Training in Gastrointestinal Motility

Relationship Between Recreational Marijuana Use and Bowel Function in a Nationwide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Although the endogenous cannabinoid system modulates bowel function, our understanding of the impact of recreational marijuana (MJ) use on bowel motility is limited. This study examines the effect of MJ on self-reported bowel function among a large cohort of US adults.

METHODS

We identified adults (age: 20-59 years) who completed both the drug use and bowel health questionnaires in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over a 6-year period from 2005 to 2010 (n = 9,645). Constipation and diarrhea were defined according to stool form (Bristol Stool Form Scale) and/or frequency criteria. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for likelihood of constipation or diarrhea were estimated in a multinomial logistic model according to MJ use status.

RESULTS

Overall, constipation prevalence was lower among those with recent MJ use compared with those with past/never use (7.5% vs 10.2%, P = 0.03). Recent MJ use was associated with a 30% decreased odds of constipation (crude odds ratio: 0.71 [0.56-0.98], P = 0.005), which persisted after stepwise adjustment for age and other demographic factors including sex, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.64 [0.49-0.83], P = 0.001); comorbidities, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and cocaine), constipating medications, general health condition, rigorous physical activity, and emotional disturbances (AOR: 0.68 [0.48-0.93], P = 0.016); and diet (AOR: 0.68 [0.52-0.89], P = 0.006). There was no association between recent MJ use and diarrhea.

DISCUSSION

In a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling US adults, recent MJ use was associated with decreased odds of constipation, counter to the known physiologic effects of cannabinoids on colonic motility.

Gastrointestinal dysmotility: A qualitative exploration of the journey from symptom onset to diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal dysmotility (GID) covers a spectrum of disorders disrupting enteric neuromuscular co-ordination which, when severe, causes intractable gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition and is a recognized cause of chronic intestinal failure. To date, no study has provided an in-depth account of the experiences of patients with severe GID and their psychosocial needs. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences from symptom onset and the process of seeking and receiving a diagnosis. It specifically explored the psychological effect of this process and the effect on relationships.

METHODS

Participants (n = 20, mean age = 47.9, female n = 16, parenteral nutrition = 13) were recruited from a UK center with tertiary Neurogastroenterology and Intestinal Failure services. A qualitative exploratory design with semi-structured in-depth interviews was used. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

KEY RESULTS

Significant delays were experienced in obtaining a diagnosis. Participants reported having their mental health questioned and felt that they had to fight to prove their symptoms had a physical basis to access appropriate treatment. Although a diagnosis helped legitimize symptoms, the condition remained poorly understood by participants themselves, relatives, and health professionals. Participants discussed the impact that "feeling delegitimized" and the "lack of coherent understanding of GID" had on their relationships and mental health.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The distressing experience of GID symptoms are compounded by a delay in validating symptoms and lack of coherent understanding. More knowledge of GID is needed by health professionals to speed up diagnosis and offer more coherent information. The psychological impact of a GID diagnosis should be acknowledged early to help facilitate adjustment.

Apprenticeship-based training in neurogastroenterology and motility

Although neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) disorders affect 50% of patients seen in clinics, many gastroenterologists receive limited NGM training. One-month apprenticeship-based NGM training has been provided at ten centers in the USA for a decade, however, outcomes of this training are unclear. Our goal was to describe the effectiveness of this program from a trainees perspective. Areas covered: We describe the training model, learning experiences, and outcomes of one-month apprenticeship-based training in NGM at a center of excellence, using a detailed individual observer account and data from 12 consecutive trainees that completed the program. During a one-month training period, 302 procedures including; breath tests (BT) n = 132, anorectal manometry (ARM) n = 29 and esophageal manometry (EM) n = 28, were performed. Post-training, all trainees (n = 12) knew indications for motility tests, and the majority achieved independence in basic interpretation of BT, EM and ARM. Additionally, in a multiple-choice NGM written-test paper, trainees achieved significant improvements in test scores post-training (P = 0.003). Expert commentary: One-month training at a high-volume center can facilitate rapid learning of NGM and the indications, basic interpretation and utility of motility tests. Trainees demonstrate significant independence, and this training model provides an ideal platform for those interested in sub-specialty NGM.