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Ritieni C, Sbarigia C, Scalamonti S, Annibale B, Carabotti M. Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: a critical appraisal. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:315-323. [PMID: 39093005 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2388797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a clinical condition included in the spectrum of symptomatic diverticular disease. The symptom profile associated with SUDD is highly heterogeneous, as there are currently discordant definitions, that encompass many clinical scenarios. AREAS COVERED We conducted a narrative review to assess the symptom profile and diagnostic criteria of SUDD based on the available evidence. A thorough literature search was performed on PubMed following the SANRA scale. Abdominal pain, regardless of its duration and location, emerges as the cardinal symptom of SUDD, suggesting that it should be central to its diagnosis. Although abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits are commonly reported, they do not appear to be specifically attributable to SUDD. Other issues considered are the possible overlap with irritable bowel syndrome and the identification of a subcategory of SUDD patients with chronic symptoms following an episode of acute diverticulitis. EXPERT OPINION The future agenda should include the development of shared diagnostic criteria for SUDD, including well-defined inclusion and exclusion clinical features and symptom patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ritieni
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sbarigia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Scalamonti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Annibale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilia Carabotti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Carabotti M, Cuomo R, Marasco G, Barbara G, Radaelli F, Annibale B. Unmet needs in treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and prevention of recurrent acute diverticulitis: a scoping review. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2024; 17:17562848241255297. [PMID: 38812706 PMCID: PMC11135110 DOI: 10.1177/17562848241255297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diverticular disease (DD) represents a common gastrointestinal condition that poses a heavy burden on healthcare systems worldwide. A high degree of uncertainty surrounds the therapeutic approaches for the control of symptoms in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) and primary and secondary prevention of diverticulitis and its consequences. Objectives To review the current knowledge and discuss the unmet needs regarding the management of SUDD and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. Eligibility criteria Randomized trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews on lifestyle/dietary interventions and medical treatment (rifaximin, mesalazine, and probiotics) of SUDD or prevention of acute diverticulitis. Sources of evidence The literature search was performed from inception to April 2023, without language restriction, following the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. References of the papers selected were checked to identify additional papers of potential interest. The final list of references was evaluated by a panel of experts, who were asked to check for any lack of relevant studies. Charting methods Information on patient population, study design, intervention, control group, duration of the observation, and outcomes assessed was collected by two authors independently. Results The review shows a high degree of uncertainty about therapeutic interventions, both dietary/lifestyle and pharmacological, in patients with SUDD, because of the scarcity and weakness of existing evidence. Available studies are generally of low quality, heterogeneous, and outdated, precluding the possibility to draw robust conclusions. Similarly, acute diverticulitis prevention has been seldom investigated, and there is a substantial lack of evidence supporting the role of dietary/lifestyle or pharmacological approaches to reduce the risk of diverticulitis. Conclusion The lack of robust evidence regarding therapeutic options for gastrointestinal symptoms in SUDD patients and for primary and secondary prevention of acute diverticulitis remains an important unmet need in the management of DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Carabotti
- Department of Medical–Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Rosario Cuomo
- UOC of Gastroenterology, AORN Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marasco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Annibale
- Department of Medical–Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Mateescu T, Miutescu B, Nicola A, Oancea C, Barata PI, Tarta C, Fulger L, Paleru C. Health-Related Quality of Life and Stress-Related Disorders in Patients with Complicated Diverticular Disease under Conservative Management. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101383. [PMID: 37239668 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverticular disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder with increasing prevalence in advanced age. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age and complexity of diverticulitis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and stress-related disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 patients, including adults (18-64 years) with complicated diverticular disease, the elderly (≥65 years) with complicated diverticular disease, and a control group with uncomplicated symptomatic diverticular disease. HRQoL and stress-related disorders were assessed using the SF-36, GIQLI, HADS, and PHQ-9 questionnaires at baseline and six months after the initial episode of diverticulitis. At diagnosis, the adult group had significantly lower mean physical and mental scores compared with the elderly and control groups (p < 0.001). At the 6-month follow-up, the mean physical score increased for all groups, but the difference between adults and the elderly remained significant (p = 0.028). The adult group had a significantly lower mean GIQLI score at diagnosis compared with the elderly and control groups (p < 0.001), although after 6 months it increased and the difference became insignificant. Anxiety scores at diagnosis were significantly higher in the adult group compared with the control group (p = 0.009). The complexity of diverticulitis and age significantly impacted HRQoL at diagnosis, with adults having lower physical and mental scores compared with elderly patients and controls. Although improvements were observed after 6 months, the difference between adults and the elderly remained significant for physical HRQoL scores. This highlights the need for tailored management strategies and psychosocial support to optimize patient outcomes across age groups and diverticulitis complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Mateescu
- Department of General Surgery, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bogdan Miutescu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alin Nicola
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Irina Barata
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristi Tarta
- Department of General Surgery, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lazar Fulger
- Department of General Surgery, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Paleru
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari 8, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania
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Calini G, Abd El Aziz MA, Paolini L, Abdalla S, Rottoli M, Mari G, Larson DW. Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD): Practical Guidance and Challenges for Clinical Management. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2023; 16:29-43. [PMID: 37013200 PMCID: PMC10066719 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s340929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD) is a syndrome within the diverticular disease spectrum, characterized by local abdominal pain with bowel movement changes but without systemic inflammation. This narrative review reports current knowledge, delivers practical guidance, and reveals challenges for the clinical management of SUDD. A broad and common consensus on the definition of SUDD is still needed. However, it is mainly considered a chronic condition that impairs quality of life (QoL) and is characterized by persistent left lower quadrant abdominal pain with bowel movement changes (eg, diarrhea) and low-grade inflammation (eg, elevated calprotectin) but without systemic inflammation. Age, genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, low-fiber diet, and smoking are considered risk factors. The pathogenesis of SUDD is not entirely clarified. It seems to result from an interaction between fecal microbiota alterations, neuro-immune enteric interactions, and muscular system dysfunction associated with a low-grade and local inflammatory state. At diagnosis, it is essential to assess baseline clinical and Quality of Life (QoL) scores to evaluate treatment efficacy and, ideally, to enroll patients in cohort studies, clinical trials, or registries. SUDD treatments aim to improve symptoms and QoL, prevent recurrence, and avoid disease progression and complications. An overall healthy lifestyle - physical activity and a high-fiber diet, with a focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables - is encouraged. Probiotics could effectively reduce symptoms in patients with SUDD, but their utility is missing adequate evidence. Using Rifaximin plus fiber and Mesalazine offers potential in controlling symptoms in patients with SUDD and might prevent acute diverticulitis. Surgery could be considered in patients with medical treatment failure and persistently impaired QoL. Still, studies with well-defined diagnostic criteria for SUDD that evaluate the safety, QoL, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions using standard scores and comparable outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Calini
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mohamed A Abd El Aziz
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Internal Medicine Department, MercyOne North Iowa, Mason City, IA, USA
| | - Lucia Paolini
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Solafah Abdalla
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Oncologic and Digestive Surgery, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre University Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Rottoli
- Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Mari
- Department of Laparoscopic and Oncological General Surgery, ASST Brianza, Desio Hospital, Desio, Italy
| | - David W Larson
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Cameron R, Walker MM, Thuresson M, Roelstraete B, Sköldberg F, Olén O, Talley NJ, Ludvigsson JF. Mortality risk increased in colonic diverticular disease: a nationwide cohort study. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 76:39-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Surgical Management of Chronic Smoldering Sigmoid Diverticulitis: A Case Series Analysis. Indian J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-022-03334-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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