别为85.1％(40/47)、89.2％(33/37)和93.3％(14/15),对肠易激综合征的总有效率为85.1％(40/47)。治疗期间除2例诉头晕外,无其他不良反应。结论:得舒特治疗1BS疗效确切、副反应率低,临床上可作为治疗IBS的首选药物之一。     

Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Response to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Therapy

Background Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia. Since restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs with fibromyalgia, a link between IBS, SIBO, and RLS was studied. Methods BS patients with abnormal lactulose breath tests received rifaximin 1,200 mg day⁻¹ for 10 days, followed by tegaserod 3 mg, long-term, and 1 month of zinc 220 mg day⁻¹ and once-daily probiotic (N = 11) or rifaximin monotherapy (N = 2). IBS symptom improvement was assessed after rifaximin. RLS symptoms, IBS symptoms, and overall IBS global improvement were assessed at last posttreatment visit: 8/10 patients were followed long-term (mean, 139 days; range, 54–450 days). Results Ten of 13 patients exhibited ≥80% improvement from baseline in RLS symptoms. Five maintained complete resolution of RLS symptoms. Global gastrointestinal symptom improvement was great (n = 6), moderate (n = 5), or mild (n = 2). Conclusion This study suggests that SIBO associated with IBS may be a factor in some RLS patients and SIBO therapy provides long-term RLS improvement.     

Neomycin Improves Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Fashion That Is Dependent on the Presence of Methane Gas: Subanalysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Recent studies have shown that normalization of the lactulose breath test (LBT) with neomycin leads to a significant reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This subanalysis was done on the constipation-predominant IBS subgroup of patients (C-IBS) to test the ability of neomycin to improve constipation and its correlation with the elimination of methane on breath test. IBS subjects underwent LBT in a blinded fashion. They were then randomly allocated to neomycin or placebo groups. For the purpose of this analysis, only the C-IBS subjects were identified. They were then evaluated for global improvement, abdominal pain, and constipation severity. The ability of neomycin to eliminate methane and its associated improvement in constipation was also determined. One hundred eleven subjects meeting Rome I criteria for IBS were included in the study. Thirty-nine of these had C-IBS. Of these, 20 received placebo and 19 received neomycin. With neomycin, a global improvement of 36.7±7.9% was seen, compared to 5.0±3.2% for placebo (P < .001) in the intention-to-treat analysis. Constipation was improved by 32.6±9.9% with neomycin compared to 18.7±7.2% for placebo (P=.26). Of the original 111 subjects, 12 demonstrated methane on breath test. All 12 of these patients were constipation predominant. In the methane producers receiving neomycin or placebo, improvement in constipation was significantly greater in those receiving neomycin (44.0±12.3%) compared to placebo (5.0±5.1%) (P < .05). Treatment with neomycin improves constipation in C-IBS. This improvement depends on the presence and elimination of methane on breath test.     

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A) for Symptomatic Chronic Radiation Proctopathy

PURPOSE This study was designed to determine whether oral retinol palmitate (vitamin A) can reduce the symptoms of radiation proctopathy.METHODS A randomized, double-blind trial comparing retinol palmitate (10,000 IU by mouth for 90 days) to placebo was conducted. Eligible patients were more than six months postpelvic radiotherapy and had significant symptoms as measured with the Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale. Nineteen patients were randomized in total: ten to retinol palmitate and nine to placebo. The Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale scores before and every 30 days for 90 days were measured. Five placebo nonresponders were crossed over to the retinol palmitate for another 90 days. Response was defined as a reduction in two or more symptoms by at least two Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale points.RESULTS Seven of ten retinol palmitate patients responded, whereas two of nine responded to placebo (P = 0.057). Mean pre-post-treatment change in Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale ( Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale) in the retinol palmitate group was 11 ± 5, whereas Radiation Proctopathy System Assessments Scale in the placebo group was 2.5 ± 3.6 (P = 0.013, Mann-Whitney U test). Additionally, all five placebo nonresponders who were crossed over to treatment with retinal palmitate responded to treatment.CONCLUSIONS In our trial, retinol palmitate significantly reduced rectal symptoms of radiation proctopathy, perhaps because of wound-healing effects. The current results can serve as the foundation for future trials examining retinol palmitate in the multi-institutional setting.Supported in part by a private grant from Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr.     

A Survey about Irritable Bowel Syndrome in South Korea

The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the prevalence of symptom-based irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Korean adults, (2) to assess several organic abnormalities which can be found in IBS patients, and (3) to analyze the risk or associated factors that influence the presence of IBS. Adult health examinees were requested to fill out a questionnaire. The prevalence of IBS was calculated using Rome II criteria. Using several tests, several organic abnormalities were identified in the IBS group. Risk factors were analyzed by comparing the IBS and normal groups. The prevalence value for IBS according to Rome II criteria was 16.8%. Mucosal hyperplasia, lymphocyte aggregation, and increased eosinophil counts were relatively common microscopic findings in IBS group. Female gender, self-consciousness of IBS, and irregular defecation were expressed as significantly independent risk or associated factors for IBS. Several colonic microscopic findings mentioned above may be helpful in accurate diagnosis of IBS. Therefore a more-precise and large population study about these findings is necessary to reach a definitive conclusion.     

血浆及乙状结肠粘膜中CCK、MOT的含量与肠易激综合征的关系

应用放射免疫分析法检测正常对照组２４例及肠易综合征组（ＩＢＳ）２６例受检者血浆及乙状结肠粘膜中胆囊收缩素（ＣＣＫ）和胃动素（ＭＯＴ）的含量，旨在探讨ＩＢＳ患者血浆及乙状结肠粘膜中ＣＣＫ和ＭＯＴ有无变化，以及它们在ＩＢＳ疾病过程中的可能作用和临床意义。结果：ＩＢＳ组血浆中ＣＣＫ、ＭＯＴ的含量明显高于正常对照组（Ｐ＜０．０５）；乙状结肠粘膜中ＣＣＫ的含量两组无显著差别（Ｐ＞０．２），ＭＯＴ的含量两组均为零。提示血浆中ＣＣＫ和ＭＯＴ可能在ＩＢＳ的疾病过程中起有一定作用，建议在临床实验诊断中验证它们作为ＩＢＳ诊断标志的可能性。     

Visceral Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Summary Review

We examined published reports f1970 to the present to evaluate the theory that abnormal visceral sensitivity characterizes the irritable bowel syndrome. Evidence to support claims that abnormal visceral sensitivity defines the irritable bowel syndrome falls short because of cognitive deficits in gastrointestinal neurobiology, limitations in experimental design and execution, and the interpretation of results.     

Temporary Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Purpose  This study was designed to evaluate the effect of temporary sacral nerve stimulation in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Methods  Symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and disease-specific quality of life was evaluated in six patients before and during percutaneous sacral nerve evaluation test. Primary end points were differences between total irritable bowel syndrome symptom score and total quality of life score before and during stimulation. Secondary end points were differences between the variable domains. Results  Percutaneous sacral nerve evaluation test was performed in five women and one man (median age, 33 (range, 26–54) years). The irritable bowel syndrome symptom score decreased from 48.9 to 28.3 (P = 0.004). Pain, bloating, and diarrhea were significantly reduced from 7.9, 13.5, and 17.3 to 4.4, 7.2, and 10.6, respectively (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P = 0.03). The irritable bowel syndrome quality of life score decreased from 99.3 to 59.6 (P = 0.009). Daily activities, emotional distress, eating habits, and fatigue were significantly reduced from 26.9, 22.2, 15.2, and 23.2 to 16.9, 13.3, 8, and 14.4, respectively (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.007). Two weeks after cessation of stimulation, the patients had symptoms as before stimulation. Conclusions  Temporary sacral nerve stimulation provides a significant reduction in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel symptoms and improves quality of life. Further studies with permanent implantation and double-blind crossover ON-and-OFF-stimulation to evaluate the impact of placebo effect are needed.