Patients with Multiple Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) Show Increased Illness Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care FGID Specialty Clinic

Epidemiology of Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction: An Appraisal of the Rome IV Criteria and Beyond

Disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) are presently classified into mutually exclusive anatomical area-related symptom-based categories according to the Rome IV criteria. The pathophysiology of visceral nociception, which contributes to the wide range of symptoms of DGBIs, involves complex psychobiological processes arising from the bidirectional interactions of multiple systems at the gut and brain levels, which affect symptom expression and illness behaviors. The attitude toward an illness and expression of pain and bowel habit vary across cultures with variable interpretation based on sociocultural beliefs, which may not tally with the medical definitions. Thus, psychological factors impact DGBI definitions, their severity and health care utilization. Due to the poor localization and multisegment referral of visceral pain, the anatomical site of pain may not correspond to the affected segment, and there may be a variable degree of overlap among symptoms. The somewhat restrictively defined Rome IV criteria assume one-to-one correlation of symptoms with underlying pathophysiology and ignore overlapping DGBIs, nonstandardized symptom categories, and change or shift in category over time. The microorganic nature of DGBIs resulting from systemic, metabolic or motility disorders, gut dysbiosis and inflammation are not addressed in the Rome IV criteria. Although there is a multidimensional clinical profile that does address these factors, it is not followed rigorously in practice. Threshold changes for diagnostic criteria or addition/deletion of symptoms leads to wide variation among different DGBI criteria resulting in uncertain comparability of results. Although the Rome IV criteria are excellent for research studies and therapeutic trials in homogenous populations, further improvement is needed for their wider applicability in clinical practice.

Identifying Novel Subtypes of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder by Analyzing Nonlinear Structure in Integrative Biopsychosocial Questionnaire Data

Background/Objectives: Given the limited success in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) through conventional methods, there is a pressing need for tailored treatments that account for the heterogeneity and biopsychosocial factors associated with FGIDs. Here, we considered the potential of novel subtypes of FGIDs based on biopsychosocial information. Methods: We collected data from 198 FGID patients utilizing an integrative approach that included the traditional Korean medicine diagnosis questionnaire for digestive symptoms (KM), as well as the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), alongside the conventional Rome-criteria-based Korean Bowel Disease Questionnaire (K-BDQ). Multivariate analyses were conducted to assess whether KM or SF-36 provided additional information beyond the K-BDQ and its statistical relevance to symptom severity. Questions related to symptom severity were selected using an extremely randomized trees (ERT) regressor to develop an integrative questionnaire. For the identification of novel subtypes, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection and spectral clustering were used for nonlinear dimensionality reduction and clustering, respectively. The validity of the clusters was assessed using certain metrics, such as trustworthiness, silhouette coefficient, and accordance rate. An ERT classifier was employed to further validate the clustered result. Results: The multivariate analyses revealed that SF-36 and KM supplemented the psychosocial aspects lacking in K-BDQ. Through the application of nonlinear clustering using the integrative questionnaire data, four subtypes of FGID were identified: mild, severe, mind-symptom predominance, and body-symptom predominance. Conclusions: The identification of these subtypes offers a framework for personalized treatment strategies, thus potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes by tailoring interventions to the unique biopsychosocial profiles of FGID patients.

Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Saudi infants and toddlers: A cross-sectional multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common pediatric problems, but their prevalence in Saudi Arabia is unknown. We aimed to assess the prevalence of FGIDs and risk factors among children in six regions of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional multicenter study enrolling children aged 0-48 months, attending pediatric clinics. Questionnaires evaluated the clinical history, symptoms, and sociodemographic information. FGIDs were defined according to Rome IV criteria.

RESULTS

The study involved 1011 infants and toddlers (mean [standard deviation (SD)] aged, 21.7 [19.4] months; FGIDs and mean [SD] age 17.4 [16.4] months; controls). FGIDs were diagnosed in 483 (47.7%) of all infants and toddlers. The prevalence of FGIDs was significantly higher in children aged 0-12 months than in those aged 13-48 months ( P < 0.001). The most common disorders were functional regurgitation (13.8%) in infants and functional constipation (9.6%) in toddlers. Univariate regression analysis confirmed that the rate of FGIDs was higher in term gestational age infants (odds ratio (OR) 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.76-4.17, P < 0.001), in partial breastfeeding (OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84, P = 0.003), in formula feeding (OR 2.25; 95% CI, 1.51-3.35, P < 0.001), and in subjects with no history of food allergy (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.58-3.64, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FGIDs are common in Saudi infants and toddlers (47.7%). Regurgitation is most prevalent in infants, and functional constipation is most common in toddlers. Term gestational age infant, partial breastfeeding, formula feeding, and subjects with no history of food allergy are associated with the prevalence of FGIDs.

Clinical outcome of disorders of gut-brain interaction in secondary care: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on the outcome of routine treatment for disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in secondary care are lacking.

METHOD

A longitudinal study of consecutive adult patients with various DGBI attending this institution's gastroenterology clinic was conducted. Following 2 years of treatment, the proportion of patients with symptom improvement, details of clinical therapy, factors associated with and the impact of 'no symptom improvement' were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 289 patients (median age 68 years; 64.7% females; 28.4% irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 20.1% functional dyspepsia (FD), 8.7% functional constipation (FC), 42.9% overlap syndrome) were recruited. After 2 years, 66.1% patients reported symptom improvement. Patients with overlap syndrome were less likely to have symptomatic improvement compared to those with a single DGBI (Overlap 55.6% vs IBS 74.4% vs FD 72.4% vs FC 76.0%, p = 0.014). Reassurance was associated with symptom improvement (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, overlap syndrome remained significantly associated with a poorer outcome (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.22-4.25, p = 0.010), while providing reassurance was associated with a positive outcome (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.56, p < 0.001). Only 25.6% and 14.9% of patients were referred for a low FODMAP diet and psychiatric intervention respectively. DGBI patients who had 'no improvement' were more likely to seek further GI consultations and had more work absenteeism.

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of DGBI patients in secondary care showed symptom improvement. Patients who were reassured had better symptom improvement, while those with an overlap syndrome were associated with a poorer outcome, resulting in greater healthcare consultation and work absenteeism.

Overlap of disorders of gut-brain interaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rome criteria differentiate distinct types of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI); also known as functional gastrointestinal disorders. Overlap of symptom categories frequently occurs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to define the prevalence of DGBI overlap and compare overlap in population-based, primary care or tertiary care health settings. Furthermore, we aimed to compare symptom severity of psychological comorbidities in DGBI with and without overlap.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase electronic databases from inception until March 1, 2022, for original articles and conference abstracts of observational cross-sectional, case-controlled, or cohort design studies that reported the prevalence of DGBI overlap in adult participants (aged ≥18 years). We included only those studies where the diagnosis of DGBI was based on clinical assessment, questionnaire data, or specific symptom-based criteria. Studies were excluded if reporting on mixed populations of DGBI and organic diseases. Aggregate patient data were extracted from eligible published studies. The prevalence of DGBI overlap in all studies was pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model, and further analysis stratified by subgroups (care setting, diagnostic criteria, geographic region, and gross domestic product per capita). We also assessed the relationship between DGBI overlap with anxiety, depression, and quality of life symptom scores. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022311101).

FINDINGS

46 of 1268 screened studies, reporting on 75 682 adult DGBI participants, were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Overall, 24 424 (pooled prevalence 36·5% [95% CI 30·7 to 42·6]) participants had a DGBI overlap, with considerable between-study heterogeneity (I²=99·51, p=0·0001). In the tertiary health-care setting, overlap among participants with DGBI was more prevalent (8373 of 22 617, pooled prevalence 47·3% [95% CI 33·2 to 61·7]) compared with population-based cohorts (11 332 of 39 749, pooled prevalence 26·5% [95% CI 20·5 to 33·4]; odds ratio 2·50 [95% CI 1·28 to 4·87]; p=0·0084). Quality of life physical component scores were significantly lower in participants with DGBI overlap compared with participants without overlap (standardised mean difference -0·47 [95% CI -0·80 to -0·14]; p=0·025). Participants with DGBI overlap had both increased symptom scores for anxiety (0·39 [95% CI 0·24 to 0·54]; p=0·0001) and depression (0·41 [0·30 to 0·51]; p=0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Overlap of DGBI subtypes is frequent, and is more prevalent in tertiary care settings and associated with more severe symptom manifestations or psychological comorbidities. Despite the large sample size, the comparative analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council and Centre for Research Excellence.

Experiencing multiple concurrent functional gastrointestinal disorders is associated with greater symptom severity and worse quality of life in chronic constipation and defecation disorders

BACKGROUND

Recent community-based studies have demonstrated that experiencing multiple concurrent functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is associated with increased somatization, worse quality of life (QoL), and greater health care utilization. However, the presence of multiple overlapping FGIDs is unstudied specifically in chronic constipation and functional defecation disorders (FDD). We investigated the prevalence and impact of additional nonconstipation FGIDs on constipation severity, anorectal physiology, anxiety and depression, and QoL, in patients with chronic constipation and FDD.

METHODS

One-hundred and forty-six consecutive patients with functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C/IBS-M) presenting to a tertiary referral Neurogastroenterology Clinic were studied. In addition, 90/146 (62%) qualified for FDD due to abnormal defecatory physiology. Patients underwent comprehensive baseline assessment comprising anorectal physiology, Bristol Stool Chart, Rome questionnaire, Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom (KESS) constipation score, Hospital Anxiety, and Depression Scale, and modified 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) for QoL. Additional FGIDs were diagnosed using Rome III criteria.

KEY RESULTS

Additional nonconstipation FGIDs occurred in 85% of patients, with a mean of 2.1 (SD 1.6) additional FGIDs. Patients with four or more additional FGIDs experienced greater constipation severity compared to those with no additional FGIDs (p = 0.004). Comorbid FGIDs were associated with worse SF-36 scores for physical functioning (p < 0.001), role-physical (p = 0.005), bodily pain (p < 0.001), vitality (p = 0.008), social functioning (p = 0.004), and mental health index (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Functional gastrointestinal disorders comorbidity is highly prevalent in chronic constipation and defecatory disorders, and this is associated with greater symptom severity and worse QoL. Multimodal treatments targeting comorbid FGIDs may lead to superior outcomes.

Unrecognized Functional Dyspepsia Among Those With Refractory Chronic Constipation: Analysis of a Tertiary Cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with functional constipation (FC) are frequently dissatisfied with current treatment options which may be related to persistent, unaddressed symptoms. We hypothesized that refractory FC may actually represent functional dyspepsia (FD) overlap. Among adults presenting with refractory FC, we sought to (1) identify the prevalence of concurrent FD and (2) identify the symptoms and presentations most frequently associated with concurrent FD and FC.

METHODS

We assembled a retrospective cohort of 308 patients sequentially presenting to a tertiary neurogastroenterology clinic for evaluation of refractory FC, defined as having failed first-line therapy. Using Rome IV criteria, trained raters identified the presence and characteristics of concurrent FD in addition to demographics, presenting complaints, and psychological comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 308 patients presenting with refractory FC (average of 3.0 ± 2.3 constipation treatments tried unsuccessfully), 119 (38.6%) had concurrent FD. Aside from meeting FD criteria, the presence of concurrent FD was associated with patient complaints of esophageal symptoms (Odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-5.42) and bloating and distension (Odds ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-4.89). Patients with concurrent FD were more likely to have a history of an eating disorder (21.0% vs 12.7%) and were also more likely to present with current avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder-related symptoms (31.9% vs 21.7%).

CONCLUSION

Almost 40% of adult patients referred for refractory FC met criteria for concurrent FD in a tertiary-level cohort. The presence of both FC and FD was associated with greater esophageal symptoms and bloating/distention. Determining presence of concurrent FD may represent an additional therapeutic opportunity in refractory patients who may attribute symptoms to FC alone.

Type 2 and type 17 effector cells are increased in the duodenal mucosa but not peripheral blood of patients with functional dyspepsia

Background

Functional dyspepsia is characterised by chronic symptoms of post-prandial distress or epigastric pain not associated with defined structural pathology. Increased peripheral gut-homing T cells have been previously identified in patients. To date, it is unknown if these T cells were antigen-experienced, or if a specific phenotype was associated with FD.

Objective

This study aimed to characterise T cell populations in the blood and duodenal mucosa of FD patients that may be implicated in disease pathophysiology.

Methods

We identified duodenal T cell populations from 23 controls and 49 Rome III FD patients by flow cytometry using a surface marker antibody panel. We also analysed T cell populations in peripheral blood from 37 controls and 61 patients. Where available, we examined the number of duodenal eosinophils in patients and controls.

Results

There was a shift in the duodenal T helper cell balance in FD patients compared to controls. For example, patients had increased duodenal mucosal Th2 populations in the effector (13.03 ± 16.11, 19.84 ± 15.51, p=0.038), central memory (23.75 ± 18.97, 37.52 ± 17.51, p=0.007) and effector memory (9.80±10.50 vs 20.53±14.15, p=0.001) populations. Th17 populations were also increased in the effector (31.74±24.73 vs 45.57±23.75, p=0.03) and effector memory (11.95±8.42 vs 18.44±15.63, p=0.027) subsets. Peripheral T cell populations were unchanged between FD and control.

Conclusion

Our findings identify an association between lymphocyte populations and FD, specifically a Th2 and Th17 signature in the duodenal mucosa. The presence of effector and memory cells suggest that the microinflammation in FD is antigen driven.

Overlap of heartburn, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome in a population sample: Prevalence, temporal stability, and associated comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring (overlapping) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), and heartburn has been observed. However, whether it is a distinct entity has not been established, nor what clinical, demographic, lifestyle, and psychological traits are associated with it. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and temporal stability of this overlap and to identify features specific to it in order to gain some insights into the potential etiopathogenesis.

METHODS

Two waves of a survey to a population-representative sample were conducted 3 years apart, recruiting 1312 individuals for this study. The chance-expected probability of complete overlap (CO) was calculated and compared with the observed CO. A range of demographic, lifestyle factors, medical diagnoses, sleep quality, and psychological distress were tested to identify predictors of overlap using logistic regression.

KEY RESULTS

CO was observed in 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.9, 3.7) of the sample and was closely replicated in wave 2 at 2.0%. The observed CO was greater than expected by chance (0.2%) to a statistically significant extent (p < 0.001). Overlap between IBS subtypes, FD subtypes, and heartburn was also elevated above chance expectation. Individuals with CO were separately differentiated from others with respect to elevated rates of self-reported medically diagnosed asthma, elevated psychological distress score, and elevated impact on sleep quality. The discrimination provided by these factors was further independent of age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Overlap between IBS, FD, and heartburn (GERD) appears to be a distinct entity that has a profile including psychological morbidity, sleep disturbance, and elevated rates of atopy.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Neowerdermannia vorwerkii Frič 'Achacana' used in treating stomach-related ailments

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The tuber of Neowerdermannia vorwerkii commonly known as 'Achacana' is used as an infusion in Andean countries to treat various gastrointestinal ailments, kidney and liver diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study determined the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract from Neowerdermannia vorwerkii and identified the compounds related to this activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A bio-guided isolation of the active compounds of Neowerdermannia vorwerkii was carried out, selecting the sub-extracts and fractions depending on their anti-inflammatory activity in the Hs 738.St/Int, Hs 746T and NCI-N87 cells.

RESULTS

Three compounds were obtained and characterised by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. These compounds are (3-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-(tiophen-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (1), 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (2) and 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (3). Regarding their anti-inflammatory activity, the three compounds inhibited the production of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), however, compound 1 was the most active, with an IC₅₀ of 0.87 μM in all cell lines.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Neowerdermannia vorwerkii was tested and analysed, following the isolation of three 1,2,4-oxadiazoles type compounds with similar pharmacological properties.

The difference of disrupted rhythms of life, work and entertainment between patients with FGIDs and healthy people and their associations with psychological disorders under COVID-19 pandemic

AIMS

To investigate the differences in disrupted rhythms between healthy people and patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and their associations with mood disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

The rhythm scales were composed of subscales 1 and 2 for the assessment of life-work and entertainment rhythms, respectively; Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess mood disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 671 patients with FGIDs and 4373 healthy people successfully participated. The scores of subscales 1 and 2 for patients with FGIDs were significantly higher than those for healthy people (p < .005). The SAS and SDS scores, their prevalence rates were significantly higher than those for the healthy group (all p < .001). Health status, current occupation, life-work rhythm, SDS, and SAS were independent related factors of FGIDs. The score of life-work-entertainment rhythm was significantly positively correlated with SDS and SAS (both p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Disrupted rhythms in patients with FGIDs under the COVID-19 pandemic were more frequently and significantly positively associated with mood disorders.

Saudi Experts Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Functional Constipation

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation. The pediatric consultants agreed that pediatricians should pay attention to any alarming signs (red flags) found during history taking or physical examinations. They also agreed that the Rome IV criteria are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric FC. Different therapeutic options are available for pediatric patients with FC. Dietary treatment is recommended for infants with constipation for up to six months of age. When non-pharmacological interventions fail to improve FC symptoms, pharmacological treatment with laxatives is indicated. First, the treatment is aimed at disimpaction to remove fecal masses. This is achieved by administering a high dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for a few days. Subsequently, maintenance therapy with PEG should be initiated to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. In addition to PEG, several other options may be used, such as Mg-rich formulas or stimulant laxatives. However, rectal enemas and suppositories are usually reserved for cases that require acute pain relief. In contrast, infant formulas that contain prebiotics or probiotics have not been shown to be effective in infant constipation, while the use of partially hydrolyzed formula is inconclusive. These clinical practice recommendations are intended to be adopted by pediatricians and primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia.

An Open-label, Multicenter Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Probiotic Blend in Patients With Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms

GOAL

A novel 5-strain (Bl-04, Bi-07, HN019, NCFM, and Lpc-37) probiotic blend was developed and its safety and efficacy were evaluated in patients with functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

BACKGROUND

These strains administered together have not previously been investigated.

STUDY

Patients aged 18 to 75 years with functional GI symptoms were eligible for inclusion in a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study (NCT04155801). An oral capsule containing the novel probiotic blend was administered once daily for 30 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was patient-reported improvement in overall GI well-being at day 30. Secondary efficacy endpoints included changes in GI symptoms assessed using the GI Health Symptom Questionnaire. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was recorded at all visits.

RESULTS

Of 188 enrolled patients, 72.3% were female and mean (SD) age was 44.1 (13.4) years. At day 30, 85.1% of patients achieved the primary endpoint, a positive response signifying improvement in overall GI well-being. Improvements from baseline were reported at day 30 in diarrhea frequency (baseline frequency≥3 to 4 d/wk) and severity (baseline severity≥5/10) for 75.8% and 87.3% of patients, respectively. Over the same time period, constipation frequency (baseline frequency≥3 to 4 d/wk) and severity (baseline severity≥5/10) improved in 73.6% and 80.4% of patients, respectively. Most patients reported improvements at day 30 in frequency and severity of straining, urgency, abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and distention. Improvements reported at day 30 were generally observable at day 14. No safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSION

A novel 5-strain probiotic blend improved functional GI symptoms and was safe.

Sex and Gender Differences in Overlap Syndrome of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder and Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms in South Korea: A Long-term Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Overlap functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) is associated with more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and lower quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical features of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, their overlap in terms of sex and gender, and to assess the risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms.

METHODS

A total of 494 FGIDs and 239 controls were prospectively enrolled between 2004 and 2020. FGIDs were diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria and symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires were conducted to determine the change of symptoms during the 75.8-month mean observation period. Risk factors including genetic polymorphisms in neurotransmitter receptor (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, GNB3, ADRA2A, CCKAR, and TRPV1) and cytokine (TNFA and IL10) genes.

RESULTS

NERD was more prevalent in men, and functional dyspepsia in women. Overlap FGIDs (n = 239) were more prevalent than nonoverlap FGIDs (n = 255) in women (P = 0.019). Anxiety and depression scores were higher in the overlaps (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). Symptoms were more frequent and severe in the overlap FGIDs than in the non-overlaps (P < 0.001). During followup, symptoms progressed more frequently in the overlap FGIDs, especially in patients with the L/S genotype of SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR and anxiety/depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Overlap FGID patients need attention given their association with anxiety/depression and more severe symptoms, especially in women. Genetic polymorphisms also may be associated with certain symptoms of overlap FGIDs.

Sex and Gender Differences in Overlap Syndrome of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder and Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms in South Korea: A Long-term Follow-up Study

Background/Aims

Overlap functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) is associated with more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and lower quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical features of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, their overlap in terms of sex and gender, and to assess the risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms.

Methods

A total of 494 FGIDs and 239 controls were prospectively enrolled between 2004 and 2020. FGIDs were diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria and symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires were conducted to determine the change of symptoms during the 75.8-month mean observation period. Risk factors including genetic polymorphisms in neurotransmitter receptor (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, GNB3, ADRA2A, CCKAR, and TRPV1) and cytokine (TNFA and IL10) genes.

Results

NERD was more prevalent in men, and functional dyspepsia in women. Overlap FGIDs (n = 239) were more prevalent than non-overlap FGIDs (n = 255) in women (P = 0.019). Anxiety and depression scores were higher in the overlaps (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). Symptoms were more frequent and severe in the overlap FGIDs than in the non-overlaps (P < 0.001). During follow-up, symptoms progressed more frequently in the overlap FGIDs, especially in patients with the L/S genotype of SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR and anxiety/depression.

Conclusions

Overlap FGID patients need attention given their association with anxiety/depression and more severe symptoms, especially in women. Genetic polymorphisms also may be associated with certain symptoms of overlap FGIDs.

Characteristics of patients with overlap functional gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are frequently overlapped. The present study was designed to (i) search the clinical differences between patients with single FGID and overlap FGIDs and (ii) define the most common FGIDs associations to identify homogenous subgroups of patients.

METHODS

A total of 3555 outpatients with FGID filled out the Rome III adult diagnostic questionnaire, Bristol stool form, and four 10-point Likert scales to report the severity of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. An unsupervised algorithm was used to estimate the number of groups directly from the data. A classification tree separated patients into different subgroups, according to FGIDs. Multinomial logistic regression was used to characterize the groups of patients with overlap disorders.

RESULTS

Patients reported 3.3 ± 1.9 FGIDs (range 1-10, median = 3); 736 reported only one FGID, while 2819 reported more than one FGID (3.8 ± 1.7). Patients with single FGID had higher body mass index (P < 0.001), never report irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and rarely report fecal incontinence and anorectal pain (< 1% for each disorder). The non-supervised clustering of the 2819 patients with overlap FGIDs divided this population into 23 groups, including five groups associated with only one disorder (IBS-diarrhea, dysphagia, functional constipation, levator ani syndrome, and IBS-unspecified). Ten groups were related to two overlap disorders and eight groups to three or more disorders. Three disorders were not explicitly associated with a given group: IBS-mixed, proctalgia fugax, and nonspecific anorectal pain.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FGID mostly report overlap disorders in a limited number of associations, each significantly associated with a few disorders.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen by clinicians in both primary and secondary care. Since publication of the last British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guideline in 2007, substantial advances have been made in understanding its complex pathophysiology, resulting in its re-classification as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, rather than a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Moreover, there has been a considerable amount of new evidence published concerning the diagnosis, investigation and management of IBS. The primary aim of this guideline, commissioned by the BSG, is to review and summarise the current evidence to inform and guide clinical practice, by providing a practical framework for evidence-based management of patients. One of the strengths of this guideline is that the recommendations for treatment are based on evidence derived from a comprehensive search of the medical literature, which was used to inform an update of a series of trial-based and network meta-analyses assessing the efficacy of dietary, pharmacological and psychological therapies in treating IBS. Specific recommendations have been made according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, summarising both the strength of the recommendations and the overall quality of evidence. Finally, this guideline identifies novel treatments that are in development, as well as highlighting areas of unmet need for future research.

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.