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Yang WC, Zeng BS, Liang CS, Hsu CW, Su KP, Wu YC, Tu YK, Lin PY, Stubbs B, Chen TY, Chen YW, Shiue YL, Zeng BY, Suen MW, Hung CM, Wu MK, Tseng PT. Efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic products plus laxatives for pediatric functional constipation: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05568-6. [PMID: 38806862 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of pediatric constipation ranges from 0.7 to 29.6% across different countries. Functional constipation accounts for 95% of pediatric constipation, and the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. We aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. The current frequentist model-based network meta-analysis (NMA) included RCTs of probiotic supplements for functional constipation in children. The primary outcome was changes in bowel movement or stool frequency; acceptability outcome was all-cause discontinuation. Nine RCTs were included (N = 710; mean age = 5.5 years; 49.4% girls). Most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.85 to 2.90) were associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.32 to 2.43). All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments. Conclusion: The results of our NMA support the application of an advanced combination of probiotics and laxatives for pediatric functional constipation if there is no concurrent contraindication. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022298724). What is Known: • Despite of the high prevalence of pediatric constipation, which ranges from 0.7% to 29.6%, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. The widely heterogeneous strains of probiotics let the traditional meta-analysis, which pooled all different strains into one group, be nonsense and insignificant. What is New: • By conducting a comprehensive network meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different strains of probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. Network meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials revealed that the most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives was associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments. All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chieh Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ping An Medical Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Syuan Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Health Data Analytics & Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Positive Ageing Research Institute (PARI), Faculty of Health, Social Care Medicine and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Tien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wen Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, No. 252, Nanzixin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City, 81166, Taiwan
| | - Yow-Ling Shiue
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Yan Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Dachang Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mein-Woei Suen
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
- Gender Equality Education and Research Center, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chao-Ming Hung
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, No. 1, Sec. 1, Xuecheng Rd., Dashu Dist., Kaohsiung City, 840301, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Kung Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, No. 252, Nanzixin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City, 81166, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Di Lorenzo C, Nurko S, Hyams JS, Rodriguez-Araujo G, Almansa C, Shakhnovich V, Saps M, Simon M. Randomized controlled trial of linaclotide in children aged 6-17 years with functional constipation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:1059-1068. [PMID: 38533633 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase-C agonist, was recently approved in the United States for treatment of children 6-17 years old with functional constipation (FC). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of several linaclotide doses in children 6-17 years old with FC. METHODS In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study, 173 children with FC (based on Rome III criteria) were randomized to once-daily linaclotide (A: 9 or 18 μg, B: 18 or 36 μg, or C: 36 or 72 μg) or placebo in a 1:1:1:1 ratio for 6- to 11-year-olds (dosage determined by weight: 18 to <35 or ≥35 kg) and linaclotide (18, 36, 72, or 145 μg) or placebo in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio for 12- to 17-year-olds. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in weekly spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency throughout the 4-week treatment period. Adverse events (AE), clinical laboratory values, and electrocardiograms were monitored. RESULTS Efficacy and safety were assessed in 173 patients (52.0% aged 6-11 years; 48.0% aged 12-17 years); 162 (93.6%) completed the treatment period. A numerical improvement in mean SBM frequency was observed with increasing linaclotide doses (1.90 in 6- to 11-year-olds [36 or 72 μg] and 2.86 in 12- to 17-year-olds [72 μg]). The most reported treatment-emergent AE was diarrhea, with most cases being mild; none were severe. CONCLUSIONS Linaclotide was well tolerated in this pediatric population, with a trend toward efficacy in the higher doses, warranting further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Nurko
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Hyams
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Cristina Almansa
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Miguel Saps
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael Simon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Xiong Z, Ma P, Zhang H, Liu C, Liu B, Liu Z, Yan S. Placebo response to sham electroacupuncture in patients with chronic functional constipation: A secondary analysis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14770. [PMID: 38361038 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic severe functional constipation is a common disease that requires novel and effective treatment strategies. Acupuncture might constitute a promising therapeutic approach for chronic constipation, but it reportedly engenders an enhanced placebo response. Herein, we aimed to determine the magnitude of the placebo responses to electroacupuncture for constipation and identify its influencing factors. METHODS In this secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial, patients were randomized to a sham electroacupuncture group, which was administered for 8 weeks in 24 sessions of superficial needling at nonacupoints. The placebo response rates were assessed using three responder criteria: ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements per week (CSBMs/week), overall CSBM, and sustained CSBM. Logistic regression with backward selection method was employed to identify the potential factors that affected the placebo response. KEY RESULTS Overall, 539 patients were included in the study. The placebo response rate was 10.58%, 9.46%, and 9.09% according to the three aforementioned criteria, respectively. Those who exhibited more CSBMs/week at baseline were more likely to respond to sham electroacupuncture. Among patients with more than one CSBM per week at baseline, the response rates for achieving the criteria of ≥3 CSBMs per week, overall CSBM, and sustained CSBM were 25.40%, 30.16%, and 22.22%. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCE Electroacupuncture did not demonstrate a large placebo response in functional constipation treatment. The number of CSBMs at baseline may be a moderator of the placebo response to sham electroacupuncture. Thus, superficial needling sham acupuncture may be considered an ideal sham control for clinical trials of chronic constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Xiong
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peihong Ma
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- College of Preschool Education, Beijing Youth Politics College, Beijing, China
| | - Cunzhi Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyan Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishun Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Yan
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Saueressig T, Pedder H, Owen PJ, Belavy DL. Contextual effects: how to, and how not to, quantify them. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:35. [PMID: 38350852 PMCID: PMC10863156 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of contextual effects and their roles in clinical care controversial. A Cochrane review published in 2010 concluded that placebo interventions lack important clinical effects overall, but that placebo interventions can influence patient-reported outcomes such as pain and nausea. However, systematic reviews published after 2010 estimated greater contextual effects than the Cochrane review, which stems from the inappropriate methods employed to quantify contextual effects. The effects of medical interventions (i.e., the total treatment effect) can be divided into three components: specific, contextual, and non-specific. We propose that the most effective method for quantifying the magnitude of contextual effects is to calculate the difference in outcome measures between a group treated with placebo and a non-treated control group. Here, we show that other methods, such as solely using the placebo control arm or calculation of a 'proportional contextual effect,' are limited and should not be applied. The aim of this study is to provide clear guidance on best practices for estimating contextual effects in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Saueressig
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
- Physio Meets Science GmbH, Johannes Reidel Str. 19, 69181, Leimen, Germany.
| | - Hugo Pedder
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall 39, Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PN, UK
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel L Belavy
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801, Bochum, Germany
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Yang J, Guo J, Yang X, Chen J, Bai T, Liu S. Nocebo effects and influencing factors in the randomized clinical trials of chronic constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14708. [PMID: 37936549 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocebo effects are unavoidable in randomized clinical trials. We aimed to assess the magnitude of nocebo effects and explore the influencing factors in chronic constipation. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 2022. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating interventions in chronic constipation were included. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis of the proportion of adverse events (AEs) in placebo-treated participants and evaluated the effect of trial characteristics on nocebo effects. KEY RESULTS We identified 20,204 studies from the databases, of which 61 were included in the final analysis. The pooled placebo AE rate was 30.41%, and AE-related withdrawal rate was 1.53%. The most commonly reported AEs were headache (5.67%), diarrhea (4.45%), abdominal pain (3.98%), nasopharyngitis (3.39%), nausea (3.36%), and flatulence (2.95%). The placebo AE rate was lower in trials conducted in Asia compared to those in Europe, North America, and international trials. It was also lower in trials diagnosed by Rome III compared to clinician's opinion and Rome II. Additionally, the placebo AE rate was lower in single-center trials compared to multicenter trials, lower in 5-8 weeks therapy compared to 9-12 weeks therapy, lower in participants with FC compared to those with IBS-C and CC, lower in trials with 2 arms compared to 3 arms, and higher in trials with prokinetic drugs compared to secretagogues and laxatives. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The placebo AE rate was 30.41% in patients with chronic constipation. Based on our findings, we recommend that researchers take the nocebo effects into consideration when designing and conducting clinical trials and adopt specific measures to mitigate the negative influence of nocebo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingze Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinlu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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van der Schoot A, Helander C, Whelan K, Dimidi E. Probiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:2759-2777. [PMID: 36372047 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Probiotics and synbiotics have been increasingly investigated for the management of chronic constipation. We aimed to investigate the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on stool output, gut transit time, symptoms and quality of life in adults with chronic constipation via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS Studies were identified using electronic databases, backward citation and hand-searching abstracts. The search date was 10 July 2022. RCTs reporting administration of probiotics or synbiotics in adults with chronic constipation were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted separately for probiotics and synbiotics. Results were synthesized using risk ratios (RRs), mean differences or standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. RESULTS Thirty RCTs investigating probiotics and four RCTs investigating synbiotics were included. Overall, 369/647 (57%) responded to probiotic treatment and 252/567 (44%) to control (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07, 1.52, p = 0.007). Probiotics increased stool frequency (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.37, 1.04, p < 0.00001), with Bifidobacterium lactis having a significant effect, but not mixtures of probiotics, Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 or Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Probiotics did not impact stool consistency (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.03, 0.54, p = 0.08). Probiotics improved integrative symptom scores compared to control (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.89, -0.04). Synbiotics did not impact stool output or integrative symptom scores compared to control. CONCLUSIONS Certain probiotics may improve response to treatment, stool frequency and integrative constipation symptoms, providing cautious optimism for their use as a dietary management option. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend synbiotics in the management of chronic constipation. Caution is needed when interpreting these results due to high heterogeneity and risk of bias amongst the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice van der Schoot
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | - Carina Helander
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | - Kevin Whelan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | - Eirini Dimidi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom.
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