Constipation is not associated with diverticular disease - Analysis of 976 patients

Diverticulosis and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

There is a hypothesis of an association between diverticulosis and metabolic syndrome (MS) or its components, but data on this topic are inconsistent, and a systematic review has not been performed. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the possible association between cardiometabolic risk factors and diverticulosis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted via PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in December 2022 to collect the necessary data. Studies that examined the association between MS or individual metabolic factors and asymptomatic diverticulosis were included in the review.

RESULTS

Of the potentially relevant articles identified via PubMed (477), Cochrane Library (224), and Web of Science (296), 29 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for this work. These studies were assessed for study quality using GRADE. Overall, 6 studies were rated as "very low," 19 studies as "low," and 4 studies as "moderate." The data suggest an association between arterial hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease in younger patients and diverticulosis. Patient age appears to play an important role in diverticular formation. Data on diabetes mellitus is inconclusive and may require further investigation depending on the location of the diverticula.

CONCLUSION

Based on the synthesized data, there is an association between arterial hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease in younger patients. The formation of diverticula seems to be influenced by age and genetic factors. The study suggests a connection with cardiometabolic risk factors. To gain a better understanding of the role of metabolic risk factors in asymptomatic diverticulosis, targeted studies are necessary based on these findings.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Incidental Colonic Diverticulosis

INTRODUCTION

The true prevalence and pathogenesis of diverticulosis is poorly understood. Risk factors for diverticulosis are presently unclear, with most clinicians attributing its development to years of chronic constipation. Previous studies have been limited by their failure to include young, ethnically diverse patient populations.

METHODS

Patients who presented to the emergency department of our hospital from January-September 2019 and underwent abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan for the evaluation of appendicitis were included. CT's were reviewed for the presence of diverticulosis. Risk factors for diverticulosis were determined for two age groups: >40 and ≤ 40.

RESULTS

A total of 359 patients were included in the study. The median age was 38.57.1% were male. 81.6% were Hispanic. 43.5% had colonic diverticulosis on CT. 198 patients (55.1%) were ≤ age 40. The rate of diverticulosis in this group was 35.3% (n = 70). Those with diverticulosis were not significantly older (median age 29 versus 27, P = 0.061) but had a higher median body mass index (BMI) (28.4 versus 25.3, P = 0.003) compared to those without diverticulosis. On multivariate analysis, no characteristics were associated with the presence of diverticulosis for this group. Over age 40, 53.4% of patients (n = 86) had diverticulosis. Patients with diverticulosis were more likely to be Hispanic (95.3% versus 73.3%, P ≤ 0.001), less likely to be Asian (2.4% versus 16.0%, P = 0.004), had a higher median BMI (28.7 versus 25.5, P ≤ 0.001), and were more likely to use alcohol (30.2% versus 14.7%, P = 0.024) than those without diverticulosis. On multivariate analysis, characteristics associated with the presence of diverticulosis were BMI >30 (odds ratio OR 2.22, 95% confidence interval CI 1.03-4.80), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 10.05, 95% CI 1.74-58.26), and alcohol use (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.26-9.39).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a higher rate of asymptomatic diverticulosis in the <40 cohort than previously reported in the literature. Obesity, alcohol use, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with the presence of diverticulosis in patients > age 40, but no risk factors for diverticulosis were identified for patients ≤ age 40, suggesting that diverticular pathogenesis may differ by age. Constipation was not a risk factor for diverticulosis in either age group. The data regarding the prevalence of diverticulosis in Hispanic patients is lacking and should be the focus of future inquiry.

Percentage of body fat is associated with increased risk of diverticulosis: A cross sectional study

Background

Obesity has been indicated to be a risk factor of diverticulosis. However, plausible relationship remained controversial. This cross-sectional study elucidated the association between percentage of body fat and the risk of diverticulosis.

Methods

The study was conducted at a single medical center in Taiwan from 2000–2016 which enrolled 5557 adults with age above 20 years old receiving a health examination including self-reported questionnaires, measurement of percentage of body fat (PBF), blood test and colonoscopy at the Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH). Logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between PBF and diverticulosis. Further stratification of participants was based on age and gender and three extended models were established for multivariable adjustment.

Results

243 of 3141 males and 103 of 2416 females were diagnosed with having diverticulosis. After covariates adjustment, only participants in the highest quartile of PBF (Q4 ≥33.8%) showed significantly positive association with the risk diverticulosis (OR 2.089, p <0.001). In subgroup analysis, the odds ratio for having diverticulosis in females was significantly higher than in males. In addition, We found that the odds ratio of having diverticulosis was higher in the group older than 60 years old compared to the younger group (OR 1.052; p<0.001; OR 1.043; p<0.001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, PBF was a potential risk factor of diverticulosis. Individuals with higher PBF exhibits increased risk of diverticulosis, especially in females. Furthermore, bioelectrical impedance analysis may create a simple, available and radiation-free way to assess the risk of diverticulosis.

Type 2 diabetes and risk of diverticular disease: a Danish cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between type 2 diabetes and risk of diverticular disease. Unlike previous studies, which have found conflicting results, we aimed to distinguish between diabetes types and adjust for modifiable risk factors.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Population-based Danish medical databases, covering the period 2005-2018.

PARTICIPANTS

Respondents of the 2010 or the 2013 Danish National Health Survey, of which there were 15 047 patients with type 2 diabetes and 210 606 patients without diabetes.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Hazard ratios (HRs) for incident hospital diagnosis of diverticular disease adjusted for survey year, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity intensity, smoking behaviour, diet and education based on Cox regression analysis. As latency may affect the association between type 2 diabetes and diverticular disease, patients with type 2 diabetes were stratified into those with <2.5, 2.5-4.9 and ≥5 years duration of diabetes prior to cohort entry.

RESULTS

For patients with and without diabetes the incidence rates of diverticular disease were 0.76 and 0.54 events per 1000 person years, corresponding to a crude HR of 1.08 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.16) and an adjusted HR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.96). The HR was lower among patients with ≥5 years duration of diabetes (adjusted HR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.87) than among those with 2.5-4.9 years or <2.5 years duration.

CONCLUSION

We found that patients with type 2 diabetes had a higher incidence rate of diverticular disease compared with patients without diabetes. However, after adjustment for modifiable risk factors, driven by BMI, type 2 diabetes appeared to be associated with a slightly lower risk of diverticular disease. Lack of adjustment for BMI may partially explain the conflicting findings of previous studies.

Excessive Body Weight and Diverticular Disease

BACKGROUND

The worldwide proportion of overweight adults almost doubled from 22% in 1975 to 39% in 2016. Comparably, for the USA and Germany in 2016, the proportion was 68 and 56.8%, respectively. In Olmsted County, Minnesota, the prevalence of diverticulitis also doubled between 1980 and 2007, from 19 to 40%. Obesity substantially increases the risk of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and non-GI diseases. In a narrative review, we examined the evidence on whether obesity also increases the risk for the development of diverticulosis or diverticular disease and its outcome.

SUMMARY

Evidence suggests that being overweight (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) or obese (≥30 kg/m2), especially viscerally obese, is a risk factor for diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis, diverticular bleeding, more severe or complicated disease, recurrent disease, and for worse outcomes after surgery.

KEY MESSAGES

There is a well-founded association between overweight and diverticular disease as well as diverticulosis. It is not clear whether overweight per se or confounders linked with it are responsible for the association. However, means to fight the overweight and obesity epidemic might also help to reduce the prevalence of morbidity and mortality from diverticular disease.

Rising prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in a westernized multi-ethnic Asian community

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country that has undergone rapid development over the last few decades, with increasing influence of western culture, and faces an aging population. Previously, a varying prevalence of colonic diverticulosis (CD) was reported by a few small studies. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CD in Singapore and identify associations with common gastrointestinal symptoms and risk factors.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospective data of 20 395 consecutive colonoscopies performed from 2006 to 2016 for presence of CD and indications of screening, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CD progressively increased from 2006 to 2016 (14.9% vs 23.9%, adjusted trend < 0.001), with an overall prevalence of 19.6%. Patients with CD were older and had higher body mass index (BMI). CD was significantly more prevalent in Chinese compared with Malay and Indian races (20.5% vs 18.9% vs 15.5%, P < 0.05), and in male patients compared with female patients (21.5% vs 17.6%, P < 0.05). Right-sided CD was more common than left-sided or pan diverticulosis (16.2% vs 8.3% vs 4.8%, P < 0.05). Age [odds ratio (OR), 1.060; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.052-1.068], BMI (OR, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.028-1.075), male gender (OR, 1.317; 95% CI, 1.084-1.600), and abdominal pain (OR, 1.409; 95% CI, 1.168-1.699) were positively associated, while constipation (OR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.452-0.709) was negatively associated with CD.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CD in Singapore has progressively increased over the last decade and is associated with older age, higher BMI, and abdominal pain. These findings may provide insights for healthcare resource planning in the region.

Diverticulosis and nine connective tissue disorders: epidemiological support for an association

Purpose: An underlying connective tissue disorder (CTD) may predispose to formation of intestinal diverticula. We assess the association of diverticulosis with nine selected CTDs, to inform the pathophysiology of diverticula. Methods: A population-based period-prevalence study. Individuals (3.5 million New Zealand residents born 1901-1986) with a health system record 1999-2016 were grouped into those with a hospital diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis (ICD-10-AM K57), and those without. Also recorded were any hospital diagnoses of nine selected CTDs. The association of exposure to diverticulosis and each CTD was assessed using logistic regressions adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and region. Results: In all, 85,958 (2.4%) people had a hospital diagnosis of diverticulosis. Hospitalisation with diverticulosis was highly significantly associated with rectal prolapse (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.9), polycystic kidney disease (OR = 3.8), heritable syndromes (Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos) (OR = 2.4), female genital prolapse (OR = 2.3), non-aortic aneurysm (OR = 2.3), aortic aneurysm (OR = 2.2), inguinal hernia (OR = 1.9) and dislocations of shoulder and other joints (OR = 1.7), but not subarachnoid haemorrhage (OR = 1.0). Conclusion: People with diverticulosis are more likely to have colonic extracellular matrix (ECM)/connective tissue alterations in anatomical areas other than the bowel, suggesting linked ECM/connective tissue pathology. Although biases may exist, the results indicate large-scale integrated studies are needed to investigate underlying genetic pathophysiology of colonic diverticula, together with fundamental biological studies to investigate cellular phenotypes and ECM changes.

The Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon

Since the publication of the 2008 guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon by the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología, significant advances have been made in the knowledge of that disease. A systematic review of articles published in the medical literature from January 2008 to July 2018 was carried out to revise and update the 2008 guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations. All high-quality articles in Spanish and English published within that time frame were included. The final versions of the 43 statements accepted in the three rounds of voting, utilizing the Delphi method, were written, and the quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations were established for each statement, utilizing the GRADE system. The present consensus contains new data on the definition, classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors of diverticular disease of the colon. Special emphasis is given to the usefulness of computed tomography and colonoscopy, as well as to the endoscopic methods for controlling bleeding. Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis is discussed, as well as the role of rifaximin and mesalazine in the management of complicated acute diverticulitis. Both its minimally invasive alternatives and surgical options are described, stressing their indications, limitations, and contraindications. The new statements provide guidelines based on updated scientific evidence. Each statement is discussed, and its quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendation are presented.

Colonic diverticulosis and the metabolic syndrome: an association?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Colonic diverticulosis (CD) is related to advanced age and a lack of dietary fiber. Recently, several studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MS) is also implicated in the etiopathogenesis of CD. This study aimed to assess the association between MS, obesity and CD.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of a one-year duration. The MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Demographic data, risk factors for MS and endoscopic findings of patients who underwent a total colonoscopy in the department were collected. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Informed consent was obtained. The local Ethics Committee and National Data Protection Committee approved the study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21 and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study included 203 patients, 95 males with a mean age of 65.5 years. CD was diagnosed in 30.5% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that age, hypertension, increased waist circumference and hyperlipidemia were associated with colonic diverticulosis. There was no association with gender, obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multivariate analysis showed that age and a greater waist circumference increased the risk of diverticulosis. Age-adjusted analysis showed that MS was associated with diverticulosis. The prevalence of adenoma in patients with CD was similar to that in patients without CD.

CONCLUSION

In this series, MS was significantly associated with CD. The identification of risk groups is important since diverticulosis can have serious and potentially fatal complications. To our knowledge, this is the first Southern European prospective study evaluating the association between MS and CD.

The Pathophysiology of Colonic Diverticulosis: Inflammation versus Constipation?

Background

Diverticulosis of the colon is the most common anatomic alteration of the human colon, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms of its occurrence are not completely understood.

Summary

Constipation has been considered the key factor for diverticulosis occurrence. However, several fine papers questioned this pathogenetic hypothesis, showing on the contrary an inverse relationship between low number of bowel movements and diverticulosis occurrence. In the last years, several papers have showed the role of low-grade inflammation in the occurrence of symptoms in people having diverticulosis, as well as its role on symptom persistence following acute diverticulitis, even if the evidence available is not so strong. Although the trigger of this low-grade inflammation is currently under debate, some preliminary evidence found colonic dysbiosis linked to symptom occurrence in those patients.

Key Messages

Constipation no longer seems the leading cause for diverticulosis occurrence, while low-grade inflammation could play a role in symptom occurrence.

Association between endoscopic findings related to colonic diverticula and bowel habits: A multicenter study in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Few studies have shown the associations between colonic diverticula and endoscopic findings such as location, inflammation, number of diverticula, sigmoid colon rigidity, and bowel habits.

METHODS

Japanese subjects who underwent total colonoscopies at six centers in Japan from November 2015 to October 2016 were analyzed. Bowel habits were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Location and number of diverticula, inflammation, and sigmoid colon rigidity were evaluated from endoscopy results.

RESULTS

A total of 762 subjects (486 men and 276 women [ratio, 1.76:1]) whose mean age was 65.5 ± 11.4 years were evaluated. In multivariate analysis, presence of constipation was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of left-sided colonic diverticula (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.82, P = 0.012), whereas right-sided and bilateral-sided colonic diverticula, multiple colonic diverticula, inflammation findings, and sigmoid colon rigidity were not related to bowel habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Among endoscopic findings related to colonic diverticula and bowel habits, only left-sided colonic diverticula were inversely associated with constipation, whereas inflammation findings, multiple diverticula, and sigmoid colon rigidity were not related to bowel habits. However, the association of inflammation findings with colonic diverticula and bowel habits should be further studied. Investigation of changes in left-sided colonic diverticula may lead to new treatments for constipation.

Logical hypothesis: Low FODMAP diet to prevent diverticulitis

Despite little evidence for the therapeutic benefits of a high-fiber diet for diverticulitis, it is commonly recommended as part of the clinical management. The ongoing uncertainty of the cause(s) of diverticulitis confounds attempts to determine the validity of this therapy. However, the features of a high-fiber diet represent a logical contradiction for colon diverticulitis. Considering that Bernoulli’s principle, by which enlarged diameter of the lumen leads to increased pressure and decreased fluid velocity, might contribute to development of the diverticulum. Thus, theoretically, prevention of high pressure in the colon would be important and adoption of a low FODMAP diet (consisting of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) may help prevent recurrence of diverticulitis.

Breath Methane Levels Are Increased Among Patients with Diverticulosis

BACKGROUND

Diverticulosis and its complications are important healthcare problems in the USA and throughout the Western world. While mechanisms as to how diverticulosis occurs have partially been explored, few studies examined the relationship between colonic gases such as methane and diverticulosis in humans.

AIM

This study aimed to demonstrate a significant relationship between methanogenic Archaea and development of diverticulosis.

METHODS

Subjects who consecutively underwent hydrogen breath test at Rush University Medical Center between 2003 and 2010 were identified retrospectively through a database. Medical records were reviewed for presence of a colonoscopy report. Two hundred and sixty-four subjects were identified who had both a breath methane level measurement and a colonoscopy result. Additional demographic and clinical data were obtained with chart review.

RESULTS

Mean breath methane levels were higher in subjects with diverticulosis compared to those without diverticulosis (7.89 vs. 4.94 ppm, p = 0.04). Methane producers (defined as those with baseline fasting breath methane level >5 ppm) were more frequent among subjects with diverticulosis compared to those without diverticulosis (50.9 vs. 34 %, p = 0.0025). When adjusted for confounders, breath methane levels and age were the two independent predictors of diverticulosis on colonoscopy with logistic regression modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Methanogenesis is associated with the presence of diverticulosis. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and prospectively evaluate a possible etiological role of methanogenesis and methanogenic archaea in diverticulosis.

Distribution and Characteristics of Colonic Diverticula in a United States Screening Population

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colonic diverticula are the most common finding from colonoscopy examinations. Little is known about the distribution of colonic diverticula, which are responsible for symptomatic and costly diverticular disease. We aimed to assess the number, location, and characteristics of colonic diverticula in a large US screening population.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a prospective study of 624 patients (mean age, 54 years) undergoing screening colonoscopy at the University of North Carolina Hospital from 2013 through 2015. The examination included a detailed assessment of colonic diverticula. To assess the association between participant characteristics and diverticula, we used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Of our population, 260 patients (42%) had 1 or more diverticula (mean number, 14; range, 1-158). Participants with diverticula were more likely to be older, male, and have a higher body mass index than those without diverticula. The distribution of diverticula differed significantly by race. Among white persons, 75% of diverticula were in the sigmoid colon, 11% in the descending splenic flexure, 6% in the transverse colon, and 8% were in the ascending colon or hepatic flexure. In black persons 64% of diverticula were in the sigmoid colon, 8% in the descending colon or splenic flexure, 7% in the transverse colon, and 20% in the ascending colon or hepatic flexure (P = .0008). The proportion of patients with diverticula increased with age: 35% were 50 years or younger, 40% were 51-60 years, and 58% were older than 60 years. The proportion of patients with more than 10 diverticula increased with age: 8% were 50 years or younger, 15% were 51-60 years, and 30% were older than 60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Older individuals not only have a higher prevalence of diverticula than younger individuals, but also a greater density, indicating that this is a progressive disease. Black persons have a greater percentage of their diverticula in the proximal colon and fewer in the distal colon compared with white persons. Understanding the distribution and determinants of diverticula is the first step in preventing diverticulosis and its complications.