Influence of intra-oesophageal capsaicin instillation on heartburn induction and oesophageal sensitivity in man

Abstract  Heartburn is the most typical gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom. The transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV₁) is a candidate mediator of heartburn. Exposure of TRPV₁ to capsaicin is characterized by activation , followed by desensitization . Our aim was to investigate the effect of intra-oesophageal capsaicin instillation on oesophageal symptom perception ( activation ) and on sensitivity to oesophageal acid perfusion and oesophageal balloon distention ( desensitization ). In a first protocol ( n  = 10), saline or capsaicin solution were instilled in the mid-oesophagus and symptoms were rated at 5-min intervals for 60 min. In a second study ( n  = 10), oesophageal 0.1 N hydrochloric acid perfusion was performed 60 min after pretreatment with saline, low or high dose capsaicin. In a third study ( n  = 10), sensitivity to oesophageal balloon distention was determined before and at 30-min intervals up to 90 min after pretreatment with saline, low or high dose capsaicin. Areas under the curve (AUC) for symptom intensities under different conditions were calculated and compared with Kruskal–Wallis test. Oesophageal capsaicin instillation induced transient symptoms of retrosternal and epigastric burning in a dose-dependent fashion. After oesophageal capsaicin or saline instillation, there was no difference in symptom pattern and intensities induced by oesophageal acid perfusion. After oesophageal capsaicin or saline instillation, sensitivity to oesophageal balloon distention and oesophageal compliance were not significantly altered. Oesophageal instillation of the TRPV₁ receptor agonist capsaicin induces symptoms of retrosternal and epigastric burning in a dose-dependent fashion. Pretreatment with capsaicin does not desensitize the oesophagus to acid perfusion or to balloon distention.     

Dyspeptic symptoms in the general population: a factor and cluster analysis of symptom groupings

Abstract  Both dyspeptic and gastro-oesophageal reflux-like symptoms are frequent in the general population, but their degree of overlap is unknown. In severe functional dyspepsia (FD), symptoms are organized in factors associated with pathophysiological mechanisms. The aims of this study were: (i) to assess the prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms with and without overlapping reflux symptoms in the general population and their impact on daily life and on healthcare utilization; and (ii) to compare symptom groupings in the general population to FD patients. A total of 2025 subjects, representative of the Belgian general population, were used in this study. The subjects were submitted to a questionnaire with validated questions on their dyspeptic and reflux symptoms and with evaluators of impact on daily life and use of healthcare resources. Significant dyspeptic symptoms were found in 417 (20.6%). Overlapping reflux symptoms were present in 141 (33.8%). In this group, symptoms were more frequent and more severe. Dyspeptic symptoms induced weight loss (12.7%) and absenteeism (12.4%), affected daily life (61.2%) and generated use of healthcare resources, such as medical consultations (61.4%) and medication (70.9%). Factor analysis revealed a three-component structure with factor 1 including fullness, bloating and early satiety, factor 2 including nausea and vomiting and factor 3 including discomfort, pain, belching and reflux. If forced in a four-factor model, the analysis separates belching as independent factor. Dyspeptic symptoms are frequent in the general population, with overlapping reflux symptoms and increased symptom burden in about a third.     

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction caused by an intestinal inflammatory myopathy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract  Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is an uncommon disorder that may be of primary or secondary origin. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman with CIP due to inflammatory disorder of unknown origin involving the skin (eosinophilic fasciitis), the lungs (decreased diffusion capacity) and the gastrointestinal tract. History, clinical examination, plain abdominal film, barium X-ray and colonoscopy established a diagnosis of recurrent pseudo-obstruction. A full-thickness biopsy was performed during explorative laparotomy, and histological examination revealed findings compatible with an inflammatory myopathy due to a dense lymphoid infiltrate and extensive loss of the muscularis propriae layers. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporin was initiated, with significant clinical improvement. This case illustrates another form of CIP, characterized by an inflammatory myopathy, which is histologically distinct from other known visceral myopathies and neuropathies.