Indian consensus on chronic constipation in adults: A joint position statement of the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

A simple four symptom-based BEDS score to predict dyssynergic defecation in patients with chronic constipation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is a disorder of anorectal function characterized by impaired relaxation or inappropriate contraction of pelvic floor muscles on attempted defecation. Based on previous Indian studies, we devised a symptom score (bleeding per rectum, excessive straining for stools, digitation, sense of incomplete evacuation/blockage-BEDS) and tried to determine if it can identify which patients with chronic constipation are more likely to have DD.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational cohort study in which consecutive adult patients (> 18 years) with chronic constipation who were referred to our centre for anorectal manometry (ARM) between 2019 and 2023 were included. Prior to tests, patients were asked in detail regarding their symptoms and scoring was done. ARM was done by a single observer. Diagnosis of DD was based on standard criteria. Statistical tests used were median, range and percentages, Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The data was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Agreement of symptom-based scoring and DD diagnosis as per criteria was calculated using Cohen's κ coefficient. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

As many as 244 patients (males 140, median age 42 years) formed the study cohort. Of these, 104 (42.6%) have DD. Sense of incomplete evacuation/sense of blockage (72.1% vs. 40%, p < 0.0001), excessive straining (73.1% vs. 22.1%, p < 0.0001) and digitation (28.8% vs. 13.5%, p 0.003) were more commonly reported in patients with DD. Taking a cut-off score of > / = 2, sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity 81.4% and positive likelihood ratio of 3.73 were noted. Similarly, if the score of > / = 3 was considered, the likelihood ratio increased to 4.71 with an increase in specificity (94.29%) and fall in sensitivity (26.92%).

CONCLUSION

Symptom-based BEDS score of > / = 2 is useful in identifying patients with DD.

Influence of the examination position and distension medium on the rectal sensory test in patients with functional constipation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of two different parameters (body position and distension medium) on the rectal sensory test in patients with functional constipation and provide data support for the development of standardized operating procedures in clinical practice.

METHODS

Based on a single-center process of the rectal sensory test, 39 patients with functional constipation were recruited for rectal sensory test under different body positions and distension mediums.

RESULTS

Among the items of the Constipation Scoring System, the score of frequency of bowel movements showed a negative correlation with the first constant sensation volume (r = -0.323, P = 0.045). Conversely, the score of painful evacuation effort showed a positive correlation with the desire to defecate volume (r = 0.343, P = 0.033). There was a statistically significant difference in the first constant sensation volume (when the distension medium was gas) measured in different body positions (left lateral position, sitting position, squatting position), and the data measured in the squatting position were significantly higher than those in left lateral position (P < 0.05). In terms of research on distension medium, it was found that the first constant sensation volume measured in the squatting position (when the distension medium was water) was significantly lower than that of gas (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

For patients with functional constipation, there are differences in the results of rectal sensory tests between body positions and distension mediums. When conducting multicenter studies, it is necessary to unify the standard operating procedure (SOP) for operational details to ensure consistency and reliability of the test results.

Microbiota modulation in disorders of gut-brain interaction

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are common chronic conditions characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal symptoms triggered by several pathophysiological factors, including an altered gut microbiota. The most common DGBI are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional constipation (FC) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Recently, a deep understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in these diseases was possible due to multi-omics methods capable to provide a comprehensive assessment. Most of the therapies recommended for these patients, can modulate the gut microbiota such as diet, prebiotics, probiotics and non-absorbable antibiotics, which were shown to be safe and effective. Since patients complain symptoms after food ingestion, diet represents the first line therapeutic approach. Avoiding dietary fat and fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, and increasing the number of soluble fibers represent the therapeutic choices for FD, IBS and FC respectively. Probiotics, as a category, have been employed with good results in all the abovementioned DGBI. Rifaximin has been shown to be useful in the context of bowel related disorders, although a recent trial showed positive results for FD. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been tested for IBS and FC with promising results. In this review, we will briefly summarize the current understanding on dysbiosis and discuss microbiota modulation strategies to treat patients with DGBI.

Daily consumption of galactooligosaccharide gummies ameliorates constipation symptoms, gut dysbiosis, degree of depression and quality of life among sedentary university teaching staff: A double-blind randomized placebo control clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Functional constipation affects approximately 10% of the Indian population and may reduce the quality of life (QOL) and increase gut dysbiosis. PURPOSE OF STUDY: The study aimed at assessing the impact of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) gummy supplementation on gut health, depression status and QOL of constipated subjects.

METHODS

A double-blind placebo control clinical trial (CTRI/2021/10/037474) was conducted on sedentary constipated adults (n = 35), who were split into an experimental group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 18), supplemented with 10 g GOS and sugar gummies, respectively, for 30 days. Relative abundance of fecal gut microbes, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bacteroides and phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes using real-time polymerase chain reaction and short-chain fatty acids, was analyzed pre and post supplementation. Constipation profile was studied using Rome IV criteria and the Bristol stool chart. Depression status was studied using the Becks Depression Inventory. The QOL was assessed using patient assessment of constipation.

RESULTS

GOS gummy supplementation increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus by 1230% and 322%, respectively, (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) with reduced Clostridium by 63%, phylum Firmicutes by 73% and Bacteroidetes by 85% (p < 0.01). The GOS-supplemented group demonstrated a higher F/B ratio (4.2) indicating improved gut health (p < 0.01) with reduced gut dysbiosis and constipation severity. GOS gummies enhanced acetic acid and butyric acid levels compared to the control group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). Post supplementation, there was 40% reduction in depression (p < 0.01) and 22% improvement in QOL (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This research validates the predicted beneficial benefits of short-term GOS consumption on constipation profile, gut microflora, depression status and quality of life of constipated subjects.

Relief from behind: enemas, the back door enforcement to help treating chronic constipation in adults

INTRODUCTION

Chronic constipation is a frequent symptom encountered in the daily clinical practice. The treatment of this condition mainly relies on the use of laxatives. However, patients' satisfaction with this approach is limited, and alternative measures are often added to the treatment. Among these, particularly frequent worldwide is the use of enemas, even though literature data on its scientific validity are scarce.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, by an extensive online search of Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and the Science Citation Index, the available literature data on the use of enemas in adult patients with chronic constipation, also in the perspective of available guidelines on treatment of this pathological condition, were analyzed.

EXPERT OPINION

Although the use of enemas remains a frequently employed method and it is considered as useful by many physicians as an adjunctive support for the treatment of chronic constipation in adults, this practice is not substantiated by rigorous scientific data, and some studies are available only for specific instances (fecal impaction, transanal irrigation). Thus, waiting for more robust scientific data, enemas treatment should be carried out on an individual patient's basis, according to the experience of the caring physicians.

Indian consensus statements on irritable bowel syndrome in adults: A guideline by the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and jointly supported by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

The Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (INMA), earlier named the Indian Motility and Functional Diseases Association developed this evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A modified Delphi process was used to develop this consensus containing 28 statements, which were concerning diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and comorbidities, investigations, lifestyle modifications and treatments. Owing to the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, lockdowns and mobility restrictions, web-based meetings and electronic voting were the major tools used to develop this consensus. A statement was regarded as accepted when the sum of "completely accepted" and "accepted with minor reservation" voted responses were 80% or higher. Finally, the consensus was achieved on all 28 statements. The consensus team members are of the view that this work may find use in teaching, patient care, and research on IBS in India and other nations.

Recognizing and Defining Occasional Constipation: Expert Consensus Recommendations

Constipation is a common problem, affects 15% of the population, and is often self-diagnosed and self-managed. Over the past 3 decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding and management of chronic constipation, with the emerging recognition that occasional constipation (OC) is another subtype that falls outside current classifications. The purpose of this review was to describe the process of developing and proposing a new definition for OC based on expert consensus and taking into consideration the multifactorial nature of the problem such as alterations in bowel habit that include stool frequency and difficulty with stool passage, perception of the sufferer, duration of symptoms, and potential responsiveness to treatment. Leading gastroenterologists from 5 countries met virtually on multiple occasions through an online digital platform to discuss the problem of OC and recommended a practical, user-friendly definition: "OC can be defined as intermittent or occasional symptomatic alteration(s) in bowel habit. This includes a bothersome reduction in the frequency of bowel movements and/or difficulty with passage of stools but without alarming features. Bowel symptoms may last for a few days or a few weeks, and episodes may require modification of lifestyle, dietary habits and/or use of over-the-counter laxatives or bulking agents to restore a satisfactory bowel habit." Prospective studies are required to validate this definition and determine OC prevalence in the community. This review highlights current knowledge gaps and could provide impetus for future research to facilitate an improved understanding of OC and development of evidence-based management guidelines.

Intra- and inter-observer agreement in the classification of dyssynergic defecation on high-resolution anorectal manometry using water-perfusion system

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dyssynergic defecation (DD) classified on anorectal manometry is based on variations in anal sphincter pressures and rectal pressure generated during bearing down. There is a paucity of data on intra- and inter-observer agreement in the classification of DD on high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) using a water-perfusion system.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between June 2014 and May 2016 on 70 adult patients with DD. Observer 1 did the baseline analysis and reanalyzed the readings at least 6 months later, blinded to the initial analysis results (intra-observer variability). Four other blinded observers (5-25 years in anorectal manometry and minimum 5 years of experience in HRAM) then individually analyzed the manometry data (inter-observer variability).

RESULTS

Intra-observer agreement was excellent (kappa 0.862) for classifying DD. Agreement between the six observations (i.e. two from observer 1 and four from independent observers) was also good (kappa 0.632). The highest agreement was for type 4 DD (kappa 0.738), followed by type 1 (0.680), type 2 (0.664), and type 3 (0.537). Cronbach's alpha value was 0.93, suggesting excellent internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of the types of DD on anorectal manometry using a water-perfusion system has excellent intra-observer and good inter-observer agreement .

Defaecation disorders among information technology personnel: A cross-sectional study

Background Individuals working in the information technology (IT) industry are likely to develop lifestyle disorders. We aimed to determine the presence of defaecation-related disorders in IT personnel in Chennai. Methods This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was done from June to December 2018. We included employees between 18 and 60 years of age and excluded those with <1 year stay in Chennai, pregnancy and those who sent incomplete responses. The cohort was classified as normal, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), faecal evacuation disorder (FED) and a combination of the latter two. Results The overall response rate was 95.6%. The study included 54.7% of men, and the median age was 31 years. The majority of respondents used an Indian toilet (554; 58%). Almost all (96.2%) passed stools daily, and stool consistency was soft in 59%. Based on the study criteria, 180 (18.8%) had FED, 56 (5.9%) had IBS and a small group had a combination of symptoms of IBS and FED (20; 2.1%). Respondents with symptoms of IBS had a higher proportion of comorbid states (p<0.0001), lesser stool frequency (p<0.0001) and required more toilet time (p<0.00001). Conclusion Over one-fourth (26.7%) of the respondents had defaecation-related issues, 18.8% had symptoms suggestive of FED and 5.6% that of IBS, often above 30 years of age.

Chronic Constipation: Gastroenterohepatologist's Approach

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a common problem in gastroenterological practice. The prevalence of constipation is about 16%. Constipation can be primary or secondary.

SUMMARY

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with constipation begins with a detailed history and physical examination. In selected cases, the use of additional diagnostic procedures is very important. This includes the use of laboratory, endoscopic, and radiological examinations, as well as advanced physiological testing (anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, colonic transit studies, and defecography). Constipation therapy can be both nonoperative and operative. Nonoperative therapy includes the application of a lifestyle measures, pharmacotherapy and biofeedback therapy. Key Messages: Two key things when taking a medical history and physical examination are to rule out the existence of alarm symptoms/signs and to rule out secondary constipation (primarily drug-induced). Therapy begins with lifestyle modification, and in case of failure, bulk or osmotic laxatives are used. In case of failure, the use of lubiprostone is indicated, as well as linaclotide. Surgical treatment of constipation is reserved for cases of refractory constipation, with delayed intestinal transit.

Can unrecognized fecal loading without infrequent bowel movements be a cause of symptoms in a subset of patients with functional bowel disorders?

Infrequent bowel movements are a common feature of constipation, but fecal loading as a cause of symptoms in patients with regular bowel movements has not previously been evaluated. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess prospectively if fecal loading may be a cause of bowel symptoms in patients with regular bowel movements. Consecutive patients attending a gastroenterology clinic for functional bowel symptoms (FBD) not including infrequent bowel movements and who did not fulfil the criteria for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome or functional constipation underwent plain abdominal radiography. Those with fecal loading received dietary advice and laxative treatment. The reproducibility of determination of fecal loading using the Leech score was assessed 'blindly' by a consultant radiologist. Twenty-six of 74 patients with FBD but not infrequent bowel movements had fecal loading demonstrated on abdominal radiology. Their Leech scores were significantly higher than those of control patients matched for age, sex and hospital (median 6 vs. 4, IQR 5-7 vs. 3.5-5, p < 0.001). Three out of 20 patients (15%) who returned for review after dietary advice and laxatives were asymptomatic and 17/20 (85%) had improved. Fecal loading may therefore cause bowel symptoms in patients who move their bowels regularly and dietary and laxative treatment may then improve these symptoms. This approach may prove cost-effective as an empirical interim measure especially where healthcare resources are limited and where sophisticated imaging is not readily available.

Marshall and Warren Lecture 2019: A paradigm shift in pathophysiological basis of irritable bowel syndrome and its implication on treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), has often been considered rather inappropriately as psychogenic in the past. Though psychological issues are important comorbidities in a proportion of IBS patients, the evidences are far from enough to label this condition as psychogenic only. In the recent past, evidences are emerging that underscores the concept supporting pure psychogenic theory of IBS and suggest this disorder to be rather microorganic. Accordingly, a move of Rome IV Committee attempting to delete the term "functional" and designating these to be disorders of "gut-brain interaction" rather than that of "brain-gut interaction," it emphasizes the importance of the gut over the brain in the pathogenesis. The introduction of the concept of multidimensional clinical profile in Rome IV requires attention to diagnostic category of FGID, overlap, severity, psychological issues, and physiological dysfunction or biomarkers; this attempts to recognize clinical variability and multidimensionality of pathophysiology and management of these disorders. The recognition of the biological factors in the pathogenesis of IBS is a significant paradigm shift in the recent time. This is somewhat similar to the progress in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease from psychological factor to acid to Helicobacter pylori infection. It is expected that in the near future, therapeutic modalities targeting the different pathogenic mechanisms of different subtypes of IBS may bring revolution in management of the disorder.

Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions for Anticholinergic Medications for Patients with Constipation

INTRODUCTION

Constipation is a very common functional gastrointestinal disorder in the general population and can be primary or secondary.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the anticholinergic burden of prescribed drugs in a population diagnosed with constipation in Colombia.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that used a population database of 6.5 million people to identify the prescription of cholinergic antagonists and drugs for the management of constipation in outpatient services. The anticholinergic burden was evaluated using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale. Potentially inappropriate prescriptions that increased the risk of constipation were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 3,887 patients with constipation were identified; the identified patients had a mean age of 54.4 ± 21.9 years, and 69.4% were women. Eighty percent received at least one laxative, and the most prescribed laxative was bisacodyl (50.5%). Forty-one percent (n = 1,586) of all patients received drugs with cholinergic antagonist activity, in particular codeine (6.5%) and valproic acid (6.5%). Being over 30 years of age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-2.57), being treated in the cities of Manizales (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.50-3.21) and Pereira (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07-2.09), and having hypothyroidism as a comorbidity (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08-1.73) were associated with a greater probability of receiving medications with an anticholinergic burden of 3 or more points.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with constipation were women and were using laxatives to manage constipation. A large proportion of patients were prescribed at least one cholinergic antagonist drug, with an increased probability of use after 30 years of age.

Irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation management with integrative medicine: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation (FC) are two commonly encountered functional gastrointestinal disorders in clinical practice and are usually managed with Western medicines in cooperation with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions. Although clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed to assist clinicians with their decisions, there are still gaps in management with regard to integrative medicine (IM) recommendations.

AIM

To comprehensively review the currently available CPGs and to provide a reference for addressing the gaps in IBS and FC management.

METHODS

We searched mainstream English and Chinese databases and collected data from January 1990 to January 2019. The search was additionally enriched by manual searches and the use of publicly available resources. Based on the development method, the guidelines were classified into evidence-based (EB) guidelines, consensus-based (CB) guidelines, and consensus-based guidelines with no comprehensive consideration of the EB (CB-EB) guidelines. With regard to the recommendations, the strength of the interventions was uniformly converted to a 4-point grading scale.

RESULTS

Thirty CPGs met the inclusion criteria and were captured as data extraction sources. Most Western medicine (WM) CPGs were developed as EB guidelines. All TCM CPGs and most IM CPGs were identified as CB guidelines. Only the 2011 IBS and IM CPG was a CB-EB set of guidelines. Antispasmodics and peppermint oil for pain, loperamide for diarrhea, and linaclotide for constipation were relatively common in the treatment of IBS. Psyllium bulking agents, polyethylene glycol and lactulose as osmotic laxatives, bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate as stimulant laxatives, lubiprostone and linaclotide as prosecretory agents, and prucalopride were strongly recommended or recommended in FC. TCM interventions were suggested based on pattern differentiation, while the recommendation level was considered to be weak or insufficient.

CONCLUSION

WM CPGs generally provide a comprehensive management algorithm, although there are still some gaps that could be addressed with TCM. Specific high-quality trials are needed to enrich the evidence.

Clinical and anorectal manometry profile of patients with functional constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Functional constipation (FC) and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) have significant healthcare impact. Clinical and investigative data of patients with these disorders in Indian population is scarce. We aimed to compare the clinical and anorectal manometric profile of patients with FC and IBS-C.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with chronic constipation undergoing anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET) were enrolled. Thirty healthy volunteers served as controls (HC). Functional defecatory disorder (FDD) was diagnosed according to ROME IV criteria if both ARM and BET were abnormal.

RESULTS

Of the 231 patients enrolled (median age 47 years, 87.8% males), FC and IBS-C were diagnosed in 132 (57.1%) and 99 (42.9%) patients, respectively. Significant clinical differences between FC and IBS-C patients included older age, lower stool frequency/week, higher frequency of straining, and greater frequency  of incomplete evacuation (p < 0.001). ARM revealed abnormal defecatory pattern in 55.3% (n = 73) FC patients and 47.5% (n = 47) IBS-C patients. Of them, 54.7% (40/73) of FC patients had inadequate defecatory propulsion while 89.4% (42/47) of the IBS-C patients had dyssynergic defecation (p < 0.001). Abnormal BET was seen in 67.4% of FC patients and 43.4% of IBS-C patients. Thus, FDD was diagnosed in 55.3% and 46.5% of FC and IBS-C patients, respectively. Rectal hyposensitivity was present in 60.6% of FC patients compared with 2% of IBS-C patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant differences in clinical and manometric profile of FC and IBS-C patients. Compared with IBS-C patients, FC patients were older, had higher prevalence of FDD, less often had dyssynergic defecation, and had higher prevalence of rectal hyposensitivity.