The Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Community-Based Cohort Study

Anxiety and Depression in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-A Narrative Review

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed in children. It has a complex pathophysiology with several potential risk factors, including psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. This paper aimed to find genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical links between psychological factors (mainly anxiety and depression) and IBS in children. Impairment of the gut-brain communication and signalling of serotonin is responsible for both gastrointestinal and psychological disorders. Childhood psychological events seem to be linked to gastrointestinal symptoms not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Evidence of the efficacy of therapies targeting psychological disorders (antidepressant, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy) in children with IBS was evaluated. Further studies that use updated criteria for IBS and uniform questionnaires and outcome measures are needed to draw reliable conclusions regarding the connection between psychological factors and IBS.

Persistent physical symptoms: definition, genesis, and management

Persistent physical symptoms (synonymous with persistent somatic symptoms) is an umbrella term for distressing somatic complaints that last several months or more, regardless of their cause. These symptoms are associated with substantial disability and represent a major burden for patients, health-care professionals, and society. Persistent physical symptoms can follow infections, injuries, medical diseases, stressful life events, or arise de novo. As symptoms persist, their link to clearly identifiable pathophysiology often weakens, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Multiple biological and psychosocial risk factors and mechanisms contribute to the persistence of somatic symptoms, including persistent inflammation; epigenetic profiles; immune, metabolic and microbiome dysregulation; early adverse life experiences; depression; illness-related anxiety; dysfunctional symptom expectations; symptom focusing; symptom learning; and avoidance behaviours, with many factors being common across symptoms and diagnoses. Basic care consists of addressing underlying pathophysiology and using person-centred communication techniques with validation, appropriate reassurance, and biopsychosocial explanation. If basic care is insufficient, targeted psychological and pharmacological interventions can be beneficial. A better understanding of the multifactorial persistence of somatic symptoms should lead to more specific, personalised, and mechanism-based treatment, and a reduction in the stigma patients commonly face.

"And how did that make you feel?" - Repeated symptom queries enhance symptom reports elicited by negative affect

OBJECTIVE

Negative affect, alexithymia, and other predisposing traits (such as health anxiety) can influence an individual's symptom perception. In this study, we used the affective picture paradigm (APP, Bogaerts et al., 2010) to induce symptoms using affective picture stimuli. We aimed to cross-sectionally test the effect of high vs low-frequency symptom queries and analyze the time course of the APP, including interactions with health anxiety and somatic symptom distress.

METHODS

Participants (N = 124) completed a modified APP and filled out various questionnaires. In the APP, participants were randomized to either a highly-frequent-query condition (18 symptom checklists) or a less-frequent-query condition (6 checklists). Data were analyzed using ANOVAs, cross-lagged panel models, moderation models, and multilevel models.

RESULTS

Both groups had comparable symptom baseline values, but people in the highly frequent as opposed to less frequent condition reported significantly higher symptom levels once the experiment started (F (1,120) = 14.319, p < .001, η2=.107). Symptom levels stayed stable over the course of the experiment and were best predicted by symptom levels at earlier timepoints in the experiment (β = 0.43 and β = 0.68, both p < .001). Health anxiety levels significantly predicted symptom levels (F(1,121) = 10.054, p = .002, η2=.077) and moderated the relation between condition and symptom levels (F(2,121) = 16.253, p < .001, η2=.212).

CONCLUSION

In terms of the predictive processing model (e.g.,[1]), repeated symptom queries following negative affective cues may activate prior beliefs about symptoms, resulting in elevated levels of symptom reports in interaction with health anxiety.

Public knowledge and beliefs about the irritable bowel syndrome - results from the SOMA.SOC study

BACKGROUND

Despite the epidemiological and economic relevance of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there is a lack of research on what the general public knows and thinks about this condition (IBS literacy). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore public knowledge and beliefs about IBS in Germany. Moreover, associations of knowledge and beliefs about IBS with socio-demographic characteristics as well as illness and treatment experiences were analysed.

METHODS

Analyses made use of a national telephone survey (N = 1,205). A carefully developed vignette describing a person with typical symptoms of IBS was presented. Respondents were then asked to name the disease in question and beliefs about causes and treatment options were assessed. For the analyses respondents were divided into three groups: (1) people who never had IBS symptoms, (2) people who had or have IBS symptoms but never were in treatment and (3) individuals who reported to be or have been treated for IBS symptoms.

RESULTS

Less than 4% of the respondents recognized IBS after presentation of the vignette. About 75% positively evaluated treatability while psychotherapy was evaluated more effective than medication. Stress and unhealthy lifestyle were the most frequently endorsed possible causes of the presented IBS symptoms. There were variations in knowledge and beliefs about IBS according to age, gender, and education. We found minor differences in beliefs and knowledge between individuals who had or have symptoms but never were in treatment and those without respective illness experience. Respondents with illness/treatment experiences rated their knowledge significantly better than those without any experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate low levels of public knowledge about IBS regarding illness recognition in Germany. A majority disagreed that they have good knowledge about IBS symptoms. Against this background, it seems reasonable to develop and test interventions to improve IBS literacy by increasing knowledge about symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Risk factors for worsening of somatic symptom burden in a prospective cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Little is known about risk factors for both Long COVID and somatic symptoms that develop in individuals without a history of COVID-19 in response to the pandemic. There is reason to assume an interplay between pathophysiological mechanisms and psychosocial factors in the etiology of symptom persistence.

Objective

Therefore, this study investigates specific risk factors for somatic symptom deterioration in a cohort of German adults with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

German healthcare professionals underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody testing and completed self-rating questionnaires at baseline and 21 months later between April 2020 and February 2022. Differences in variables between the time points were analyzed and a regression analysis was performed to predict somatic symptom deterioration at follow-up.

Results

Seven hundred fifty-one adults completed both assessments. Until follow-up, n = 58 had contracted SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by serology. Between baseline and follow-up, signs of mental and physical strain increased significantly in the sample. Symptom expectations associated with COVID-19 and a self-reported history of COVID-19, but not serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, significantly predicted somatic symptom deterioration at follow-up. A further predictor was baseline psychological symptom burden.

Conclusions

This study supports a disease-overarching biopsychosocial model for the development of burdensome somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports research findings that symptom burden may be more related to the psychosocial effects of the pandemic than to infection itself. Future studies on Long COVID should include SARS-CoV-2 negative control groups and consider symptom burden prior to infection in order to avoid an overestimation of prevalence rates.

Ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Associated With Somatic and Depressive Symptoms in People With Painful Temporomandibular Disorder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Somatic symptom disturbance is among the strongest predictors of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Related psychological constructs, such as anxiety and depression, respond therapeutically to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in clinical trials. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio and somatic symptom disturbance and depressive symptoms in a community-based sample of 501 adults and determined whether these associations differed between adults with and without TMD or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantified PUFAs in circulating erythrocytes. Somatic symptoms and depression were quantified using Symptom Checklist-90-Revised subscales. Presence or absence of TMD and IBS, respectively, were determined by clinical examination and Rome III screening questions. The standardized beta coefficient for the omega-6/omega-3 long-chain PUFA ratio was 0.26 (95% confidence limits (CL): 0.08, 0.43) in a multivariable linear regression model in which somatic symptom disturbance was the dependent variable. When modelling depressive symptoms as the dependent variable, the standardized beta coefficient was 0.17 (95% CL:0.01, 0.34). Both associations were stronger among TMD cases and IBS cases than among non-cases. Future randomized control trials that lower the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio could consider somatic or depressive symptoms as a therapeutic target for TMD or IBS pain. PERSPECTIVE: In people with TMD or IBS, a high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was positively associated with somatic symptom disturbance and depressive symptoms. Both measures of psychological distress were elevated in people with painful TMD and IBS. Future randomized clinical trials will determine whether lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio is therapeutic for pain.

Persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT)

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are distressing chronic diseases associated with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits of unknown aetiology. Results from previous studies indicate that, across both diseases, increased levels of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations contribute to symptom persistence. Thus, comparing both disorders with regard to common and disease-specific factors in the persistence and modification of gastrointestinal symptoms seems justified. Our primary hypothesis is that persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in UC and IBS can be improved by modifying dysfunctional symptom expectations and illness-related anxiety using expectation management strategies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To assess the extent to which persistent somatic symptoms are modifiable in adult patients with UC and IBS, we will conduct an observer-blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 117 patients with UC and 117 patients with IBS will be randomised into three groups of equal size: targeted expectation management aiming to reduce illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations in addition to standard care (SC, intervention 1), non-specific supportive treatment in addition to SC (intervention 2) or SC only (control). Both active intervention groups will comprise three individual online consultation sessions and a booster session after 3 months. The primary outcome is baseline to postinterventional change in gastrointestinal symptom severity.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hamburg Medical Association (2020-10198-BO-ff). The study will shed light onto the efficacy and mechanisms of action of a targeted expectation management intervention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with UC and IBS. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms will allow the further advancement of aetiological models and according evidence-based intervention strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN30800023.

[Psychosocial Support for People with Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Feasibility Study on Need, Focus and Viability]

OBJECTIVES

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are associated with high somatic symptom burden, reduced quality of life, and increased psychological distress. The subjective burden, the wish of many patients, and the involvement of psychological processes in symptom perception justify the development of psychosocial support services. We aimed to evaluate need, content and feasibility of such an offer. We included patients with both UC and RDS in order to identify disease-specific and trans-diagnostic aspects for psychosocial interventions.

METHODS

We conducted telephone interviews with adult patients with UC or IBS using a standardized interview guide. We used numerical rating scales and open-ended questions to assess burden of and coping with the disease, disease-related expectations and anxiety, satisfaction with care, support and information needs, and preferences regarding support programs. We calculated descriptive metrics for quantitative variables as well as diagnosis-specific group comparisons. The answers to the open questions were summarised and counted in close accordance with the participants' statements.

RESULTS

N=35 patients (UC: n = 15; IBS: n=20) participated (age: M=40.80, SD=14.56; 71% female). In both groups, patients showed a medium level of disease burden, with higher rates for IBS. Both groups reported disease-related anxiety, with higher levels in patients with IBS. Disease-related expectations did not differ between groups. Patients with IBS showed low satisfaction with care and felt less informed about their disease than patients with UC. Both groups indicated a high motivation of participating in a psychological support program and named illness-related expectations and illness anxiety as important components of such.

DISCUSSION

The results confirm an increased need for psychosocial support and the relevance of disease-related expectations and anxiety for both diseases. Differences in symptom perception and care satisfaction indicate the importance of disease-specific elements in psychosocial therapy programs.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the high need for psychosocial support of patients with UC and IBS and indicate the feasibility of a psychosocial therapy program.

Early Psychological Interventions for Somatic Symptom Disorder and Functional Somatic Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Psychological treatments for somatic symptom disorder and functional somatic syndromes (SSD/FSS) achieve moderate effects only, potentially because of the high chronicity in these patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether early treatment, that is, treatment in populations at risk or with recent onset, improves outcome.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of (cluster-)randomized controlled trials evaluating early psychological interventions in the prevention and treatment of SSD/FSS in adults compared with inactive control conditions, standard care, or placebo. Individuals at risk for SSD/FSS, suffering from subthreshold symptoms or new onsets of SSD/FSS, or presenting with SSD/FSS for the first time were included.

RESULTS

We identified 30 eligible studies, mostly examining pain-related conditions. Interventions were diverse, ranging from bibliotherapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy. We found positive effects on depression post-treatment (Hedges' g = 0.12 [95% confidence interval = 0.03-0.2], k = 5) as well as on somatic symptom severity (g = 0.25 [0.096-0.41], k = 17) and health care utilization (g = 0.31 [0.18-0.44], k = 3) at follow-up. However, because of a high risk of bias, sensitivity to corrections for meta-bias, and missing outcome data, findings should be interpreted cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review shows that targeting SSD/FSS at an early stage represents a conceptual and practical challenge. Readily accessible interventions addressing transsymptomatic processes of SSD/FSS development and consolidation are highly needed. Future studies are needed to evaluate individuals with diverse symptoms, examine symptom history thoroughly, use placebo controls, and report outcomes completely to determine the efficacy of early psychological interventions for SSD/FSS.PROSPERO Registration:CRD42020140122.

Persistent SOMAtic symptoms ACROSS diseases - from risk factors to modification: scientific framework and overarching protocol of the interdisciplinary SOMACROSS research unit (RU 5211)

INTRODUCTION

Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are highly prevalent in all areas of medicine; they are disabling for patients and costly for society. The subjective symptom burden often correlates poorly with the underlying disease severity, and patients' needs for effective treatment are far from being met. Initial evidence indicates that, in addition to disease-specific pathophysiological processes, psychological factors such as expectations, somatosensory amplification and prior illness experiences contribute to symptom persistence in functional as well as in somatic diseases. However, prospective studies investigating the transition from acute to chronic somatic symptoms, integrating pathophysiological, psychological and social factors, are scarce. A better understanding of the multifactorial mechanisms of symptom persistence is crucial for developing targeted mechanism-based interventions for effective prevention and treatment of PSS. Thus, the overall aim of the interdisciplinary SOMACROSS research unit is to identify generic and disease-specific risk factors and aetiological mechanisms of symptom persistence across a range of diseases.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Seven projects will investigate risk factors and mechanisms of symptom persistence in a total of 3916 patients across 10 medical conditions. All study designs are prospective and share common assessment points, core instruments and outcome variables to allow comparison and validation of results across projects and conditions. Research will focus on the identification of generic and disease-specific mechanisms associated with unfavourable symptom course. The development of a multivariate prediction model will facilitate the understanding of the course of PSS across diseases.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All individual SOMACROSS studies were approved by the ethics committees of the Medical Chambers Hamburg and Münster, Germany. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences and the involvement of relevant stakeholders, patients and the lay public. This interdisciplinary research unit will fundamentally contribute to earlier recognition of patients at risk, and to the development of prevention and tailored treatment concepts for PSS.

Intrinsic brain abnormalities of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a preliminary resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Background

The aim of the present study was to explore the brain active characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging technology.

Methods

Thirteen IBS-D patients and fourteen healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects underwent head MRI examination during resting state. A voxel-based analysis of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) maps between IBS-D and HC was performed using a two-sample t-test. The relationship between the fALFF values in abnormal brain regions and the scores of Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Compared with HC, IBS-D patients had lower fALFF values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and higher fALFF values in the left hippocampus and right precuneus. There was a positive correlation between the duration scores of IBS-SSS and fALFF values in the right precuneus.

Conclusion

The altered fALFF values in the medial superior frontal gyri, left hippocampus and right precuneus revealed changes of intrinsic neuronal activity, further revealing the abnormality of gut-brain axis of IBS-D.

Travel preparation and health risks in Dutch and Belgian medical students during an elective in low- or middle-income countries: A prospective self-reporting cohort study

BACKGROUND

Medical schools offer students the opportunity to perform international electives. This study aimed to assess health risks among medical students, to tailor institutional guidelines.

METHODS

Multicenter study at Dutch and Belgian universities, among medical students who visited low- or middle-income countries. Students completed four questionnaires: once before the elective and two weeks, three- and six months after return.

RESULTS

Data was complete for 479 students (follow-up rate 84%). Most traveled to Surinam (29%) and South-Africa (14%). Half of the students encountered difficulties in adapting to local culture. Almost 40% visited malaria endemic countries. Nearly all (87%) used chemoprophylaxis as prescribed. Definite needle-stick or splash injuries were reported by 7%. All were dealt with adequately in accordance with national guidelines. However, less than half of 24 possible incidents were handled adequately. Two-and-a-half percent had unprotected sex with a new partner. The incidence of travelers' diarrhea (TD) was 46%. In those with TD, the incidence of post-travel new-onset abdominal complaints was 3%. Three percent were involved in a minor traffic accident, 18% were injured during leisure activities, 5% were threatened or experienced physical violence. Only half of the students visiting a highly endemic country were screened for tuberculosis post-travel. For schistosomiasis this was 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Students abroad are exposed to medical and non-medical challenges, which should be addressed during pre-travel counseling. Contact details of a professional back home should be provided, so students can confer in case of problems while abroad. Lastly, we recommend a centrally organized post-travel health check.

Chronic Gastrointestinal and Joint-Related Sequelae Associated with Common Foodborne Illnesses: A Scoping Review

To strengthen the burden estimates for chronic sequelae of foodborne illness, we conducted a scoping review of the current literature for common foodborne pathogens and their associated sequelae. We aim to describe the current literature and gaps in knowledge of chronic sequelae associated with common foodborne illnesses. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published January 1, 2000 to April 1, 2018. Articles available in English, of any epidemiological study design, for 10 common foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria, Shigella, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia, Yersinia, and norovirus) and their associated gastrointestinal (GI)- and joint-related sequelae were included. Of the 6348 titles screened for inclusion, 380 articles underwent full-text review; of those 380, 129 were included for data extraction. Of the bacterial pathogens included in the search terms, the most commonly reported were Salmonella (n = 104) and Campylobacter (n = 99); E. coli (n = 55), Shigella (n = 49), Yersinia (n = 49), and Listeria (n = 15) all had fewer results. Norovirus was the only virus included in our search, with 28 article that reported mostly GI-related sequelae and reactive arthritis (ReA) reported once. For parasitic diseases, Giardia (n = 26) and Cryptosporidium (n = 18) had the most articles, and no results were found for Cyclospora. The most commonly reported GI outcomes were irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; n = 119) and inflammatory bowel disease (n = 29), and ReA (n = 122) or "joint pain" (n = 19) for joint-related sequelae. Salmonella and Campylobacter were most often associated with a variety of outcomes, with ReA (n = 34 and n = 27) and IBS (n = 17 and n = 20) reported most often. This scoping review shows there are still a relatively small number of studies being conducted to understand specific pathogen/outcome relationships. It also shows where important gaps in the impact of chronic sequelae from common foodborne illnesses still exist and where more focused research would best be implemented.

Stress and the brain-gut axis in functional and chronic-inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases: A transdisciplinary challenge

The broad role of stress in the brain-gut axis is widely acknowledged, with implications for multiple prevalent health conditions that are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. These include the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although the afferent and efferent pathways linking the gut and the brain are modulated by stress, the fields of neurogastroenterology and psychoneuroendocrinology (PNE)/ psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) remain only loosely connected. We aim to contribute to bringing these fields closer together by drawing attention to a fascinating, evolving research area, targeting an audience with a strong interest in the role of stress in health and disease. To this end, this review introduces the concept of the brain-gut axis and its major pathways, and provides a brief introduction to epidemiological and clinical aspects of FGIDs and IBD. From an interdisciplinary PNE/PNI perspective, we then detail current knowledge regarding the role of chronic and acute stress in the pathophysiology of FGID and IBD. We provide an overview of evidence regarding non-pharmacological treatment approaches that target central or peripheral stress mechanisms, and conclude with future directions, particularly those arising from recent advances in the neurosciences and discoveries surrounding the gut microbiota.

To learn, to remember, to forget-How smart is the gut?

The enteric nervous system (ENS) resides within the gut wall and autonomously controls gut functions through coordinated activation of sensory, inter and motor neurons. Its activity is modulated by the enteric immune and endocrine system as well as by afferent and efferent nerves of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. The ENS is often referred to as the second brain and hence is able to perform sophisticated tasks. We review the evidence that the "smartness" of the ENS may even extend to its ability to learn and to memorize. Examples for habituation, sensitization, conditioned behaviour and long-term facilitation are evidence for various forms of implicit learning. Moreover, we discuss how this may change not only basic Neurogastroenterology but also our understanding of development of gut diseases and chronic disorders in gut functions. At the same time, we identify open questions and future challenges to confirm learning, memory and memory deficits in the gut. Despite some remaining experimental challenges, we are convinced that the gut is able to learn and are tempted to answer the question with: Yes, the gut is smart.

Relationship between adverse childhood experiences and illness anxiety in irritable bowel syndrome - The impact of gender

OBJECTIVE

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder with a complex biopsychosocial etiopathogenesis. Various psychosocial factors like adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and illness anxiety appear to be relevant, but underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Furthermore, there are indicators of gender specific effects of ACE on IBS. Therefore, this study analyzed group differences between IBS patients and healthy controls (HCs) according to ACE and illness anxiety, and the relationship between ACE and illness anxiety by taking gender differences into consideration.

METHODS

A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted comparing IBS patients with HCs. Illness anxiety was recorded using the Whiteley-Index-7, childhood adversities via the 10-item Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-score, anxiety by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item questionnaire and depressive symptoms using the nine-item depression module of the patient-health-questionnaire. Group differences between IBS patients and HCs were analyzed and correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 127 gender and education matched participants per group were included. Compared to HCs, IBS patients were characterized by higher prevalences for adverse childhood experiences (63.8% vs. 48.0%, p = .02, OR = 1.33) and increased levels of illness anxiety (p < .001, η² = 0.595). Taking into account gender specific effects, there was a significant correlation between adverse childhood experiences and illness anxiety in female IBS patients, but not in male (r = 0.242, p = .03 vs. r = 0.162, p = .29). However, after controlling for depression and anxiety, this correlation disappeared.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a possible gender-specific association of ACE with illness anxiety in female IBS patients that might be linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00011685.

Does symptom activity explain psychological differences in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease? Results from a multi-center cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have similar symptoms and are affected by psychological factors via gut-brain-interactions. However, previous studies on IBS and IBD showed inconsistent results regarding psychological factors, potentially because they failed to consider the impact of symptom activity. The aim of this study was 1) to compare psychological distress and psychological risk factors among patients with IBS, IBD and healthy controls (HC), and 2) to assess the impact of symptom activity.

METHODS

A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with IBS and IBD were recruited in several primary, secondary, and tertiary medical care units between 02 and 12/2017 in Germany. Overall, 381 matched participants (127/group, 63% female) were included. For the second analyses, patients with IBD were distinguished in patients with active (n = 93) and non-active (n = 34) symptoms. Psychological distress (somatization, depression, anxiety, and illness anxiety) and risk factors (adverse childhood experiences, attachment style, and mentalizing capacity) were measured.

RESULTS

Patients with IBS showed higher psychological distress and more psychological risk factors than patients with IBD and HC. However, patients with IBD and active symptoms showed similar psychological distress than patients with IBS, except for lower illness anxiety (p < .001, η² = 0.069).

CONCLUSION

With the exception of higher illness anxiety in IBS patients, differences in psychological factors between patients with IBS and IBD were more strongly associated with symptom activity than with the underlying diagnosis. Therefore, this study challenges previous concepts of distinguishing functional and organic gastrointestinal diseases, but highlights the role of symptom activity and illness anxiety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00011685.

Approach to stress endocrine response: somatization in the context of gastroenterological symptoms: a systematic review

Background

Stress can be defined as an acute threat to the homeostasis of an organism, and in order to manage stress, and maintain stability, the allostatic systems activate an adaptive response. Stress has been shown to have both short - and long-term effects on the function of the gastrointestinal tract, but long-term exposure to stress is more likely to cause endocrine disorders.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine response to stress, and evaluate the relationship between somatization and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on several academic databases, which included, Pubmed, EBSCO and Science Direct. The search was performed using the keywords, “endocrine response to stress”, “somatization” and “gastrointestinal symptoms”.

Results

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is essential in controlling physiological stress responses. Dysfunction is related to several mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, or somatization. Symptoms associated with genetic, or other traumatic experiences of individuals under stress, can lead to a maladaptive response to stress. These stressful life events were found to be associated with digestive system-related chronic diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders significantly affect millions of people worldwide.

Conclusion

This study examined how the endocrine system responds to stress, and the effect this has in causing stress-related gastrointestinal distresses. Our findings indicate that stress-related psychological disorders are strongly associated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Prevalence, Comorbidity, Management and Costs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Insufficient data are available on the administrative incidence and prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Germany, as well as on its comorbidities, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and costs.

METHODS

We analyzed routine data from a statutory health insurance carrier with approximately eight million insurees. IBS was identified from the ICD-10 codes K58.0, K58.9, and F45.32 (outpatient care by a physician, outpatient and inpatient care in a hospital). The cumulative incidence for the year 2017 was determined by the exclusion of insurees who had carried the diagnosis of IBS in any of the preceding 12 years. The frequencies of comorbid diseases and of diagnostic and therapeutic measures were compared with those of persons in age- and sex- matched control groups without IBS.

RESULTS

In 2017, the administrative incidence of IBS was 0.36%, and its prevalence was 1.34%. Persons with IBS were often documented as having other gastrointes- tinal diseases, headache, back pain, and mental disorders. There was evidence for the insufficient use of ultrasound and colonoscopy and for the excessive use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnostic evaluation. The costs of medical care for insurees with IBS in the year of their initial diagnosis were higher than those of other insurees without the diagnosis of IBD (€ 3770 vs. € 2788) and rose in each of the eight years preceding the initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with IBS in Germany are likely not receiving sufficient diag- nostic evaluation in conformity with the relevant guidelines. The high prevalence of comorbid mental disorders and other pain syndromes implies that the complaints of patients with IBS need to be more comprehensively evaluated and treated.

The Relationship Between Daytime Salivary Melatonin and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Young Adults Seeking Psychiatric Care

OBJECTIVE

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not completely understood, although we do know that patients with IBS have a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity (mainly depression and anxiety disorders). Melatonin, produced in the gastrointestinal tract, influences gut motility. Psychiatric conditions are associated with circadian disturbances in peripheral melatonin levels. This study aimed to investigate associations between daytime salivary melatonin and gastrointestinal symptoms in young adult psychiatric patients.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients (86% women), aged 18-25 years (M (SD) = 21 (2)), seeking psychiatric care with primarily anxiety disorders, affective disorders, or both were included in the study. Total scores from the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale - IBS were compared with salivary melatonin measured at three time points (30 minutes after waking up, at 11:00 hours and 30 minutes after lunch) during the waking hours of 1 day.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounders, melatonin levels in saliva 30 minutes after lunch remained significantly correlated to the total Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale - IBS score after correction for multiple testing (B = 0.016, SE = 0.006, p = .015, q = 0.045). In a post hoc analysis, symptoms of gastrointestinal pain and bloating contributed most to this association.

CONCLUSIONS

In young adult psychiatric patients, salivary melatonin levels after lunch are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, which is consistent with the proposed effect of elevated levels of gastrointestinal melatonin on gut motility. This result suggests a link between IBS symptoms and regulation of melatonin in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Incidence of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue following GI infection: a population-level study using routinely collected claims data

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the occurrence of postinfectious IBS in routine outpatient care, comparing different types of GI infection and its interaction with psychosomatic comorbidity.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected claims data covering statutorily insured patients in Bavaria, Germany. Cases were defined as patients without prior record of functional intestinal disorder with a first-time diagnosis of GI infection between January 2005 and December 2013 and classed according to the type of infection. Each case was matched by age, sex and district of residence to a patient without history of GI infection. Prior psychological disorder (depression, anxiety or stress reaction disorder) was assessed in the 2 years prior to inclusion. Proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the HRs for GI infection and psychological disorder. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was assessed as a comparator outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 508 278 patients with first diagnosis of GI infection were identified, resulting in a matched cohort of 1 016 556 patients. All infection types were associated with an increased risk of IBS (HR: 2.19-4.25) and CFS (HR 1.35-1.82). Prior psychological disorder was a distinct risk factor for IBS (HR: 1.73) and CFS (HR: 2.08). Female sex was a further risk factor for both conditions.

CONCLUSION

Psychological disorder and GI infections are distinct risk factors for IBS. The high incidence of non-specific GI infection suggests that postinfectious IBS is a common clinical occurrence in primary care. Chronic fatigue is a further significant sequela of GI infection.

Functional Somatic Symptoms Across Cultures: Perceptual and Health Care Issues

Functional neurological disorders are conceptualized as patterns of neurological symptoms that cannot be attributed to a clear organic etiology. The study by Wilkins et al. in this issue of Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that 8.2% of patients who were initially presented with suspected stroke were later diagnosed with functional disorders, i.e., "functional stroke mimics." However, the percentage of functional stroke mimics varied substantially with patients' nationality, age, and sex. In this editorial comment, we discuss potential reasons for the intercultural variation of the frequency of functional stroke mimics.The current models of symptom perception, in which symptom perception is guided by top-down processes of the central nervous system, are helpful in explaining the intercultural variation of functional symptoms. According to these models, cultural beliefs, previous illnesses, and stressful life situations influence patients' expectations, sensory input, and finally the perception of somatic symptoms. In addition, differences in insurance status, health literacy, and health care experiences are strong predictors of health care use in patients who experience somatic symptoms.This article provides a conceptual model that integrates sociocultural factors with symptom perception and health care use relevant to the different rates of functional somatic symptoms in emergency departments across nationalities. Considering these factors, future attempts to improve care for patients with functional disorders should enhance access to effective treatment for all patient groups, empower patients through education and early participation in the treatment process, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists from somatic and mental health disciplines.

Trends of Cholecystectomies for Presumed Biliary Dyskinesia in Children in the United States

BACKGROUND

Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a controversial clinical entity. Standardized diagnostic test and management guidelines are lacking in children. Published data suggest that long-term outcomes of surgical and medical management are similar. We sought to determine national population-based trends of cholecystectomies performed in children for BD and associated healthcare expenditure in the United States during a 10-year period.

METHODS

Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the International Classification of Diseases, the 9th revision clinical modification codes, we identified children who had a cholecystectomy for BD from 2002 to 2011 in the United States.

RESULTS

A total of 66,380 cholecystectomies were identified as primary procedural diagnosis using weighted analysis from 2002 to 2011 in children. BD was the primary indication for cholecystectomy in 6674 (10.8%) of the patients. During the study period, the number of cholecystectomies performed for BD in children increased from 6.6% in 2002 to 10.6% in 2011, and a majority were adolescent white females. The annual health care expenditure for surgical management of BD for children in the US was estimated to almost $16 million/year.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and variable outcomes of surgical intervention reported in pediatric literature, cholecystectomies are commonly performed for children with BD in the United States. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of this controversial disorder in children are needed.

Irritable bowel symptoms and the development of common mental disorders and functional somatic syndromes identified in secondary care - a long-term, population-based study

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with mental vulnerability, and half of patients report comorbid somatic and mental symptoms. We aimed to investigate the relationship between an IBS symptom continuum and the subsequent development of common mental disorders (CMDs) and functional somatic syndromes (FSSs).

Methods and study design

A longitudinal population-based study comprising two 5-year follow-up studies, Dan-MONICA 1 (1982–1987) and Inter99 (1999–2004), recruited from the western part of Copenhagen County. The total study population (n = 7,278) was divided into symptom groups according to the degree of IBS definition fulfillment at baseline and/or follow-up and was followed until December 2013 in Danish central registries. Cox regression was used for the analyses, adjusting for age, sex, length of education and cohort membership. In a subsequent analysis, we adjusted for mental vulnerability as a risk factor for both CMDs and FSSs, including IBS.

Results

Over a 5-year period, 51% patients had no IBS symptoms, 17% patients had IBS symptoms without abdominal pain, 22% patients had IBS symptoms including abdominal pain and 10% patients fulfilled the IBS definition. IBS and IBS symptoms including abdominal pain were significantly associated with the development of CMDs and other FSSs identified in secondary care. When adjusting for mental vulnerability, IBS and IBS symptoms including abdominal pain were no longer associated with CMDs, but the significant relationship to other FSSs remained.

Conclusion

In a clinical setting, the perspective should be broadened to individuals not fulfilling the symptom cluster of IBS but who report frequent abdominal pain. Additionally, it is important to combine symptom-based criteria of IBS with psychosocial markers such as mental vulnerability, because it could guide clinicians in decisions regarding prognosis and treatment.

Pre-travel advice at a crossroad: Medical preparedness of travellers to South and Southeast-Asia - The Hamburg Airport Survey

BACKGROUND

Specific travel-related recommendations exist for the prevention or self-treatment of infectious diseases contracted by travellers to the tropics. In the current study, we assessed the medical preparedness per these recommendations, focusing on whether travellers carried antidiarrheal and antimalarial medication with them stratified by type of pre-travel advice.

METHODS

We surveyed travellers departing from Hamburg International Airport to South or Southeast Asia, using a questionnaire on demographic, medical and travel characteristics.

RESULTS

975 travellers were analysed - the majority (817, 83%) being tourists. A large proportion packed any antidiarrheal medication (612, 63%) - most frequently loperamide (440, 72%). Only 176 of 928 (19%) travellers to destinations with low-to medium risk for malaria packed a recommended antimalarial medication. The majority (162, 17%) of them carried antimalarials as stand-by emergency treatment (SBET). 468 (48%) travellers had a pre-travel medical consultation. This lead to higher odds of carrying SBET- with the highest odds associated with a consultation at a travel medicine specialist (OR 7.83 compared to no consultation).

CONCLUSIONS

Attending a travel medicine specialist was associated with better adherence to current recommendations concerning the carriage of stand-by emergency treatment of malaria. However, the proportion of travellers seeking pre-travel health advice was overall low in our population. Promoting pre-travel consultations may, therefore, lead to higher adherence to the current recommendations in travel medicine.