The central executive network moderates the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and gastrointestinal related issues

Although most adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, a smaller proportion will go on to be clinically diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Persons diagnosed with PTSD have a greater likelihood of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, the extent to which subclinical levels of post-traumatic stress (PTS) correspond with the incidence of GI issues in a normative sample is unclear. Resting state fMRI, medical history, psychological survey, and anthropometric data were acquired from the Enhanced Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample (n = 378; age range 18-85.6 years). The primary aim of this study was to test the main effect of subclinical PTS symptom severity on the number of endorsed GI issues. The secondary aim was to test the moderating effect of high versus low resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the central executive network (CEN) on the relationship between PTS symptom severity and GI issues. Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40) scores were positively associated with the number of endorsed GI issues (b = -0.038, SE = .009, p < .001). The interaction between TSC-40 scores and rsFC within the CEN was significant on GI issues after controlling for sociodemographic and cardiometabolic variables (b = -0.031, SE = .016, p < .05), such that above average rsFC within the CEN buffered the effect of TSC-40 scores on GI issues. Our findings of higher rsFC within the CEN moderating the magnitude of coincidence in PTS and GI symptom severity may reflect the mitigating role of executive control processes in the putative stress signaling mechanisms that contribute to gut dysbiosis.

Confirmatory validation of the patient health questionnaire - 4 (PHQ-4) for gastrointestinal disorders: A large-scale cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

Using the large Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Survey dataset, the aim of this study was to evaluate the construct and convergent validity and internal consistency of the PHQ-4 across both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal condition cohorts. Another aim was to provide descriptive information about the PHQ-4 including means, confidence intervals and percentage of caseness using a large representative sample.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 countries. Confirmatory factor and internal consistency analyses were conducted across subsamples of patients with gastrointestinal conditions (i.e., disorders of gut-brain interaction [DGBI; any DGBI, individual DGBI, and DGBI region], gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), coeliac disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer) and those without a gastrointestinal condition. Convergent validity was also assessed via a series of Pearson's correlation coefficients with PROMIS (physical and mental quality of life), and PHQ-12 (somatisation).

RESULTS

Based on 54,127 participants (50.9% male; mean age 44.34 years) confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable to excellent model fits for the PHQ-4 across all subsamples and individual DGBI and DGBI region (Comparative Fit Index >0.950, Tucker-Lewis Index >0.950, Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation <0.05, and Standardised Root Mean Square Residual <0.05). The PHQ-4 was found to demonstrate convergent validity (Pearson's correlation coefficients >±0.4), and good internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that the PHQ-4 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mental health symptomology in both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cohorts.

Severity and impact of digestive impairment perceived by patients with systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the severity and impact of gastrointestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and identify associated factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Non-controlled cross-sectional study of patients with SSc (2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria). The main variables were severity of gastrointestinal involvement according to the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 instrument (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) and dysphagia according to the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). We evaluated reflux, distension, diarrhoea, faecal soilage, constipation, emotional well-being and social functioning, as well as dysphagia. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and the EuroQol-5D-3L. The degree of skin fibrosis was assessed using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Multivariate models were constructed to analyse factors associated with gastrointestinal involvement and dysphagia.

RESULTS

Of the 75 patients with SSc included, 58.7% had moderate, severe or very severe reflux, 57.4% had constipation according to UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 and 49.7% had abdominal distension. Gastrointestinal symptoms interfered significantly with social functioning (42.7%) and emotional well-being (40.0%). Dysphagia (EAT-10≥3) was recorded in 52% of patients, and according to MNA-SF poor nutrition in 30.7%, and clear malnutrition requiring a nutritional intervention in 5.3%. Multivariate adjustment revealed an association between severity of gastrointestinal symptoms according to the mRSS (β=0.249; p=0.002) and Visual Analogue Scale 3-Level EuroQol-5D (VAS-EQ-5D-3L) (β=-0.302; p=0.001), whereas presence of dysphagia was associated with the mRSS (OR=2.794; p=0.015), VAS-EQ-5D-3L (OR=0.950; p=0.005) and malnutrition (MNA-SF≤7; OR=3.920; p=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SSc frequently present severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These are associated with poor quality of life, more severe skin involvement and malnutrition.

Association between Self-Perception of Chewing, Chewing Behavior, and the Presence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Given the changes in the digestive tract post-bariatric surgery, adapting to a new pattern of eating behavior becomes crucial, with special attention to the specifics of chewing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-perception of chewing, chewing behavior, and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in preoperative patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Sixty adult candidates for bariatric surgery at a public hospital in Belém (Brazil) were analyzed. Participants predominantly exhibited unilateral chewing patterns (91.6%), a fast chewing rhythm (73.3%), a large food bolus (80%), liquid intake during meals (36.7%), and 41.7% reported that chewing could cause some issue. Significant associations were found between the perception of causing problems and chewing scarcity (p = 0.006), diarrhea (p = 0.004), absence of slow chewing (p = 0.048), and frequent cutting of food with front teeth (p = 0.034). These findings reveal a relationship between the perception of chewing problems and chewing scarcity, presence of diarrhea, and fast chewing.

Evaluation of the impact of overlapping upper gastrointestinal symptoms on the clinical characteristics of patients with functional constipation, along with risk factor analysis

OBJECTIVES

Functional constipation (FC), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is usually overlapping with upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGS). We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of patients with FC overlapping UGS along with the related risk factors.

METHODS

The differences in the severity of constipation symptoms, psychological state, quality of life (QoL), anorectal motility and perception function, autonomic function, and the effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) among patients with FC in different groups were analyzed, along with the risk factors of overlapping UGS.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with FC alone, those with FC overlapping UGS had higher scores in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and lower scores in the Short Form-36 health survey (P < 0.05). Patients with FC overlapping UGS also had lower rectal propulsion, more negative autonomic nervous function, and worse BFT efficacy (P < 0.05). Overlapping UGS, especially overlapping functional dyspepsia, considerably affected the severity of FC. Logistic regression model showed that age, body mass index (BMI), anxiety, exercise, and sleep quality were independent factors influencing overlapping UGS in patients with FC.

CONCLUSIONS

Overlapping UGS reduces the physical and mental health and the QoL of patients with FC. It also increases the difficulty in the treatment of FC. Patient's age, BMI, anxiety, physical exercise, and sleep quality might be predictors for FC overlapping UGS.

Health Is Power, and Health Is Wealth: Understanding the Motivators and Barriers of African American/Black Male Immigrants With Gastrointestinal Conditions

The digestive health of African American/Black male immigrants in the United States has not been previously studied. Much of what is known about gastrointestinal (GI) concerns in this population is based on studies conducted on the overall Black American population. The purpose of this narrative study was to understand how African American/Black male immigrants with GI concerns navigated their GI condition. Fifteen African American/Black male immigrants from various cities in the United States participated in two remote focus groups to discover what motivates them to take control of their illness. Narrative analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Most men, 47% (n = 7), did not have health insurance, and 67% (n = 10) reported their income was less than US$52,000. The themes identified were: (1) lack of knowledge of GI, (2) denial of initial diagnosis, (3) self-discipline, (4) positive provider interactions, (5) health as a priority, and (6) advice to other African American/Black male immigrants experiencing GI. A strengths-based approach is necessary for describing the health-seeking behaviors among African American/Black male immigrants.

The Brain-Gut-Microbiome System: Pathways and Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the most prevalent physiological symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A growing body of largely preclinical research suggests that dysbiotic gut microbiota may modulate brain function and social behavior, yet little is known about the mechanisms that underlie these relationships and how they may influence the pathogenesis or severity of ASD. While various genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated in ASD, this review aims to provide an overview of studies elucidating the mechanisms by which gut microbiota, associated metabolites, and the brain interact to influence behavior and ASD development, in at least a subgroup of individuals with gastrointestinal problems. Specifically, we review the brain-gut-microbiome system and discuss findings from current animal and human studies as they relate to social-behavioral and neurological impairments in ASD, microbiota-targeted therapies (i.e., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) in ASD, and how microbiota may influence the brain at molecular, structural, and functional levels, with a particular interest in social and emotion-related brain networks. A deeper understanding of microbiome-brain-behavior interactions has the potential to inform new therapies aimed at modulating this system and alleviating both behavioral and physiological symptomatology in individuals with ASD.

The gut-brain axis and Parkinson disease: clinical and pathogenetic relevance

Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the most significant non-motor problems affecting people with Parkinson disease (PD). Pathogenetically, the gastrointestinal tract has been proposed to be the initial site of pathological changes in PD. Intestinal inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to initiation and progression of pathology in PD. However, the mechanisms underlying this "gut-brain" axis in PD remain unclear. PD patients can display a large variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to reduced quality of life and psychological distress. Gastrointestinal disorders can also limit patients' response to medications, and consequently negatively impact on neurological outcomes. Despite an increasing research focus, gastrointestinal disorders in PD remain poorly understood and their clinical management often suboptimal. This review summarises our understanding of the relevance of the "gut-brain" axis to the pathogenesis of PD, discusses the impact of gastrointestinal disorders in patients with PD, and provides clinicians with practical guidance to their management.

Prevalence and Impact of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Systematic Review

Psychological distress is often observed in patients with gastrointestinal illness. To date, there has been limited research conducted to assess the prevalence and impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in gastrointestinal cohorts. The aim of this systematic review is to review the evidence for the prevalence of PTSD in gastrointestinal cohorts versus comparator groups (healthy controls and chronic illness groups), predictive factors associated with the development and management of PTSD and the impact on patient outcomes. Adult studies were identified through systematic searches of eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Ovid Nursing, CINAHL, Informit Health Collection, and Cochrane Library) in February 2020. The overall pooled prevalence rate of PTSD in GI cohorts was 36%; however, the prevalence rate in non-veteran-specific gastrointestinal cohorts of 18% across all GI classification groups is likely to be the more representative rate. The non-gastrointestinal chronic illness cohort PTSD prevalence rate was 11%. Predictors identified in the development of post-traumatic stress in gastrointestinal cohorts include: female gender, poor social support, life adversity, subjective pain, and dietary choices. Post-traumatic stress was found to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in a Crohn's Disease sample, whereby disease exacerbation was four times in those who met the criteria for probable PTSD. Post-traumatic stress symptoms affect around one in five individuals (non-veteran status) with a gastrointestinal condition. Further research is needed to understand the psychological and biological mechanisms by which PTSD increases the risk of developing and exacerbating gastrointestinal symptoms.

Dietary Fat Effect on the Gut Microbiome, and Its Role in the Modulation of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report a higher frequency and severity of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) than typically developing (TD) children. GID-associated discomfort increases feelings of anxiety and frustration, contributing to the severity of ASD. Emerging evidence supports the biological intersection of neurodevelopment and microbiome, indicating the integral contribution of GM in the development and function of the nervous system, and mental health, and disease balance. Dysbiotic GM could be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of GID in children with ASD. High-fat diets may modulate GM through accelerated growth of bile-tolerant bacteria, altered bacterial ratios, and reduced bacterial diversity, which may increase the risk of GID. Notably, saturated fatty acids are considered to have a pronounced effect on the increase of bile-tolerant bacteria and reduction in microbial diversity. Additionally, omega-3 exerts a favorable impact on GM and gut health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Despite inconsistencies in the data elaborated in the review, the dietary fat composition, as part of an overall dietary intervention, plays a role in modulating GID, specifically in ASD, due to the altered microbiome profile. This review emphasizes the need to conduct future experimental studies investigating the effect of diets with varying fatty acid compositions on GID-specific microbiome profiles in children with ASD.

Short intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not impair intestinal barrier function

Background and aim

Psychological stress has been shown to increase intestinal permeability and is associated with the development of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate skydiving as an alternative model to analyse the effect of acute psychological stress on intestinal barrier function.

Materials and methods

Twenty healthy subjects participated in a tandem skydive followed by a negative control visit, of which 19 (9 females and 10 males, 25.9 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test. Sucrose recovery and lactulose/rhamnose ratio in 0-5h urine indicated gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability, respectively, and sucralose/erythritol ratio in 5-24h urine indicated colonic permeability. Blood samples were taken to assess markers associated with barrier function. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03644979) on August 23, 2018.

Results

Skydiving resulted in a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels directly after skydiving compared to the control visit. Cortisol levels were still increased two hours after landing, while cortisol levels before skydiving were not significantly different from the baseline at the control visit. Skydiving did not induce a significant increase in gastroduodenal, small intestinal or colonic permeability. There was also no significant increase in plasma intestinal and liver fatty acid-binding proteins, suggesting no damage to the enterocytes.

Discussion

These results show that the acute intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not affect intestinal permeability in healthy subjects. Future models aiming to investigate the effect of stress on human intestinal barrier function should consider a more sustained exposure to the psychological stressor.

Influence of trauma on clinical outcomes, quality of life and healthcare resource utilization following psychogastroenterology intervention

INTRODUCTION

Patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are more likely to report a history of psychological trauma, including abuse, compared with controls. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of trauma amongst patients in a GI behavioral health program and assess the impact of trauma on GI-specific quality of life, psychological distress, and healthcare utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis for 205 patients who completed treatment in the GI behavioral health program. Measures included the IBS-QOL and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), as well as a retrospective chart review to examine healthcare utilization (HCU).

RESULTS

Patients with a trauma history had significantly greater psychological distress on the BSI-18 compared with controls (63.32 vs 57.40, p < .001). Patients with trauma also endorsed significantly poorer GI-specific QOL compared with controls (54.57 vs 64.15, p = .001). Patients with and without trauma demonstrated improvements in distress and GI-specific QOL following behavioral treatment. Comparison of one year pre and post treatment HCU revealed a mean decrease in HCU from 6.87 contacts to 4.21 contacts per year.

CONCLUSIONS

In a sample of GI behavioral health patients, those with a history of trauma endorsed higher levels of distress and poorer GI-specific QOL at baseline. Both groups benefitted equally from behavioral treatment. The impact of GI behavioral treatment on patient mental health, GI-specific quality of life and HCU lends support to the assessment of patient trauma history by gastroenterologists in order to provide more comprehensive treatment for their GI health.

Increased COVID-19 Lockdown Burden in Italian Adults with Gastrointestinal Diseases

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes not only severe illness but also detrimental effects associated with the lockdown measures. The present study aimed to evaluate reported lifestyle changes in a cohort of adults in Italy, including physical exercise, food choices, and psychological wellbeing, after two months of lockdown.

METHODS

A web survey on social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) of 32 multiple-choice questions aiming to evaluate the impact of the national COVID-19 lockdown in a sample of Italian adults.

RESULTS

We received 1378 complete responses (women 68.3%, mean age 39.5 ± 12.5 years). The percentage of participants reporting regular exercise decreased during lockdown (52 vs. 56.5%). The vast majority of people continued to consume the three traditional meals per day, but the consumption of meat, fish, and eggs significantly decreased. Women reported more frequent anxiety, sadness, fear, and feelings of insecurity than men. The factors predicting the worst outcome during the lockdown were being a woman, low education and income, gastrointestinal diseases.

CONCLUSION

The lockdown has had a limited impact on food choices and physical exercise in Italian adults of our series, since most of them made an effort to improve their lifestyle. However, women with gastrointestinal diseases reported more frequent negative feelings and poor adaptation to the lockdown.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: Relationship with anxiety and perceived stress

BACKGROUND

Psychological stress and anxiety, such those generated by forced quarantine, affect gastrointestinal symptoms course in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, our aim was to assess, in a cohort of patients regularly followed up in a devoted outpatient clinic of Southern Italy, the association between their gastrointestinal symptoms changes, stress, and anxiety reported during the Italian lockdown.

METHODS

We recruited patients from the outpatient clinic of the University of Salerno, devoted to functional gastrointestinal disorders, selecting only patients for whom an evaluation was available in the last 6 months before the lockdown. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated at each visit through standardized questionnaire and pooled in a database. On 45th days from the beginning of the lockdown, patients were re-assessed by phone with the same questionnaire. Anxiety and stress levels were assessed through a self-administered online questionnaire based on Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 test and Perceived Stress Scale 10 test.

KEY RESULTS

The intensity-frequency scores of several upper gastrointestinal symptoms improved (Wilcoxon test <0.05). Higher anxiety levels had a higher risk of worsening chest pain (OR 1.3 [1.1-1.7]), waterbrash (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.7]), epigastric burning (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.6]), and abdominal pain (OR 1.6 [1.0-2.3]). When compared to the interval preceding the outbreak, half of the patients declared their symptoms remained unchanged, 13.6% worsened, and 36.4% improved.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

During the COVID-19 quarantine, there was an improvement of the majority of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in our patients, and anxiety seems an important risk of worsening few of them.

Psychological comorbidity in gastrointestinal diseases: Update on the brain-gut-microbiome axis

The high comorbidity of psychological disorders in both functional and organic gastrointestinal diseases suggests the intimate and complex link between the brain and the gut. Termed the brain-gut axis, this bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and enteric nervous system relies on immune, endocrine, neural, and metabolic pathways. There is increasing evidence that the gut microbiome is a key part of this system, and dysregulation of the brain-gut-microbiome axis (BGMA) has been implicated in disorders of brain-gut interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome, and in neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorder. Further, alterations in the gut microbiome have been implicated in the pathogenesis of organic gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. The BGMA is an attractive therapeutic target, as using prebiotics, probiotics, or postbiotics to modify the gut microbiome or mimic gut microbial signals could provide novel treatment options to address these debilitating diseases. However, despite significant advancements in our understanding of the BGMA, clinical data is lacking. In this article, we will review current understanding of the comorbidity of gastrointestinal diseases and psychological disorders. We will also review the current evidence supporting the key role of the BGMA in this pathology. Finally, we will discuss the clinical implications of the BGMA in the evaluation and management of psychological and gastrointestinal disorders.

Association between gastrointestinal symptoms and depression among older adults in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Older adults with depression more frequently experience somatic and gastrointestinal (GI) problems compared with people without depression and younger adults with depression. However, whether GI symptoms are predictive of elevated rates of depression among older adults is unclear.

METHODS

We enrolled 106 older adults (>60 years old); 69 had late-life depression (LLD), and 37 were controls. All participants gave ratings on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Food consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and a Mediterranean diet score was used as a covariate.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, patients with LLD reported higher levels of depressive and GI symptoms and reported more reflux, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia symptoms, and these symptoms were correlated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores (GSRS total: β = 0.47; reflux: β = 1.47; abdominal pain: β = 1.98; dyspepsia: β = 1.02; all p < 0.01). After demographic variables and Mediterranean diet score were controlled for, a logistic regression analysis indicated that total GSRS score was an independent determinant of LLD (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38). Moreover, a stratified analysis by depression severity indicated that higher total GSRS score may contribute to greater depression severity (odds ratio: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04-1.52).

CONCLUSION

We provide evidence that GI symptoms are associated with depressive symptoms among patients with LLD. Older people with more specific GI symptoms, such as reflux, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia, are potentially at greater risk of having LLD.

'The voice of the stomach': the mind, hypochondriasis and theories of dyspepsia in the nineteenth century

Physicians and surgeons during the nineteenth century were eager to explore the causes of stomach and intestinal illnesses. Theories abounded that there was a sympathy between the mind and the body, especially in the case of the dyspepsia. The body was thought to have physical symptoms from the reactions of the mind, especially in the case of hypochondriasis. Digestive problems had a mental component, but mental anguish could also result from physical problems. Dissertations from aspiring as well as established physicians probed the mental causes of irritable bowel diseases and other diseases in the medical literature. Healing was thought to come from contextualizing the link between the problems of the mind and the resulting physical problems of the body.

Antidepressants for functional abdominal pain disorders in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (FAPDs) present a considerable burden to paediatric patients, impacting quality of life, school attendance and causing higher rates of anxiety and depression disorders. There are no international guidelines for the management of this condition. A previous Cochrane Review in 2011 found no evidence to support the use of antidepressants in this context.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for FAPDs in children and adolescents.

SEARCH METHODS

In this updated review, we searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and two clinical trial registers from inception until 03 February 2020. We also updated our search of databases of ongoing research, reference lists and 'grey literature' from inception to 03 February 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antidepressants to placebo, to no treatment or to any other intervention, in children aged 4 to 18 years with a FAPD diagnosis as per the Rome or any other defined criteria (as defined by the authors). The primary outcomes of interest included treatment success (as defined by the authors), pain severity, pain frequency and withdrawal due to adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors checked all citations independently, resolving disagreement with a third-party arbiter. We reviewed all potential studies in full text, and once again made independent decisions, with disagreements resolved by consensus. We conducted data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessments independently, following Cochrane methods. Where homogeneous data were available, we performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model. We conducted GRADE analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We found one new study in this updated search, making a total of three trials (223 participants) eligible for inclusion: two using amitriptyline (AMI) and one using citalopram. For the primary outcome of treatment success, two studies used reports of success on a symptom-based Likert scale, with either a two-point reduction or the two lowest levels defined as success. The third study defined success as a 15% improvement in quality of life (QOL) ratings scales. Therefore, meta-analysis did not include this final study due to the heterogeneity of the outcome measure. There is low-certainty evidence that there may be no difference when antidepressants are compared with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 1.56; 2 studies, 205 participants; I2 = 0%). We downgraded the evidence for significant imprecision due to extremely sparse data (see Summary of findings table 1). The third study reported that participants receiving antidepressants were significantly more likely than those receiving placebo to experience at least a 15% improvement in overall QOL score at 10 and 13 weeks (P = 0.007 and P = 0.002, respectively (absolute figures were not given)). The analysis found no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events between antidepressants and placebo: RR 3.17 (95% CI 0.65 to 15.33), with very low certainty due to high risk of bias in studies and imprecision due to low event and participant numbers. Sensitivity analysis using a fixed-effect model and analysing just for AMI found no change in this result. Due to heterogeneous and limited reporting, no further meta-analysis was possible.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There may be no difference between antidepressants and placebo for treatment success of FAPDs in childhood. There may be no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events, but this is also of low certainty. There is currently no evidence to support clinical decision making regarding the use of these medications. Further studies must consider sample size, homogenous and relevant outcome measures and longer follow up.

The Relationship Between Autonomic Dysfunction of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Emotional Distress in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that emotional distress in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with moderate to severe gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is associated with dysautonomia. We sought to determine (1) the clinical characteristics associated with emotional distress in SSc, (2) the odds of having dysautonomia in those with emotional distress, and (3) whether GI dysautonomia, as measured by the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS), correlates with GI dysautonomia on the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31).

METHODS

Clinical and demographic features from our prospective cohort study were compared among SSc patients with and without GI-associated emotional distress (University of California at Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 well-being subscale >0.5 or ≤0.5) in cross-sectional analysis. Covariates/confounders independently associated with emotional distress were used to construct multivariable logistic regression models. The COMPASS-31 and SAS GI subdomains were compared with Spearman correlation.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients with SSc were enrolled in the study. In univariate analyses, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; p = 0.026), severity of GI dysautonomia (COMPASS-31: OR, 1.41; p = 0.003), anti-centromere (A/B) antibodies (OR, 3.60; p = 0.044), and anti-PM-Scl (75/100) antibodies (OR, 0.15; p = 0.035) were associated with emotional distress. In the adjusted model, those with more severe GI dysautonomia remained more likely to have emotional distress (OR, 1.85; p = 0.026); those with anti-PM-Scl (75/100) antibodies were less likely to have emotional distress (OR, 0.03; p = 0.031). The SAS and COMPASS-31 GI subdomains moderately correlated (ρ = 0.68, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In SSc, increased symptom burden related to GI dysautonomia is associated with emotional distress. Multidisciplinary approaches addressing both the physical and emotional needs of the SSc patient may be warranted to optimize patient care.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders: advances in understanding and management

Gastrointestinal symptoms are highly prevalent, but many people who have them will have no organic explanation for their symptoms. Most of these people will be labelled as having a functional gastrointestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, or functional constipation. These conditions affect up to 40% of people at any one point in time, and two-thirds of these people will have chronic, fluctuating symptoms. The pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders is complex, but involves bidirectional dysregulation of gut-brain interaction (via the gut-brain axis), as well as microbial dysbiosis within the gut, altered mucosal immune function, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Hence, nomenclature refers to the conditions as disorders of gut-brain interaction. Psychological comorbidity is common; however, whether or not this predates, or is driven by, symptoms is not clear. Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders can feel stigmatised, and often this diagnosis is not communicated effectively by physicians, nor is education provided. Prompt identification and treatment of these conditions is crucial as they have a considerable impact on health-care systems and society as a whole because of repeated consultations, unnecessary investigations and surgeries, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine use, and impaired health-related quality of life and ability to work. Symptom-based criteria are used to make a diagnosis, with judicious use of limited investigations in some patients. The general principles of treatment are based on a biopsychosocial understanding and involve management of physical symptoms and, if present, psychological comorbidity. In the future, treatment approaches to functional gastrointestinal disorders are likely to become more personalised, based not only on symptoms but also underlying pathophysiology and psychology.

Implementing psychological therapies for gastrointestinal disorders in pediatrics

INTRODUCTION

The brain-gut axis refers to complex and reciprocal interactions that impact symptom presentation and disease course within the GI tract. Psychological therapies included in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as well as chronic gut disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) address environmental and psychological factors impacting patients' symptoms and overall functioning.

AREAS COVERED

Employing a biopsychosocial approach, this review focuses on the evidence for and implementation of psychological therapies across pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.

EXPERT OPINION

By developing a working knowledge of evidence-based psychological therapies applicable to pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, clinicians have the opportunity to comprehensively treat patients' symptoms and distress. Regular communication and coordination between pediatric gastroenterology clinicians and providers of psychological therapies offers the greatest likelihood for successfully implementing psychological therapies into treatment plans.

Is there a causal link between psychological disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders?

INTRODUCTION

Psychological distress is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) but only evidence from prospective longitudinal and treatment studies can indicate whether the link between FGIDs and psychological distress is causal. Emerging evidence suggests underlying biological mechanisms may explain the association of psychological distress with FGIDs.

AREAS COVERED

This review critically evaluates whether anxiety and/or depression and FGIDs are causally related including evidence for a temporal sequence, strength and specificity of the association, biological gradient, and biological plausibility.

EXPERT OPINION

Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological factors are causal for symptoms in a subset of FGID patients and not explained by health care seeking behavior (brain-gut disorder). In other cases, psychological factors may arise secondary to intestinal disease (gut-brain disorder). Prospective population-based studies are needed in FGIDs other than IBS and FD to determine if a similar brain-gut and gut-brain syndrome exists. Treatment studies have not phenotyped FGIDs according to brain-gut versus gut-brain origins which may be important in understanding true treatment efficacy. Future research needs to unravel biological mechanisms that may explain the link between psychological factors and FGIDs but promising data in the area of the brain-gut-immune-microbe axis is emerging.

Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the nature, current evidence of efficacy, recent developments, and future prospects for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy, the two best established psychological interventions for managing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

New large randomized controlled trials are showing that cost-effective therapy delivery formats (telephone-based, Internet-based, fewer therapist sessions, or group therapy) are effective for treating GI disorders. CBT and hypnotherapy can produce substantial improvement in the digestive tract symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life of GI patients. However, they have long been hampered by limited scalability and significant cost, and only been sufficiently tested for a few GI health problems. Through adoption of more cost-effective therapy formats and teletherapy, and by expanding the scope of efficacy testing to additional GI treatment targets, these interventions have the potential to become widely available options for improving clinical outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat GI disorders.

Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the nature, current evidence of efficacy, recent developments, and future prospects for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy, the two best established psychological interventions for managing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

New large randomized controlled trials are showing that cost-effective therapy delivery formats (telephone-based, Internet-based, fewer therapist sessions, or group therapy) are effective for treating GI disorders. CBT and hypnotherapy can produce substantial improvement in the digestive tract symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life of GI patients. However, they have long been hampered by limited scalability and significant cost, and only been sufficiently tested for a few GI health problems. Through adoption of more cost-effective therapy formats and teletherapy, and by expanding the scope of efficacy testing to additional GI treatment targets, these interventions have the potential to become widely available options for improving clinical outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat GI disorders.

Novel aspects of enteric serotonergic signaling in health and brain-gut disease

Gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities are common in individuals with mood and behavioral dysfunction. Similarly, patients with GI problems more commonly suffer from co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. Although the central and enteric nervous systems (CNS and ENS, respectively) have largely been studied separately, there is emerging interest in factors that may contribute to disease states involving both systems. There is strong evidence to suggest that serotonin may be an important contributor to these brain-gut conditions. Serotonin has long been recognized for its critical functions in CNS development and function. The majority of the body's serotonin, however, is produced in the GI tract, where it plays key roles in ENS development and function. Further understanding of the specific impact that enteric serotonin has on brain-gut disease may lay the foundation for the creation of novel therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current data focusing on the important roles that serotonin plays in ENS development and motility, with a focus on novel aspects of serotonergic signaling in medical conditions in which CNS and ENS co-morbidities are common, including autism spectrum disorders and depression.

Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases

Eating disorders (ED) are frequently associated with a wide range of psychiatric or somatic comorbidities. The most relevant ED are anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorders (BED). Patients with ED exhibit both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Evidence of alterations throughout the GI tract in ED will be analyzed given the role of the GI tract in food intake and its regulation. It remains a matter of debate whether GI disorders are inherent manifestations of ED or the results of malnutrition occurring from ED. Moreover, recent clinical studies have highlighted the growing role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of ED, making it possible to hypothesize a modulation of intestinal microbiota as a co-adjuvant to standard therapy. The aim of this review is to analyze the link between ED and GI diseases and to present, where known, the potential key factors underlying these conditions. Conclusions: The presence of GI disorders should be investigated in patients with ED. Screening for ED should also be encouraged in individuals seeking treatment for unexplained GI complaints to better address therapeutic issues that surround these difficult medical conditions.

Impact of gastrointestinal conditions, restrictive diets and mental health on health-related quality of life: cross-sectional population-based study in Australia

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between gastrointestinal conditions, restrictive diets, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional population-based face-to-face survey.

SETTING

South Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

A representative sample of 2912 consenting adults (48.9±18.1 years; 50.9% females) investigated in 2015.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants self-reported diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions, mental health and current use of restrictive diets. The physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) of HRQoL were investigated (Study Short Form 12 V.1 questionnaire). Linear regression models were used to test the associations, adjusting for (1) sociodemographic variables, (2) mental health status and (3) lifestyle and body mass index.

RESULTS

The prevalence of restrictive diets (36.1%; 95% CI 33.9 to 38.3) was higher among those with any self-reported gastrointestinal condition (60.7% vs 31.3% for those without these conditions; p<0.001). PCS was lower among those with a gastrointestinal condition (mean difference=-3.4; 95% CI -4.5 to -2.4) or on a restrictive diet (mean difference=-1.9; 95% CI -2.7 to -1.1), with a similar pattern, but with a smaller effect, observed for MCS. Being on a restrictive diet did not modify the relationship between having a gastrointestinal condition and reduced HRQoL. However, having a gastrointestinal condition was associated with a 2.4 points lower PCS (95% CI -3.5 to -1.3) among those without a mental health problem, while for those affected by a mental health condition this reduction was greater (mean difference=-5.9; 95% CI -8.7 to -3.1). For MCS, there was no evidence of interaction between mental health and gastrointestinal conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of Australian adults are restricting their diet, and this is associated with lower HRQoL. Being on a restrictive diet was not associated with a better HRQoL among individuals with a gastrointestinal condition. Mental health problems were associated with a stronger adverse relationship between gastrointestinal diseases and physical HRQoL. Health professionals should be alert to these associations when trying to improve health outcomes for patients.

The role of psychological factors in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders

BACKGROUND

Pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are disorders of brain-gut dysregulation. Psychological factors are known to be related to etiology, maintenance, and exacerbation of pediatric FAPDs. With the evolving literature in the past two decades, a better understanding has emerged of precisely which psychological factors are associated with childhood FAPDs.

PURPOSE

This narrative literature review summarizes the literature of both child and parent psychological factors in pediatric FAPD. Where anxiety and depression were major targets in the older literature, present-day focus is increasingly on pain-specific cognitions and coping strategies including disease threat and catastrophizing. In addition, parental reaction to a child's pain is increasingly recognized as an important moderator of a child's outcomes and has become an area for clinical intervention. Screening for these factors and integrative treatment approaches are recommended in childhood FAPD.

Integrating psychosocial approaches into the management of childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: a role for social work

FGID is one of the most common pain conditions in children and adversely affects their functioning and quality of life. Recent approaches to the management of paediatric FGID recognise the importance of an integrated biopsychosocial approach. Unfortunately, research findings show that psychosocial factors are often not adequately addressed in the management of FGID in children. We recently conducted a survey of 327 paediatric doctors in Australia to investigate their approaches to managing two of the most common childhood FGID - functional abdominal pain (FAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Findings provide important insights into paediatricians' perceptions of the role of psychosocial issues and interventions in these conditions. Implications for social work are discussed.

Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined intestinal motility disorders, which are disabling conditions associated with chronic functional constipation, whose pathogenesis is actually not well-defined.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and functional chronic constipation associated to intestinal motility disorders.

METHODS

We performed a prospective case-control study, from May-June to November 2017. Glucose/lactulose breath tests, radiopaque markers (multiple capsule techniques) and wireless motility capsule analysis were used to assess colonic and oro-cecal transit time, after excluding small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth condition. Then, we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with intestinal motility disorders and we further evaluated the influence of intestinal motility disorders on psychological symptoms/quality of life using validated questionnaires, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of life (IBS-QOL), the Short Form Health Survey 12, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 14 (HADS-14 A and HADS-14 D).

RESULTS

We enrolled 86 patients with chronic functional constipation associated to intestinal motility disorders and 86 matched healthy subjects. Patients with intestinal motility disorders had lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (P < 0.001), and they showed a significant impairment of all health-related quality of life and psychological tests (IBS-QOL, Short Form Health Survey 12-Physical Component Summary, Short Form Health Survey 12-Mental Component Summary, HADS-14 A and HADS-14 D), as compared to the control group (P < 0.001), which significantly correlated with low vitamin D levels (r = - 0.57, P < 0.001; r = 0.21, P = 0.01; r = - 0.48, P < 0.001; r = - 0.57, P < 0.001; r = - 0.29, P < 0.001, respectively). At multivariate analysis vitamin D low levels remained a significant independent risk factor for the occurrence of intestinal motility disorder (odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.26, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency, anxiety and depression symptoms are commonly associated with chronic functional constipation induced by intestinal motility disorders. Vitamin D serum levels should be routinely measured in these patients.

Increased stool immunoglobulin A level in children with autism spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

There are currently no effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, alleviating gastrointestinal (GI) problems, which are prevalent in ASD patients, can significantly improve the core symptoms of autism. Previous studies have associated GI disorders in ASD patients with abnormal gut microbiota, although few disease-related microorganisms have been identified. Considering that the gut microbiome affects the intestinal immune system and the patient's behavior, and that immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main antibody secreted by intestinal immune cells, we investigated stool IgA content as a means of understanding the gut immune status of ASD patients. The IgA level in gut can be used as factor to know the Gene x Environment interactions and diagnose of ASDs.

METHODS

We enrolled 43 ASD patients and 31 gender- and age-matched healthy children. Stool IgA content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We found that IgA levels were significantly higher in stool samples from ASD patients than from healthy children (p<0.05, Student's t test).

CONCLUSIONS

This finding may suggest the presence of gut immune abnormalities in ASD patients. Further studies with larger patient and control cohorts will be necessary to determine whether stool IgA levels can be used as a biomarker for ASDs.

Anxiety, depression, and anger in functional gastrointestinal disorders: A Cross-sectional observational study

Previous studies have identified a link between anger and somatization. However, little is known about the associations between anger and the development and progression of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID). The study aim was to determine the associations between FGID and anger, anxiety, and depression. Participants in this cross-sectional observational study were 109 consecutive patients aged 18-64 years with FGID at Gastroenterology Clinic of Başkent University Hospital. A control group comprised of 96 individuals with no chronic gastrointestinal disorders recruited via snowball sampling. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained and participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. FGID participants scored higher than controls on depression, anxiety, state anger, and anger expression-in. When the FGID group was divided into upper and lower gastrointestinal symptom groups, the lower symptom group showed higher anger expression-out scores than the upper symptom group. Anger may contribute to the etiology and development of FGID. This is the first study to demonstrate a significant psychological difference between individuals with lower and upper FGID. Interdisciplinary collaboration with gastroenterologists and psychiatrists could strengthen FGID evaluation and may improve treatment compliance.

[Psychosomatics in gastroenterology - statement of the Work Group for Psychosomatics in Gastroenterology of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS)]

The Association Psychosomatics in Gastroenterology of the DGVS aims to sharpen the profile of psychosomatic proportions in diagnostics, differential diagnostics and therapy of gastroenterological diseases, increasingly establish psychosomatic aspects in further education and clinical practice guidelines, deepen the cooperation with psychosomatic societies and strengthen the job satisfaction and mental health of gastroenterologists in Germany.

[Advances in neurobiological mechanisms of comorbid depression and gastrointestinal disease]

Depression is a common mood disorder, which is harmful to public health critically. Gastrointestinal diseases are a series of diseases with both dynamic changes and organic disease, including functional gastrointestinal disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, and gastric ulcer. In recent years, the phenomena of comorbid depression and gastrointestinal disease have become common, however, most patients were diagnosed as unilateral depression or gastrointestinal disease in the clinical treatment process, resulting in delayed treatment or even invalid. The present review focuses on some of the clinical symptoms of comorbid depression and gastrointestinal disease, and begins to explore the possible pathogenesis, so as to find out the potential neurobiological pathways of comorbidity. Consequently, the more attention on comorbid depression and gastrointestinal disease will be paid, and the clinical and basic research of comorbidity and the drug development will be provided.

Association of Rigid-Compulsive Behavior with Functional Constipation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Based upon checklist data from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, we hypothesized that functional constipation (FC) would be associated with rigid-compulsive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome III to assess FC symptoms in 108 children with ASD. As hypothesized, FC was associated with parent ratings on the Repetitive Behavior Scales-Revised (RBS-R) Compulsive, Ritualistic, and Sameness subscales in the overall population. Of note, FC was less common in children who were not taking medications that target behavior or treat FC. In the medication-free children, rigid-compulsive behavior was not significantly associated with FC. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations.

Personal relative deprivation associated with functional disorders via stress: An examination of fibromyalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms

BACKGROUND

Personal relative deprivation is a negative social comparison process typified by self-comparison, negative appraisal, and resultant negative emotionality. Personal relative deprivation has been associated with poorer physical and mental health in several domains. It has been hypothesized that the deprivation-health link operates through a stress pathway. Stress has been specifically implicated in the onset and maintenance of functional disorders, including fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Despite the theoretical links between personal deprivation, stress, and functional disorders, researchers have not assessed relationships between these variables.

METHODS

We recruited community participants (n = 517; 54.9% female) to examine whether personal relative deprivation can account for variance in fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal symptoms beyond known demographic correlates of physical health. We also examined whether the relationships between personal relative deprivation and functional disorder symptoms are mediated by stress.

RESULTS

Consistent with our hypotheses, personal relative deprivation accounted for symptom variance in fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders beyond that accounted for by demographic variables alone. Further, self-reported stress was found to mediate relationships between personal relative deprivation and fibromyalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results support biopsychosocial models of physical health and suggest that, for patients presenting with functional disorders symptoms, a combination of biological and psychosocial interventions may be warranted.

Association of gastrointestinal events with quality of life and treatment satisfaction in osteoporosis patients: results from the Medication Use Patterns, Treatment Satisfaction, and Inadequate Control of Osteoporosis Study (MUSIC OS)

The purpose of this study was to assess the association of GI events with HRQoL and treatment satisfaction. The effect of baseline GI events persisted through 1 year of follow-up, as indicated by lower EQ-5D, OPAQ-SV, and treatment satisfaction scores among patients with vs without baseline GI events. The presence of GI events is an independent predictor of decreased HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in patients being treated for osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

The goal of this study was to assess the association of gastrointestinal (GI) events with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction in patients being treated for osteoporosis.

METHODS

MUSIC OS was a multinational, prospective, observational study examining the impact of GI events on osteoporosis management in postmenopausal women. In this analysis, HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months and compared between patients with and without GI events. Covariate-adjusted scores were calculated using multivariate least-squares regression analysis, and differences between the mean scores of patients with and without baseline and post-baseline GI events were determined.

RESULTS

Among the 2959 patients in the analysis, unadjusted scores at each time point were lower (i.e., worse) for patients with GI events than patients without GI events. In adjusted analyses, the effect of baseline GI events persisted through 1 year of follow-up, as indicated by lower EQ-5D and OPAQ-SV scores at 12 months among patients with vs without baseline GI events (-0.04 for the EQ-5D utility score, -5.07 for the EQ-5D visual analog scale, -3.35 for OPAQ physical function, -4.60 for OPAQ emotional status, and -8.50 for OPAQ back pain; P ≤ 0.001 for all values). Decrements in month 12 treatment satisfaction scores were -6.46 for patients with baseline GI events and -7.88 for patients with post-baseline GI events.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of GI events is an independent predictor of decreased HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in patients being treated for osteoporosis.

Gastrointestinal symptom prevalence depends on disease duration and gastrointestinal region in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To unravel relationships between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms impairing quality of life (QOL) and clinical profiles of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 134 outpatients with type 2 DM. Mean age was 64.7 years, mean body mass index was 24.7 kg/m², mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.1%, and mean DM duration was 13.7 years. GI symptom-related QOL was determined using the Izumo scale, based on five factors, i.e., heartburn, gastralgia, postprandial fullness, constipation and diarrhea. The sum of scores obtained for the three questions in each domain was calculated, and subjects with a score of 5 or higher were considered to be symptomatic with impaired QOL. JMP Clinical version 5.0 was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Lower abdominal symptoms were found to be more frequent than those affecting the upper abdomen. Diabetic duration and medications showed associations with GI symptoms. We identified differences in peak prevalences of the five symptoms. Gastralgia (P = 0.02 vs 10-14 years) and total GI symptoms (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02 vs 5-9 years and 10-14 years, respectively) peaked at a diabetes duration of 15-19 years. Heartburn (P = 0.004) and postprandial fullness (P = 0.03) tended to increase with disease duration. Constipation and diarrhea showed bimodal peaks, with the first early and the second late (e.g., P = 0.03 at 15-19 years vs 10-14 years for diarrhea) in the disease course. Finally, GI symptoms showed clustering that reflected the region of the GI tract affected, i.e., constipation and diarrhea had similar frequencies (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the importance of questioning patients about QOL impairment due to abdominal symptoms, especially in the early and the late periods of diabetes.

High-resolution manometry compared with the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium GIT 2.0 in Systemic Sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

To study esophageal high resolution manometry (HRM) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and the correlation of findings to The University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC_GIT 2.0).

METHODS

Forty SSc patients were administered to the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0. Patients underwent HRM study (Solar GI MMS). HRM data were compared with 15 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Forty patients with mean age 46 ± 7 years and disease duration 9.3 ± 7 years reported upper (85.7%), lower GI symptoms (75%), while 5% reported no symptoms. Mean ± SD scores of UCLA SCTC_GIT 2.0 items were as follows: reflux 1.2 ± 0.8, distention 1.6 ± 1.2, fecal soiling 0.3 ± 0.9, diarrhea 0.8 ± 1, social 1 ± 1, emotional 1 ± 1.1, constipation 0.5 ± 0.9, and total GIT score 0.9 ± 0.6. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and distal esophageal amplitude were significantly lower in SSc patients than controls. Main manometric findings were decreased LES resting pressure (40%) and aperistalsis (40%). Regression analyses showed distal esophageal amplitude and LES resting pressure negatively correlated with reflux score (r = -0.64; p = 0.001 and r = -0.46; p = 0.019, respectively), and total GIT score (r = -0.54; p = 0.007 and r = -0.42; p = 0.03, respectively). LES resting pressure had negative correlations with diarrhea score (r = -0.062; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased distal esophageal amplitude encountered as hypoperistalsis or even aperistalsis was associated with increased reflux and GIT scores (negatively correlated) UCLA SCTC_GIT 2.0 questionnaires. The GIT2.0 is easy to use and can serve as an indicator that further testing of the GI tract, including the esophagus, is indicated.

Stress and sleep quality in doctors working on-call shifts are associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders

AIM

To investigate the role of sleep quality and psychosocial problems as predictors of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in doctors that work 24 hour-on-call shifts.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional observation study, using the Rome III Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), we analyzed 170 doctors with 24 hour-on-call shifts.

RESULTS

Among the participants that had experienced a 24 hour-on-call shift within the last 6 mo, 48 (28.2%) had FGIDs. Overall prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) were 16.5% and 17.1%, respectively, with 5.3% exhibiting both. Sleep scores (PSQI) (8.79 ± 2.71 vs 7.30 ± 3.43, P = 0.008), the presence of serious psychosocial alarm (83.3% vs 56.6%, P = 0.004), and the proportion of doctors who experienced over two months of recent on-call work (81.2% vs 68.9%, P = 0.044) were significantly different between individuals with or without FGIDs. Multivariate analysis revealed that presenting serious psychosocial alarm was an independent risk factor for prevalence of FD (OR = 5.47, 95%CI: 1.06-28.15, P = 0.042) and poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 6) was a predictor of IBS (OR = 4.17, 95%CI: 1.92-19.02, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Physicians should recognize the role of sleep impairment and psychological stress in the development of FGIDs and a comprehensive approach should be considered to manage patients with FGIDs.

Genes, emotions and gut microbiota: The next frontier for the gastroenterologist

Most medical specialties including the field of gastroenterology are mainly aimed at treating diseases rather than preventing them. Genomic medicine studies the health/disease process based on the interaction of the human genes with the environment. The gastrointestinal (GI) system is an ideal model to analyze the interaction between our genes, emotions and the gut microbiota. Based on the current knowledge, this mini-review aims to provide an integrated synopsis of this interaction to achieve a better understanding of the GI disorders related to bad eating habits and stress-related disease. Since human beings are the result of an evolutionary process, many biological processes such as instincts, emotions and behavior are interconnected to guarantee survival. Nourishment is a physiological need triggered by the instinct of survival to satisfy the body’s energy demands. The brain-gut axis comprises a tightly connected neural-neuroendocrine circuitry between the hunger-satiety center, the dopaminergic reward system involved in the pleasure of eating and the gut microbiota that regulates which food we eat and emotions. However, genetic variations and the consumption of high-sugar and high-fat diets have overridden this energy/pleasure neurocircuitry to the point of addiction of several foodstuffs. Consequently, a gut dysbiosis generates inflammation and a negative emotional state may lead to chronic diseases. Balancing this altered processes to regain health may involve personalized-medicine and genome-based strategies. Thus, an integrated approach based on the understanding of the gene-emotions-gut microbiota interaction is the next frontier that awaits the gastroenterologist to prevent and treat GI disorders associated with obesity and negative emotions.

Distress-Based Gastrointestinal Symptom Clusters and Impact on Symptom Interference and Quality of Life in Patients with a Hematologic Malignancy Receiving Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/SIGNIFICANCE

People with cancer can experience co-occurring related symptoms, labeled symptom clusters. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common side effects of chemotherapy, but little research has investigated GI symptom clusters. A further gap in symptom cluster research is the lack of studies reporting symptom clusters based on symptom distress ratings.

PURPOSE

To identify distress-based GI symptom clusters and to investigate their relationship to symptom interference with daily life and quality of life (QoL).

SUBJECTS

About 105 adults with hematologic malignancy receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

On Day 1 of a cycle of chemotherapy, participants completed a modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale assessing 30 clinically relevant symptoms, the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Symptom Interference with Daily Life subscale, and the Fox Simple Quality of Life Scale. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify distress-based symptom clusters. Symptom clusters with ≥50% GI symptoms were labeled GI symptom clusters. Linear mixed modeling explored relationships between GI symptom clusters and symptom interference with daily life and QoL.

RESULTS

Of the six distress-based symptom clusters found, the bloating cluster and appetite cluster were identified as GI symptom clusters. Both the bloating cluster and the appetite cluster were significantly related to symptom interference with daily life, but only the appetite cluster was significantly related to QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

This research demonstrates the existence of distress-based GI symptom clusters and their relationship to symptom interference and QoL. Future work should explore predictors of distress-based symptom clusters and interventions to manage them.

Perceived Stress in Patients with Common Gastrointestinal Disorders: Associations with Quality of Life, Symptoms and Disease Management

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

Research supports relationships between stress and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders. This pilot study assesses relationships between perceived stress, quality of life (QOL), and self-reported pain ratings as an indicator of symptom management in patients who self-reported gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

RESULTS

In the full sample (n = 402) perceived stress positively correlated with depression (r = 0.76, P < .0001), fatigue (r = 0.38, P < .0001), sleep disturbance (r = 0.40, P < .0001), average pain (r = 0.26, P < .0001), and worst pain (r = 0.25, P < .0001). Higher perceived stress also correlated with lower mental health-related QOL. Similar correlations were found for the participants with GERD (n = 188), IBS (n = 132), and IBD (n = 82). Finally, there were significant correlations in the GERD cohort between perceived stress, and average pain (r = 0.34, P < .0001) and worst pain (r = 0.29, P < .0001), and in the IBD cohort between perceived stress, and average pain (r = 0.32, P < .0001), and worst pain (r = 0.35, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived stress broadly correlated with QOL characteristics in patients with GERD, IBS, and IBD, and their overall QOL was significantly lower than the general population. Perceived stress also appeared to be an indicator of symptom management (self-reported pain ratings) in GERD and IBD, but not IBS. While future research using objective measures of stress and symptom/disease management is needed to confirm these associations, as well as to evaluate the ability of stress reduction interventions to improve perceived stress, QOL and disease management in these GI disorders, integrative medicine treatment programs would be most beneficial to study.

Quality of life of patients on chronic parenteral nutrition before and after gastrointestinal tract continuity restoration

The issue of the quality of life considering patients with a temporary or permanent intestinal stoma, as well as the necessity for chronic parenteral nutrition at home remain a poorly understood problem. Daily care of the intestinal stoma and the need to comply with sterile procedures required for parenteral nutrition require such patients to commit their time, which secondarily is associated with the broad aspects of social and personal life. The aim of the study was to analyse the quality of life considering patients with intestinal stomas subjected to chronic parenteral nutrition, before and after gastrointestinal tract continuity restoration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The survey was conducted between May and July, 2014 on a group of 71 patients (33 female and 38 male) who were under the care of the Department of General Surgery and Clinical Nutrition, Warsaw Medical University, operated during the period between 2007 and July, 2014 with a present stoma (32 patients - 45%), as well as after stoma closure (39 patients - 55%). The analysed questionnaire contained 31 questions, and the SF-36 questionnaire was additionally used, determining the quality of life.

RESULTS

Analysis of the study material showed differences in the quality of life, considering three most important determinants. Significantly worse assessment of the quality of life was reported by patients with a stoma and subject to intravenous nutrition (83.2±30.5), as compared to those after stoma closure subject to normal nutrition (52.3±33.8). Based on the SF-36 questionnaire differences between patients with a stoma and those without amounted to t(69)=2.84 (p=0.006) demonstrating that those with a stoma reported a lower quality of life. Analysis between younger and older patients, based on the SF-36 questionnaire (t(62.87)=2.49; p=0.016) showed that younger patients achieved lower results, considering dissatisfaction with life (61.55±27.5), as compared to the elderly (80.8±36.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The group of patients without a stoma seem to be more independent- the vast majority do not use the help of family members (43.6%), or friends (64.1%). Patients with a stoma more often withdraw from social life. The factor that mostly reduces the quality of life is the presence of a stoma, which impairs daily functioning a lot more than the sterile procedures associated with parenteral nutrition. All patients after stoma closure consider that their overall functioning has significantly improved.

Association between gastrointestinal symptoms and affectivity in patients with bipolar disorder

AIM

To study if anxiety, depression and experience of stress are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

A total of 136 patients with bipolar disorder (mean age 49.9 years; 61% women) and 136 controls from the general population (mean age 51.0 years; 60% women) were included in the study. GI symptoms were assessed with The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-irritable bowel syndrome (GSRS-IBS), level of anxiety and depression with The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and stress-proneness with Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Over a ten year period, all visits in primary care were retrospectively recorded in order to identify functional GI disorders.

RESULTS

In subjects with low total HADS-score, there were no significant differences in GI-symptoms between patients and controls (GSRS-IBS 7.0 vs 6.5, P = 0.513). In the patients with bipolar disorder there were significant correlations between all GSRS and HADS subscores for all symptom clusters except for “constipation” and “reflux”. Factors associated to GI symptoms in the patient group were female sex (adjusted OR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.07-5.24) and high HADS-Depression score (adjusted OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.07-12.4). These patients had also significantly more visits for IBS than patients with low HADS-Depression scores (29% vs 8%, P = 0.008). However, there was no significant differences in consulting behaviour for functional GI disorders between patients and controls (25% vs 17%, P = 0.108).

CONCLUSION

Female patients and patients with high HADS depression score reported significantly more GI symptoms, whereas patients with low HADS scores did not differ from control subjects.

Quality of life and need for care in patients with an ostomy: a survey of 2647 patients of the Berlin OStomy-Study (BOSS)

BACKGROUND

Although ostomies are sometimes necessary, it is unclear which type of ostomy is advantageous for quality of life (QoL). In an observational study of 2647 patients, QoL after colostomy (CS) and small bowel stoma (SBS) formation was evaluated.

METHODS

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C30 and CR-38 questionnaires were used. Patient characteristics, retrospective information about the ostomy and previous treatments, and current stoma-related complications were recorded. All questionnaires were distributed and collected by stoma therapists at the homecare company PubliCare®.

RESULTS

In all, 1790 patients had a CS, and 756 had an SBS. The mean Global Health Score (mGHS-a general QoL indicator) was 52.33 in CS and 49.40 in SBS patients (p = 0.004), but the effect size (Cohen's d) was 0.1. In SBS patients, all functional scores were lower and most of the symptom scores were higher.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL differed significantly for CS and SBS patients, but the effect size was marginal. The care of certain patient groups, particularly (female) patients who receive emergency surgeries, must be improved. More professional education and guidance are necessary for a larger proportion of patients. This survey provided reference data for quality of life in patients with an ostomy.

Comparing group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with enhanced usual care for adolescents with functional somatic syndromes: a study protocol for a randomised trial

INTRODUCTION

Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are common in adolescents, characterised by severe disability and reduced quality of life. Behavioural treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promising results in children and adolescents with FSS, but has focused on specific syndromes such as functional pain. The current study will compare the efficacy of group-based ACT with that of enhanced usual care (EUC) in adolescents with a range of FSS operationalised by the unifying construct of multiorgan bodily distress syndrome (BDS).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 120 adolescents aged 15-19 and diagnosed with multiorgan BDS, of at least 12 months duration, will be assessed and randomised to either: (1) EUC: a manualised consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist and individualised treatment plan or (2) manualised ACT-based group therapy plus EUC. The ACT programme consists of 9 modules (ie, 27 hours) and 1 follow-up meeting (3 hours). The primary outcome is physical health, assessed by an Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) aggregate score 12 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include self-reported symptom severity, symptom interference, depression and anxiety, illness worry, perceived stress and global improvement; as well as objective physical activity and bodily stress response measured by heart rate variability, hair cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers. Process measures are illness perception, illness-related behaviour and psychological flexibility.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is conducted in accordance with Helsinki Declaration II. Approval has been obtained from the Science Ethics Committee of the Central Denmark Region and the Danish Data Protection. The results will be sought to be published according to the CONSORT statement in peer-reviewed journals.

DISCUSSION

This is one of the first larger randomised clinical trials evaluating the effect of a group-based intervention for adolescents with a range of severe FSS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02346071; Pre-results.

Nutritional issues and body weight in long-term survivors of allogeneic blood and marrow transplant (BMT) in NSW Australia

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to describe the long-term nutrition, body weight and body image issues facing survivors of Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) and their impact on quality of life. It also describes survivors' perception of enteral feeding during BMT.

METHODS

Four hundred and forty-one survivors who had undergone a BMT in NSW, Australia between 2000 and 2012 (n = 441/583) completed the Sydney Post BMT Study Survey (SPBS).

RESULTS

Forty-five percent of survivors less than 2-year post-transplant reported a dry mouth, 36 % reported mouth ulcers and 19 % had diarrhoea. This was consistent across all survivor groups, regardless of time since transplant. Patients with one or more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms had significantly lower quality of life scores. There was a significant difference in quality of life scores when comparing those with no GI symptoms to those with one or more symptoms (P = <0.0001). Quality of life was significantly higher in those who once again enjoyed mealtimes (P < 0.0001). Males were more likely to be satisfied with their body weight compared to females (P = 0.009). The median body mass index (BMI) for all patients reporting body weight satisfaction was significantly lower (BMI 23.5) than those reporting dissatisfaction (BMI 27.5) (P = <0.0001). Survivors who had a normal BMI had significantly higher rates of body weight satisfaction compared to underweight, overweight and obese survivors (P = <0.0001). Those survivors who were overweight or obese were significantly more likely to be diabetic (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed an important relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms, body weight and body image and survivor's quality of life. It provides further support for the importance of nutrition therapy post-BMT.