Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in Egypt: a nationwide multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Egypt faces a significant public health burden due to chronic liver diseases (CLD) and peptic ulcer disease. CLD, primarily caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, affects over 2.9% of the population nationwide, with regional variations. Steatotic liver disease is rapidly emerging as a significant contributor to CLD, especially in urban areas. Acid-related disorders are another widespread condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. These factors and others significantly influence the indications and findings of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed in Egypt.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the clinico-demographic data, indications, and endoscopic findings in Egyptian patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in various regions of Egypt.

METHODS

This study employed a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional design. Data was collected from patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy across 15 tertiary gastrointestinal endoscopy units in various governorates throughout Egypt.

RESULTS

5910 patients aged 38-63 were enrolled in the study; 75% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), while 25% underwent a colonoscopy. In all studied patients, the most frequent indications for EGD were dyspepsia (19.5%), followed by hematemesis (19.06%), and melena (17.07%). The final EGD diagnoses for the recruited patients were portal hypertension-related sequelae (60.3%), followed by acid-related diseases (55%), while 10.44% of patients had a normally apparent endoscopy. Male gender, old age, and the presence of chronic liver diseases were more common in patients from upper than lower Egypt governorates. Hematochezia (38.11%) was the most reported indication for colonoscopy, followed by anemia of unknown origin (25.11%). IBD and hemorrhoids (22.34% and 21.86%, respectively) were the most prevalent diagnoses among studied patients, while normal colonoscopy findings were encountered in 18.21% of them.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study describing the situation of endoscopic procedures in Egypt. our study highlights the significant impact of regional variations in disease burden on the utilization and outcomes of GI endoscopy in Egypt. The high prevalence of chronic liver disease is reflected in the EGD findings, while the colonoscopy results suggest a potential need for increased awareness of colorectal diseases.

Functional dyspepsia: How to manage the burn and the bloat

Functional dyspepsia is defined as persistent symptoms of postprandial bloating, early satiety, or pain in the center of the upper abdomen, without findings on upper endoscopy such as peptic ulcer disease to explain these symptoms. It is common, affecting up to 30% of the global population, but it often goes undiagnosed for years. There are 2 subtypes: epigastric pain syndrome (burning and pain) and postprandial distress syndrome (bloating and satiety). The authors discuss how to diagnose and treat both subtypes.

Metastatic Melanoma of the Common Bile Duct Presented with Dyspepsia

Malignant melanoma (MM) is an aggressive tumor that can metastasize to any organ, but biliary tract metastasis is scarce. We describe a very rare case of MM metastasis to the common bile duct (CBD), presented with only dyspeptic symptoms. The patient had mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a dilated common bile duct with a distal stricture. The MM diagnosis was established with the ampulla of Vater biopsy specimens obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and the patient's symptoms were resolved after biliary stenting. Both primary CBD cancer and other cancer types like MM that metastasize to CBD can cause obstruction and can be manifested only by dyspeptic symptoms. MM metastasis to CBD can cause obstruction manifested only by dyspeptic symptoms without obstructive jaundice. ERCP can be employed as a promising option for treatment and diagnosis. New-onset dyspeptic symptoms in patients with a history of MM should be investigated thoroughly, especially in the context of biliary metastasis.

Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVES

Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). In this study we aimed to explore the causal association between physical activity or sedentary behavior and the risk of FD and IBS.

METHODS

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed. Candidate genetic instruments for physical activity and sedentary behavior were retrieved from the latest published Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), which included up to 703 901 participants. Summary-level GWAS data for FD (8 875 cases and 320 387 controls) and IBS (9 323 cases and 301 931 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study. The causal effects were mainly estimated by inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Sensitivity analyses were implemented with Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis, and the funnel plot.

RESULTS

No significant association of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST), sedentary behavior at work (SDW), and sedentary commuting (SDC) with the risk of FD was found. However, there was a suggestive correlation between MVPA and the decreased risk of FD (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.99, P = 0.047). Genetically predicted MVPA decreased the risk of IBS (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.84, P = 0.004), while increased LST was positively associated with IBS risk (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53, P < 0.001). No causal effects of SDW or SDC on IBS risk were observed.

CONCLUSION

MVPA and LST are causally linked to the development of IBS, which will facilitate primary prevention of IBS.

Celiac disease seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms. A study on a Mexican population

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy that develops in genetically susceptible individuals. The typical gastrointestinal manifestation is diarrhea but symptoms of dyspepsia, such as epigastric pain, nausea, or satiety, can sometimes appear. Previous studies have reported that the prevalence of CD in patients with dyspepsia can be as high as 7%. The aim of the present study was to evaluate CD seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms and a control group in a Mexican population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted on blood donors that answered the PAGI-SYM questionnaire for dyspepsia and in whom IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase 2 (IgA anti-tTG2) and IgG antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptide (IgG anti-DGP) were determined. CD seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms and in asymptomatic subjects was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 427 subjects (76.3% men), with a mean patient age of 34 years (range of 18-65 years) were included. Of those participants, 87 (20.3%) had symptoms of dyspepsia (group A) and 340 (79.6%) were asymptomatic (group B). Antibodies were positive in one (1.15%) of the group A subjects (1/87, 95% CI 0.2-6 %), whereas they were positive in 4 (1.18%) of the group B subjects (4/340, 95% CI 0.4-2.9%, p = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

CD seroprevalence in the study population with dyspeptic symptoms (1%) was not different from that of the control population. Thus, CD screening in Mexican patients with dyspepsia is not justified.

Neuroimaging research progress of acupuncture treatment for patients with functional dyspepsia

Neuroimaging technology provides objective and visualized research tool to study the mechanisms of acupuncture effects. Building on a systematic review of previous clinical studies on acupuncture treatment for functional dyspepsia using neuroimaging technology, this paper summarizes and synthesizes past researches from 4 aspects： acupoint-specific effects, factors influencing the effects, different physiological responses, and predictive factors for acupuncture efficacy. It suggests that acupuncture treatment for FD involves central integration with disease-targeted (acupuncture treatment can target and regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in patients with FD), meridian-specific (stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the stomach meridian can significantly regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in FD patients), and dynamic conditional features(the effects of acupuncture treatment for FD are influenced by multiple factors). Lastly, considering the current research status, this paper outlines prospects in terms of research subjects, influencing factors, and result validation, aiming to provide references for future in-depth research.

The Association between Functional Dyspepsia and Metabolic Syndrome-The State of the Art

Functional dyspepsia is a common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that is responsible for many primary care visits. No organic changes have been found to explain its symptoms. We hypothesize that modern lifestyles and environmental factors, especially psychological stress, play a crucial role in the high prevalence of functional dyspepsia and metabolic syndrome. While gastrointestinal tract diseases are rarely linked to metabolic disorders, chronic stress, obesity-related metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis, and functional dyspepsia have significant pathophysiological associations. Functional dyspepsia, often associated with anxiety and chronic psychological stress, can activate the neuroendocrine stress axis and immune system, leading to unhealthy habits that contribute to obesity. Additionally, intestinal dysbiosis, which is commonly present in functional dyspepsia, can exacerbate systemic inflammation and obesity, further promoting metabolic syndrome-related disorders. It is worth noting that the reverse is also true: obesity-related metabolic syndrome can worsen functional dyspepsia and its associated symptoms by triggering systemic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis, as well as negative emotions (depression) through the brain-gut axis. To understand the pathophysiology and deliver an effective treatment strategy for these two difficult-to-cure disorders, which are challenging for both caregivers and patients, a psychosocial paradigm is essential.

Relationship between Lifestyle Indicators and Un-investigated Dyspepsia Among Adult Patients in a Primary Care Setting in Northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Un-investigated dyspepsia has remained a common encounter among patients seen in primary care in sub-Saharan Africa. A preventive approach through counselling patients on modifications of lifestyle factors related to dyspepsia could be a cost-effective approach to dyspepsia management in primary care in low- and middle-income settings.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to describe the sociodemographic patterns of adult patients with un-investigated dyspepsia in the Family Medicine Clinics, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria, to describe the pattern of lifestyle factors among adult patients with un-investigated dyspepsia, to determine the relationship between lifestyle patterns and un-investigated dyspepsia and to describe the specific food types that precipitate dyspepsia among the respondents.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study using the Short Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire to describe the presence and severity of dyspepsia and the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire to describe the lifestyle patterns of participants.

RESULTS

Most respondents (66.9%) have healthy dietary patterns however more respondents 66(52.4%) engaged in unhealthy levels of physical exercise. The Stress level was intermediate in majority of respondents (66.1%). There was no statistically significant association between lifestyle indicators and severity of dyspepsia among the respondents although the linear regression model with p-value < 0.01 and < 0.05, revealed stress as a predictor of dyspepsia in this study.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between lifestyle indicators and Uninvestigated dyspepsia among the study participants. However, some specific local foods were identified as precipitants of dyspepsia. Primary care physicians may consider a targeted dietary modification counselling approach in managing patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia.

Dosimetry and acute radiation enteritis comparison between prone and supine position in IMRT for gynecological cancers

PURPOSE

To probe the differences of dosimetry and acute radiation enteritis between prone and supine position in gynecological cancer patients treated with intensity-modulate radiotherapy (IMRT).

METHODS

Gynecologic tumor patients who received IMRT from January 2020 to July 2021 were analyzed. 60 patients were enrolled and divided into the supine or prone position group according to different radiotherapy positions, including 34 patients in prone position and 26 patients in supine position. The dose-volume histogram of organs at risk (OARs) and the incidence of acute radiation enteritis were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to show the clinical characteristics and dose volume metrics to the association of acute radiation enteritis.

RESULTS

The percentage of volume receiving 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 15 Gy, 20 Gy, 30 Gy, 40 Gy, and 45 Gy doses for the small intestine were 79.0%, 67.4%, 59.6%, 44.3%, 17.0%, 8.9%, and 6.0%, respectively in the prone group, which were lower than those in the supine group (P < 0.05). The mean radiation dose (Dmean ) of the small intestine exposure in prone group was decreased (P < 0.001). Compared with the supine group, the prone group who suffered from acute radiation enteritis were much less. The probability of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in the prone position were 35.29%, 29.41%, 17.65%, 38.24%, and 5.88%, respectively. The differences in indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea between the two groups were statistically significant (P = 0.012, P = 0.029, and P = 0.041). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was shown that prone position was found to be protective against indigestion (P = 0.002), nausea (P = 0.013), vomiting (P = 0.035), and abdominal pain (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Prone position in IMRT for gynecological cancers could significantly reduce radiation dose to the small bowel and colon, which would decrease the occurrence and severity of acute intestinal side effects possibly.

TRAV26-2 T-Cell Receptor Expression Is Associated With Mucosal Lymphocyte Response to Wheat Proteins in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia

INTRODUCTION

An association between functional dyspepsia (FD) and wheat-containing foods has been reported in observational studies; however, an adaptive response has not been demonstrated. We examined whether antigens present in wheat could provoke a response from FD duodenal lymphocytes.

METHODS

Lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) were isolated from duodenal biopsies from 50 patients with FD and 23 controls. LPMCs were exposed to gluten (0.2 mg/mL) or gliadin (0.2 mg/mL) for 24 hours. Flow cytometry was performed to phenotype lymphocytes. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of gliadin-associated T-cell receptor alpha variant ( TRAV ) 26-2.

RESULTS

In response to gliadin (but not gluten) stimulation, the effector Th2-like population was increased in FD LPMCs compared with that in controls and unstimulated FD LPMCs. Duodenal gene expression of TRAV26- 2 was decreased in patients with FD compared with that in controls. We identified a positive association between gene expression of this T-cell receptor variant and LPMC effector Th17-like cell populations in patients with FD, but not controls after exposure to gluten, but not gliadin.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that gliadin exposure provokes a duodenal effector Th2-like response in patients with FD, supporting the notion that food antigens drive responses in some patients. Furthermore, these findings suggest that altered lymphocyte responses to wheat proteins play a role in FD pathogenesis.

Association of gastrointestinal symptoms and skipping breakfast with anxiety and depressive symptoms in quarantined Chinese college students during the Shanghai 2022 lockdown: a cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined college students at school in Shanghai 2022 lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the association of gastrointestinal discomfort related-factors and skipping breakfast with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

384 quarantined college students in Shanghai China were recruited in this cross-sectional study from April 5th to May 29th, 2022. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 56.8% and 62.8%, respectively. Longer quarantine duration, higher education level, skipping breakfast, stomachache or abdominal pain, and nausea or dyspepsia were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Moreover, longer quarantine duration, being woman, skipping breakfast, stomachache or abdominal pain, and nausea or dyspepsia were markedly related to depressive symptoms. Notably, regularly physical exercising and taking positive attitude towards COVID-19 were negatively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

More attention should be paid to anxiety and depressive symptoms of quarantined college students and universities should provide timely psychological monitoring and intervention services to mitigate the impact of negative emotions on students. Effectively relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, insisting on eat breakfast, regularly exercising, and taking a positive attitude towards to COVID-19 might contribute to preventing the anxiety and depressive symptoms for those college students experiencing a long-term quarantine.

Abdominal Pain of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Dietary Diversity Patterns and Its Determinants among Healthy Adults in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) and their risk factors vary from region to region. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of abdominal pain of FGIDs in different dietary diversity score (DDS) and its determinant factors among adults in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 17 to October 27, 2019. The study included systematically selected healthy adults aged ≥ 18years. Data were collected on gastrointestinal symptoms (Rome III), and DDS (24-dietary recall).

Results

Of 865 healthy adults, the prevalence of abdominal pain symptoms co-occurrence was 168(19.4%), dyspepsia, 152(17.6%) and IBS, 133(15.4). Similarly, the co-occurrence was distributed as 81(9.4%) in middle, 64(7.4%) in high and 23(2.6%) in low DDS groups. Although this distribution was different in the DDS groups, it is not significantly associated. With potential confounders adjusted, the behavioral factors associated with the co-occurrence with an AOR (95% CI) were khat chewing: 7.37 (1.76 - 30.87), drinking alcohol: 3.24 (1.15 - 9.18), sedentary life: 12.28 (3.19 - 48.40) and less physical activity: 4.44 (1.43-13.75). Moreover, elevated TAG: 5.44 (2.78 - 8.10), elevated LDL: 4.26 (1.61-11.29), central obesity: 2.78 (1.08 -7), low HDL 5.89 (2.22-15.60), positive H.pylori stool test: 2.7 (1.86 -7.72), being diabetic: 2.7 (1.79 -7.79) and hypertensive: 2.79 (1.08 - 7.14) were associated with the co-occurrence.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain and FGIDs had significant distribution among adults in Jimma City. Therefore, early screening and managing FGIDs in the community is recommendable.

Dairy Farm Work and Protection from Gastrointestinal Illness

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a major public health burden in the United States. Due to close contact with animals, farmers may be a high risk subgroup for acute GI infections, though some studies suggest farm work is actually protective against GI illness. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between dairy farm work and GI symptoms over 3 years. A prospective, matched cohort study was used that included 70 adult dairy farm workers and 74 matched (age, gender, ZIP code) non-farm participants from central Wisconsin. The outcome was mean GI symptom scores for abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, and reflux, per the 23-item Gastrointestinal Symptoms Severity Index (GISSI). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, linear regression results indicated dairy farm workers had significantly lower GISSI scores for abdominal pain (mean±SE = 4.3 ± 1.1 dairy vs. 7.6 ± 1.1 non-farm, p = .047), diarrhea (3.2 ± 1.0 dairy vs. 7.0 ± 1.0 non-farm, p = .010), constipation (2.0 ± 0.8 dairy vs. 6.6 ± 0.8 non-farm, p < .001), and dyspepsia (2.0 ± 0.6 dairy vs. 3.9 ± 0.5 non-farm, p = .026). Working on a dairy farm was associated with significantly less frequent and severe GI illness symptoms in adults. Future research should identify underlying causal pathways, including possible farm animal exposures, that influence beneficial gut microbiota that could inform therapeutic remedies to help prevent clinical GI disorders.

Low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet is associated with increased risk of uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia and its symptoms in adults

BACKGROUND

Assessing the potential effects of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) diet on functional gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly upper gastrointestinal symptoms, is not clearly understood. The current study aimed to explore the association of a diet low in FODMAPs with uninvestigated chronic dyspepsia (UCD) and functional dyspeptic symptoms in a large population of Iranian adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2987 adults. Dietary FODMAPs intake estimated using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. UCD, early satiation, postprandial fullness and gastric pain were determined using a modified and validated version of the Rome III Questionnaire.

RESULTS

After controlling for various confounders, consumption of a diet low in FODMAPs was associated with increased risk of UCD in the whole population (OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.23-2.78; P=0.009) and women (OR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.46-3.95; P=0.004), but not in men. Higher consumption of a low-FODMAPs diet was related to increased risk of postprandial fullness (OR=1.38; 95% CI: 1.08-1.78; P=0.046). The inverse association between FODMAPs and epigastric pain tended to be significant after controlling for eating behaviors (OR=1.31; 95% CI: 0.98-1.76; P=0.084). No significant association was observed for early satiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that consumption of a low-FODMAPs diet may increase the risk of UCD and postprandial fullness; however, well-planned randomized controlled trials and prospective cohorts are required to ascertain the effect of FODMAPs on upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

[Functional dyspepsia : update 2023]

Functional dyspepsia is defined by epigastric pain/burning, postprandial fullness and/or early satiety that have been present for at least six months before diagnosis, including three consecutive months, without evidence of an organic cause likely to explain these symptoms. The pathogenesis is complex and incompletely understood. The initial assessment includes a thorough history, physical examination, blood work, celiac disease serology and ruling out Helicobacter pylori infection. Most patients will undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound to exclude organic differential diagnoses. The therapy is multi-facetted and includes, among others, proton pump inhibitors, Helicobacter pylori eradication, herbal agents, and neuromodulators.

Functional Dyspepsia: Current Understanding and Future Perspective

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain or discomfort without any structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. FD is categorized into two subgroups based on symptoms: postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome.

SUMMARY

The pathophysiology of FD involves several mechanisms. Delayed gastric emptying is observed in approximately 30% of FD patients but does not correlate with symptom patterns or severity. Impaired gastric accommodation is important in the pathophysiology, particularly for PDS. Visceral hypersensitivity, characterized by heightened sensitivity to normal activities, contributes to the perception of discomfort or pain in FD. Alterations to the duodenal mucosa, including impaired mucosal barrier function and low-grade inflammation, are also implicated in the pathogenesis of FD. Microbial dysbiosis and psychological factors such as stress can further exacerbate symptoms. Treatment options include dietary modifications, establishing a physician-patient relationship, acid suppressants, prokinetics, neuromodulators, and behavioral therapies. Dietary recommendations include eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding trigger foods. Acid suppressants are used as the first-line treatment. Prokinetics and neuromodulators aim to improve gastric motility and central pain processing, respectively. Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy, have shown benefits for refractory FD. Severe and refractory cases may require combination therapies or experimental treatments.

KEY MESSAGES

FD is a disorder of gut-brain interaction involving diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. Individualized treatment based on symptoms and responses to interventions is crucial. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of FD and advance the development of effective therapies.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms Profile in Gastroparesis Compared to Other Functional and Organic Gastrointestinal Diseases

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare the patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms profiles of pediatric patients with gastroparesis to pediatric patients with 1 of 7 other functional gastrointestinal disorders and organic gastrointestinal diseases using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales.

METHODS

The gastrointestinal symptoms profiles of 64 pediatric patients with gastroparesis who manifested abnormal gastric retention based on gastric emptying scintigraphy testing were compared to 582 pediatric patients with 1 of 7 physician-diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional constipation, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis). The PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales encompass 10 individual multi-item scales which measure stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, food and drink limits, trouble swallowing, heartburn and reflux, nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in poop, and diarrhea/fecal incontinence, with an overall total gastrointestinal symptoms score.

RESULTS

The gastrointestinal symptoms profile analysis identified significantly worse overall total gastrointestinal symptoms scores between pediatric patients with gastroparesis compared to all other gastrointestinal groups except for irritable bowel syndrome (most P s < 0.001), with significant differences for stomach discomfort when eating compared to all 7 other gastrointestinal groups (most P s < 0.001). Nausea and vomiting were significantly worse for gastroparesis compared to all other gastrointestinal groups except for functional dyspepsia (all P s < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with gastroparesis self-reported significantly worse overall total gastrointestinal symptoms compared to all other gastrointestinal diagnostic groups except for irritable bowel syndrome, with stomach discomfort when eating and nausea and vomiting symptoms exhibiting the greatest differences compared to most gastrointestinal diagnostic groups.

[Prevalence Survey of Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chinese College Students Based on Rome Ⅳ Diagnostic Criteria]

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among college students in China.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey of college students aged 17-35 from across China was conducted. The online questionnaire survey was supplemented by an offline survey. A total of 2025 valid samples were included for statistical analysis. χ 2 test and logistic regression were performed for statistical analysis.

Results

The prevalence of FD among college students who met the Rome Ⅳ diagnostic criteria was 5.5% (112/2025), with most of them, or 66.1% (74/112), suffering from postprandial discomfort syndrome (PDS). Smoking (odds ratio [ OR]=2.334, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.187-4.589, P=0.014), depression ( OR=2.447, 95% CI: 1.421-4.214, P=0.001), and insomnia ( OR=1.947, 95% CI: 1.291-2.937, P=0.001) were positively correlated with the prevalence of FD. The prevalence of IBS was 1.9% (38/2025), with IBS-diarrhea dominant (IBS-D) being the most important subtype that accounted for 44.7%. Anxiety ( OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.34-9.88, P=0.012) and insomnia ( OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.18-4.68, P=0.015) were positively correlated with the prevalence of IBS.

Conclusion

Based on Rome Ⅳ criteria, IBS and FD are not uncommon among Chinese university students. Psychological disorders and some related lifestyle factors may be related to the development of the disease. In the future, more series of studies based on different diagnostic criteria, different regions, and multiple factors should be conducted in China.

[Dyspepsia: a more complex approach]

Dyspepsia is defined as epigastric pain that lasts at least one month and may be associated with a range of other upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Approximately 2/3 of outpatients with dyspepsia have a functional dyspepsia. The clinical assessment of dyspepsia is based on age of patients as well and the search for severity criteria. The endoscopy in cases of new-onset dyspepsia is recommended from an age of 55-60 and the presence of at least 1 severity criteria. A non-invasive test for Helicobacter pylori (HP) should be performed in all patients and followed by HP eradication when HP test is positive. The first-choice treatment of functional dyspepsia is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) at maximal dose for 8 weeks. A therapeutic trial with a prokinetic or a central neuromodulator are alternatives to consider in case of failure of PPI treatment.

Effect of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on functional dyspepsia caused by sequelae of COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a group of diseases that cannot be explained after routine clinical examination, and is characterized by postprandial fullness, early satiety, and upper abdominal pain or burning. According to the statistics, FD continues to become one of the high-risk sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), affecting patients' quality of life, increasing psychological burden and increasing economic costs. However, its optimal treatment is still an urgent problem. A large number of studies have shown that acupuncture and moxibustion is effective and safe in the treatment of FD caused by sequelae of COVID-19, which is of research value. Therefore, based on the current literatures, the effectiveness and safety of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods were systematically evaluated to provide possible alternative therapy on FD.

METHODS

Studies search for eligible randomized controlled trials that use different acupuncture and moxibustion methods as the sole treatment on FD and their data extraction will be done by 2 researchers. In case of disagreement, a third researcher will be introduced for arbitration. Mean difference or relative risk with fixed or random effect model in terms of 95% confidence interval will be adopted for the data synthesis. To evaluate the risk of bias, the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool will be utilized. The sensitivity or subgroup analysis will also be conducted when meeting high heterogeneity (I2 > 50%).

RESULTS

This meta-analysis will provide an authentic synthesis of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on FD caused by sequelae of COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis will evaluate the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on FD caused by sequelae of COVID-19, providing evidence as to the treatment in these patients.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the metabolic regulators of duodenal low-grade inflammation in a functional dyspepsia model

Several gastrointestinal phenotypes and impairment of duodenal mucosal barrier have been reported in clinical studies in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Due to the preferential colonization of the mucosa, intestinal microbes and their metabolites are commonly involved in host metabolism and immune responses. However, there are no studies on the intertwined correlation among multi-level data. For more comprehensive illustrating, a multi-omics analysis focusing on the duodenum was performed in the FD rat model. We found that differential microbiomes in the duodenum were significantly correlated with the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. The innate immune response-related genes, which were upregulated in the duodenum, were associated with the TLR2/TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway. More importantly, arachidonyl ethanolamide (anandamide, AEA) and endocannabinoid analogues showed linear relationships with the FD phenotypes. Taken together, multi-level data from microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome reveal that AEA may regulate duodenal low-grade inflammation in FD. These results suggest an important cue of gut microbiome–endocannabinoid system axis in the pathogenesis of FD.