Evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety of dienogest in patients with chronic cyclic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety (up to 108 months) of treatment with Dienogest in patients with endometriosis.

METHODS

Patients with chronic pelvic pain endometriosis-related were enrolled in this observational study from June 2012 to July 2021. The patients enrolled took Dienogest 2 mg as a single daily administration. Group B of long-term therapy patients (over 15 months) were compared with group A of short-term therapy patients (0-15 months). The effects of the drug on pain variation were assessed using the VAS scale and endometriomas dimensions through ultrasonographic evaluation. Furthermore, has been valuated the appearance of side effects and the effect of the drug on bone metabolism by performing MOC every 24 months in group B.

RESULTS

157 patients were enrolled. The mean size of the major endometrioma progressively decreased from 33.2 mm (29.4-36.9) at T0 to 7 mm (0-15.8) after 108 months of treatment. We found a significant improvement in dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia and non-cyclic pelvic pain. As for the side effects, both groups complained menstrual alterations present in 22.9%. In 27.6% of group B, osteopenia was found. Group B had a higher percentage statistically significant of side effects such as headaches, weight gain and libido reduction compared to group A. 2 CONCLUSION: Long-term therapy with Dienogest has proven effective in controlling the symptoms of the disease and reducing the size of endometriomas, with an increase in the positive effects related to the duration of the intake and in the absence of serious adverse events. Study approved by the "Palermo 2" Ethics Committee on July 2, 2012 No. 16.

Pain Levels of Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis: Is There a Difference in Younger Women?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis affecting adolescent women are important in preventing chronic pain. Our aim was to analyze the clinical characteristics and severity of symptoms in adolescent patients with endometriosis compared with older patients.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral hospital analyzed women whose first consultation at the certified endometriosis center of Bern University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 resulted in the clinical diagnosis of endometriosis. Patients, divided into 2 groups by age, reported visual analog scale (VAS) scores for noncyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dysuria, and dyspareunia. The symptom types and severity in the 2 groups were compared. The young patients with endometriosis were analyzed in greater detail, comparing VAS scores and types of endometriosis.

RESULTS

From a total of 826 patients, 144 (17.4%) patients 24 years old or younger and 682 (82.6%) patients over 24 years old were compared. The younger patients reported significantly higher pain scores for dysmenorrhea (VAS 7.3 vs 6.6; P = .015), dyspareunia (VAS 4.6 vs 3.4; P = .001), and noncyclic pelvic pain (VAS 4.3 vs 3.7; P = .032) compared with the older patient collective. Similar results were found when excluding patients with hormonal treatment.

CONCLUSION

Young patients with clinically diagnosed endometriosis have significantly higher dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia pain levels than older patients. By acknowledging and understanding this, early diagnosis and adequate treatment can be promoted. Dyspareunia in adolescents in particular merits clinical attention.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Pediatrician Awareness of Infant Dyschezia in Indonesia

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of infant dyschezia as well as pediatrician awareness regarding this disease in Indonesia.

Methods

This is a two-part cross-sectional study, which was divided into study A and B. Study A: Parents whose infants were under 9 months old and attended well-baby clinics were recruited at two randomly selected primary health centers. Parents also provided information on the infant's previous medical history, and socio-demographic and family details. The Rome IV criteria was translated and validated to be used for diagnosis of infant dyschezia. Study B: Randomly selected pediatricians were surveyed by using a questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge regarding infant dyschezia.

Results

The prevalence of infant dyschezia based on the result of this study was 11.8%. Three risk factors had a significant relationship with infant dyschezia i.e., the number of children in the family (odds ratio [OR], 5.619; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.194-14.390; p<0.001), complementary food diet (OR, 4.238; 95% CI, 1.902-9.443; p<0.001), and social-emotional disturbance (OR, 5.670; 95% CI, 2.550-12.609; p<0.001). The percentage of pediatricians correctly diagnosed infant dyschezia was 71.5%. Most pediatricians agreed that they did not perform any diagnostic testing (79.7%) and only provided education in cases of infant dyschezia (58.5%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of infant dyschezia identified in our study was higher than that in other neighboring Asian countries, with the highest prevalence observed in infants 7-9 months old. Being an only child, receiving complementary food diet, and sociao-emotional disturbances were significant risk factors of infant dyschezia.

Prevalence and risk factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Vietnamese infants and young children

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common early in life. The prevalence of FGIDs varies among countries but is unknown in Vietnam. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of FGIDs in healthy Vietnamese infants and young children.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, observational study involving healthy infants and young children between 0 - 48 months old in Hanoi, Vietnam. A representative total of 1511 subjects completed the validated questionnaire on paediatric FGIDs. Rome IV criteria were used to define FGIDs.

RESULTS

For Vietnamese infants (0-6 months) and young children (7-48 months), the prevalence of having at least one FGID was 10.0% and only 0.6% was having more than one FGID. Infantile regurgitation (9.3%) was the most prevalent FGID among infants 0-6 months of age while all other FGIDs had a low prevalence between 0-2.5%. For young children between 7 - 48 months old, functional constipation was the most common disorder at the rate of 5.6%. Association analysis revealed that the risk of infant regurgitation was significantly lower among infants with exclusively breastfeeding at 2 - 3 months and 3 - 4 months, formula initiation at 0 - 1 months, and higher paternal education level. The prevalence of functional constipation was significantly higher in male subjects, children in families with annual household income between 273,000,000 - 546,999,999 VND (or estimate around 11,800 - 23,800 USD), families with one child only, and formula feeding initiation at 1 - 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of FGIDs in Vietnamese infants and young children is relatively low compared to the published literature using Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Infantile regurgitation was the most common FGID in Vietnamese infants while functional constipation was most prevalent among Vietnamese young children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Registry Identifier: NL7286/NTR7495 .

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain for the Gastroenterologist

Endometriosis, affecting 5-10% of reproductive-age women, is a common contributor to dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Diagnosis requires laparoscopic tissue biopsy, but careful pelvic examination, and/or imaging with either ultrasound or MRI, may identify patients who should receive empiric first-line therapy. The presence of dyschezia, particularly with cyclical exacerbation, should raise suspicion for bowel or rectovaginal septum involvement, and a greater need for surgical management. Treatment of dysmenorrhea includes hormonal suppression of the menstrual cycle, and/or analgesics; more severe cases with strong pain and disability may require earlier surgical intervention to excise disease while preserving fertility desires.

The frequency of and factors affecting functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants that presented to tertiary care hospitals

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infantile functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria, and to determine the associated patient demographic and nutritional characteristics. A total of 2383 infants aged 1-12 months which were evaluated by 28 general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists on the same day at nine tertiary care hospitals around Istanbul, Turkey, between November 2017 and March 2018, were included in the study. Patients included consulted the pediatric outpatient clinics because of any complaints, but not for vaccines and/or routine well child follow-ups as this is not part of the activities in the tertiary care hospitals. The patients were diagnosed with FGIDs based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria. The patients were divided into a FGID group and non-FGID group, and anthropometric measurements, physical examination findings, nutritional status, risk factors, and symptoms related to FGIDs were evaluated using questionnaires. Among the 2383 infants included, 837 (35.1%) had ≥1 FGIDs, of which 260 (31%) had already presented to hospital with symptoms of FGIDs and 577 (69%) presented to hospital with other symptoms, but were diagnosed with FGIDs by a pediatrician. Infant colic (19.2%), infant regurgitation (13.4%), and infant dyschezia (9.8%) were the most common FGIDs. One FGID was present in 76%, and ≥2 FGIDs were diagnosed in 24%. The frequency of early supplementary feeding was higher in the infants in the FGID group aged ≤6 months than in the non-FGID group (P = 0.039).Conclusion: FGIDs occur quite common in infants. Since early diversification was associated with the presence of FGIDs, nutritional guidance and intervention should be part of the first-line treatment. Only 31% of the infants diagnosed with a FGID were presented because of symptoms indicating a FGID. What is Known: • The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a very common disorder and affect almost half of all infants. • In infants, the frequency of FGIDs increases with mistakes made in feeding. When FGIDs are diagnosed in infants, nutritional support should be the first-line treatment. What is New: • This study shows that only a third of children presented to hospital because of the symptoms of FGIDs, but pediatricians were able to make the diagnosis in suspected infants after appropriate evaluation. • The early starting of complementary feeding (<6 months) is a risk factor for the development of FGIDs.

Surgical management of the rectocele - An update

Rectocele is defined as a hernia of the rectum with protrusion of the anterior rectal wall through the posterior wall of the vagina. This condition occurs commonly, with an estimated prevalence of 30-50% of women over age 50. The symptomatology that leads to consultation is variable but consists predominantly of anorectal and/or gynecological complaints such as dyschezia, requiring digital disimpaction maneuvers, pelvic heaviness, anal incontinence, or dyspareunia. Rectocele may be isolated or associated with other disorders of pelvic stasis involving cystocele and uterine prolapse. Complementary exams (dynamic imaging and anorectal manometry) are essential before deciding on the surgical management of this condition. The indications for surgical management of rectocele are based on the intensity of symptoms and the resulting deterioration in quality of life, and surgery should be discussed after failure of medical treatment. Different approaches are possible, although there is currently no real consensus in the literature. The initial approach depends on the type of rectocele: if it involves the low or mid rectum or is isolated, an approach from below (transanal, transperineal, or transvaginal approach) can be proposed, while, in the presence of a high rectocele and/or associated with various disorders of pelvic stasis, transabdominal rectopexy is more suitable.

Characterization of risk factors for floppy pouch complex in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis can be associated with a variety of complications, including floppy pouch complex (FPC). FPC is defined as the presence of pouch prolapse, afferent limb syndrome, enterocele, redundant loop, and folding pouch on pouchoscopy or contrasted pouchogram. The main symptoms of patients with FPC are dyschezia, incomplete evacuation, and bloating. The aims of the study were to evaluate the relative frequency of each disorder of FPC and to characterize its risk factors.

METHODS

This case-control study included all eligible patients with FPC from our prospectively maintained, IRB-approved Pouchitis Registry from 2011 to 2017. The control group included the patients without any of the above conditions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 437 eligible patients were analyzed including 97 (22.2%) with FPC and 340 (77.8%) without FPC, 188 (43.0%) being female, 360 (82.4%) being Caucasians, and 66 (15.1%) having a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There were 427 patients (97.7%) having J pouches and 10 (2.2%) having S pouches and the median duration from pouch construction to data sensor was 6.0 years (interquartile range 0.962-1.020). In the whole cohort, 64 (66.0%) patients had pouch prolapse, 38 (39.2%) patients had afferent limb syndrome, 10/42 (23.8%) patients had redundant loop, and 3/42 (7.1%) had folding pouch. In multivariable analysis, lower body weight (odds ratio [OR] 0.944; interquartile range; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.913-0.976, P = 0.001) and the presence of family history of IBD (OR 4.098; 95% CI 1.301-12.905, P = 0.013) were associated with a higher risk of FPC.

CONCLUSION

We found that pouch prolapse and afferent limb syndrome are the most common forms of FPC. A lower body weight as well as family history of IBD was found to be risk factors for FPC. The findings will have implications in both diagnosis and investigation of etiopathogenesis of this group of challenging disorders.

Effects of clarithromycin on inflammatory markers and clinical manifestations in postsurgical follow-up of patients with endometriosis: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

Studies showed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin in endometriosis. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of clarithromycin in patients with endometriosis.

METHODS

This was a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted on endometriotic women during March 2016-2017 in Dena Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Immediately after surgery, the patients were randomly divided into clarithromycin (real) (n = 120) and placebo group (n = 169). The real group received 500 mg of clarithromycin everyday for 6 months and the placebo group received the placebo. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein as well as clinical symptoms at baseline and 3 and 6 months of post-surgery were compared within and between groups.

RESULTS

The scores of dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dyspareunia, and non-menstrual pain significantly decreased in both real and placebo groups compared with the baseline values. However, the real group showed greater reductions compared with the placebo group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-10 decreased in both groups compared with the baseline values, but the real group showed greater reductions. Interestingly, the reductions in the clinical symptoms and serum levels did not significantly differ between the real and placebo groups. Moreover, the reductions in the studied variables showed no dependence on the time.

CONCLUSION

Clarithromycin may be an appropriate treatment in endometriotic patients. However, the non-significant differences between the real and placebo groups necessitate further studies on the therapeutic efficacy of clarithromycin.

[Use of botulinum toxin A in pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly: A review]

INTRODUCTION

The present article is the final report of a multi-disciplinary meeting supported by the GRAPPPA (group for research applied to pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly). The objective was to conduct a comprehensive review on the role of botulinum toxin A (BonTA) in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly.

METHODS

The present article, written as a comprehensive review of the literature, combines data issued from the scientific literature with expert's opinions. Review of the literature was performed using the online bibliographic database MedLine (National Library of Medicine). Regarding intra-detrusor BonTA injections, only articles focusing on elderly patients (>65 yo) were included. Regarding other localizations, given the limited number of data, all articles reporting outcomes of BonTA were included, regardless of studies population age. In case of missing or insufficient data, expert's opinions were formulated.

RESULTS

Although, available data are lacking in this specific population, it appears that BonTA could be used in the non-fraily elderly patients to treat overactive bladder or even neurogenic detrusor overactivity, with a success rate comparable to younger population at 3 months (88.9% vs. 91.2%), 6 months (49.4% vs. 52.1%) and 12 months (23.1% vs. 22.3%), as well as a significant decrease in number of voids per day (11.4 vs. 5.29 P<0.001) and in the number of pads per day (4.0 vs. 1.3, P<0.01). Furthermore, BonTA is likely to be offered in the future as a treatment of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome symptoms. Concerning bladder outlet obstruction/voiding dysfunction symptoms, intra-urethral sphincter BonTA should not be recommended.

CONCLUSION

BonTA injections are of interest in the management of various pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly, and its various applications should be better evaluated in this specific population in order to further determine its safety and efficacy.

Interrelationships among endometriosis-related pain symptoms and their effects on health-related quality of life: a sectional observational study

Objective

To assess the correlation between different pain symptoms and different domains of women's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Seventy-seven women with deep infiltrating endometriosis were successively enrolled between June 2011 and August 2013 while being prepared to undergo laparoscopy due to pain and/or infertility. We quantified the intensities of dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and dyschezia (menstrual and non-menstrual) using a 11-point visual analog scale (VAS: 0-10) and the validated full versions of the Short Form 36 (SF36) and Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP30) questionnaires to assess HRQoL. The pain symptoms were considered simultaneously in a hierarchical agglomerative clustering method (exploratory multivariate approach) and the associations among scores were tested by bivariate correlation.

Results

Dysmenorrhea showed the lowest similarity on to the multivariate cluster analysis and no statistically significant correlation with the other pain symptoms: deep dyspareunia (P=0.244), chronic pelvic pain (P=0.108), menstrual dyschezia (P=0.238), and non-menstrual dyschezia (P=0.380). Dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain were the main symptoms correlated with all domains of the SF36 and the EHP30 (core instrument) questionnaires (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain were independent factors associated with HRQoL.

Rectovaginal Splenosis: An Unexpected Cause of Dyspareunia Approached by Laparoscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the technique of laparoscopic approach in a rare case of rectovaginal splenosis with severe dyspareunia and dyschesia.

DESIGN

A step-by-step explanation of the patient's condition, diagnosis, surgical technique, and postoperative results (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

Splenosis consists of ectopic functioning splenic tissue that can be located anywhere within the abdomen or pelvis. Fragments are often multiple and range in diameter from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They are reddish-blue and are sessile or pedunculated. Their appearance can mimic that of neoplasms or endometriosis, which are the main differential diagnoses. Trauma and subsequent splenectomy is the cause in most cases. Splenosis is a benign condition usually found incidentally and is usually asymptomatic. The need for therapy is controversial, and treatment is suggested only in symptomatic cases, primarily those related to pelvic or abdominal lesions, as in our patient. The diagnosis of splenosis in a woman complaining of pelvic pain may present diagnostic difficulties. The splenic tissue has the macroscopic appearance of endometriosis, and its position in the pelvis also may suggest this diagnosis. Where excision of splenosis is considered necessary, the approach should be laparoscopic, unless this is considered too risky owing to the proximity of vital structures.

INTERVENTION

A 40-year-old woman was referred to our department for severe dyspareunia and dyschezia. The gynecologic examination revealed a painfull nodularity on the posterior vaginal cul de sac. Further evaluation with 2- and 3-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed several soft tissue nodules in the pouch of Douglas (POD), which were enhanced on contrast administration. She had undergone a splenectomy 15 years earlier after a car accident. A laparoscopic approach to a rectovaginal nodularity was performed. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in the dorsal decubitus position with her arms alongside her body and her legs in abduction. Pneumoperitoneum was achieved using a Veres needle placed at the umbilicus. Four trocars were placed: a 10-mm trocar at the umbilicus for the 0-degree laparoscope; a 5-mm trocar at the right anterosuperior iliac spine; a 5-mm trocar in the midline between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis, approximately 8 to 10 cm inferior to the umbilical trocar; and a 5-mm trocar at the left anterosuperior iliac spine. The entire pelvis was inspected for endometriotic lesions. In the pelvis, hypervascular and bluish nodules were visible with extension from the POD into the deep rectovaginal space. The macroscopic appearance was atypical for endometriotic implants. The nodularities were carefully dissected and excised, and histological assessment revealed splenic tissue. At the time of this report, the patient had been asymptomatic for 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Rectovaginal splenosis may mimic endometriosis. The laparoscopic approach to rectovaginal splenosis avoids an abdominal incision, with its associated pain and possible adhesion formation. It also provides a better view for dissection. In this patient, the splenosis was removed by laparoscopy, with no postoperative dyspareunia or dyschesia.

Pharmacological interventions on early functional gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms without structural or biochemical abnormalities. FGIDs are multifactorial conditions with different pathophysiologic mechanisms including altered motility, visceral hyperalgesia, brain-gut disturbance, genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Although in most cases gastrointestinal symptoms are transient and with spontaneous resolution in infancy multiple dietary changes and pharmacological therapy are often started despite a lack of evidence-based data. Our aim was to update and critically review the current literature to assess the effects and the clinical appropriateness of drug treatment in early (occurring in infants and toddlers) FGIDs.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Medline and GIMBE (Italian Group on Medicine Based on Evidence) databases, according to the methodology of the Critically Appraised Topics (CATs). We included reviews, clinical studies, and evidence-based guidelines reporting on pharmacological treatments. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning pharmacologic therapies in children with early FGIDs were included, and data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

We found no evidence-based guidelines or systematic reviews about the utility of pharmacological therapy in functional regurgitation, infant colic and functional diarrhea. In case of regurgitation associated with marked distress, some evidences support a short trial with alginate when other non pharmacological approach failed (stepped-care approach). In constipated infants younger than 6 months of age Lactulose is recommended, whilst in older ages Polyethylene glycol (PEG) represents the first-line therapy both for fecal disimpaction and maintenance therapy of constipation. Conversely, no evidence supports the use of laxatives for dyschezia. Furthermore, we found no RCTs regarding the pharmacological treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome, but retrospective studies showed a high percentage of clinical response using cyproheptadine, propanolol and pizotifen.

CONCLUSION

There is some evidence that a pharmacological intervention is necessary for rectal disimpaction in childhood constipation and that PEG is the first line therapy. In contrast, for the other early FGIDs there is a lack of well-designed high-quality RCTs and no evidence on the use of pharmacological therapy was found.

Difficult defecation in constipated patients and its relationship to colonic disorders

BACKGROUND

The importance in constipated subjects of having difficult defecation is poorly known. According to the Rome III criteria, constipated patients are classified as having either irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or functional constipation, depending on the presence and characteristics of abdominal pain. But, the Rome III criteria also identify another group of patients, labeled as suffering from functional anorectal disorders. Within this group, two complaints are akin to being constipated, but not labeled so: having dyssynergic defecation or inadequate defecation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to search for an association between difficult defecation and colonic transit abnormalities in constipated patients and, thus, shed some light on the definition of constipation according to the Rome III criteria.

PATIENTS

Four hundred four consecutive patients (81% female), aged 44.9 ± 16.6 years, with a BMI of 25.5 ± 6.4 kg/m(2) (mean ± SD), suffering from chronic constipation were included in the present study. After filling out a standard Rome III questionnaire, patients were classified as suffering from an irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or functional constipation. In addition, they were classified as complaining of difficult defecation or not. Patients completed the Bristol Stool Form Scale as well as visual analogue scales for constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. The colonic transit time was measured using radiopaque markers and analyzed according to three sites: the right colon, the left colon, and the rectosigmoid area.

RESULTS

Difficult defecation is more frequent in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (84%) than in patients with functional constipation (68%). It is associated with an increase in constipation and abdominal pain scores on Likert scales, and a longer oroanal transit time, due to a delay in the left part of the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that difficult defecation is part of a more generalized colorectal dysfunction in both irritable bowel syndrome and in functional constipation patients with an overlap of symptomatology. It also demonstrates the relative inadequacy of the Rome III criteria to describe the relationship between constipation and difficult defecation.

Fecal Evacuation Disorder Among Patients With Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Case-control Study

Background/Aims

Data on frequency of fecal evacuation disorder (FED) among patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), hitherto an enigmatic condition, are scanty. Moreover, most such studies had limitations due to small sample size and lack of inclusion of healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Forty patients with SRUS underwent symptom assessments, sigmoidoscopy, anorectal manometry, defecography, balloon expulsion test (BET); endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of anal sphincter complex was performed in a subgroup. Physiological tests (anorectal manometry and BET) were also performed in 19 HC.

Results

Patients with SRUS (26/40 male, age 37 [18–80] years) more often had FED than HC (10/19 male, age 43 [25–72] years) as shown by weight needed to expel the balloon (300 [0–700] g vs. 100 [0–400] g; P = 0.006), a trend towards abnormal BET (need of > 200 g weight for expulsion) (21/40 [53%] vs. 5/19 [26%], P = 0.058) and impaired anal relaxation (14/40 [35%] vs 2/19 [10.5%]; P = 0.048). Using Rome III criteria, most patients with SRUS reported having chronic constipation (36/40 [90%]) in spite of having normal (Bristol stool type IV, 21/40 [53%]) and diarrheal (types V, VI, VII, 6/40 [20%]) stool forms (Asian classification). SRUS patients more often (17/40 [43%]) had functional defecation disorder (Rome III criteria). Patients with SRUS with abnormal BET had thicker internal anal sphincter than those without (3.9 [3.4–7.0] mm vs 2.8 [2.0–4.0] mm; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

FED was commoner among patients with SRUS as evidenced by abnormal BET and sphincter relaxation. Those with abnormal BET had thicker internal sphincter on EUS than those without.

Efficacy of a CO2-releasing suppository in dyschezia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Constipation has a significant impact on quality of life. Aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and the efficacy for relieving dyschezia symptoms of a CO2-releasing suppository in a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

METHODS

Fifty-three office-based primary care physicians and 24 gastroenterologists conducted the study in France, between November 2010 and January 2012. Patients (aged 18-75 years) with dyschezia were eligible. Patients were randomly allocated a once-a-day suppository (CO2-releasing suppository or placebo) for 21 days. Primary endpoint was the change, from Day 0 to Day 21, in the intensity of discomfort related to dyschezia based on a self-assessed 0-100 visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

A total of 323 patients were randomized, i.e. 166 into the intervention group and 157 into the placebo group. Co-variance analysis showed a greater reduction in discomfort visual analogue scale score in the intervention group (-34.5mm; standard error of the mean: 1.8mm) than in the placebo group (-26.2mm; standard error of the mean: 1.9 mm; p<0.001). The greater efficacy of the CO2-releasing suppository was confirmed for all secondary efficacy parameters. No significant side effects for either treatment were observed.

CONCLUSION

A CO2-releasing suppository is more effective than a placebo for the relief of symptoms of dyschezia. This efficacy is associated with a good safety profile.