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Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2023What is the effect of a 12-week, home-based, abdominal exercise program containing head lifts and abdominal curl-ups on inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Curl-up exercises improve abdominal muscle strength without worsening inter-recti distance in women with diastasis recti abdominis postpartum: a randomised controlled trial.
QUESTION
What is the effect of a 12-week, home-based, abdominal exercise program containing head lifts and abdominal curl-ups on inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) 6 to 12 months postpartum? What is the effect of the program on: observed abdominal movement during a curl-up; global perceived change; rectus abdominis thickness; abdominal muscle strength and endurance; pelvic floor disorders; and low back, pelvic girdle and abdominal pain?
DESIGN
This was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Seventy primiparous or multiparous women 6 to 12 months postpartum, having a single or multiple pregnancy following any mode of delivery, with a diagnosis of DRA (IRD > 28 mm at rest or > 25 mm during a curl-up).
INTERVENTION
The experimental group was prescribed a 12-week standardised exercise program including head lifts, abdominal curl-ups and twisted abdominal curl-ups 5 days a week. The control group received no intervention.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome measure was change in IRD measured with ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes were: observed abdominal movement during a curl-up; global perceived change; rectus abdominis thickness; abdominal muscle strength and endurance; pelvic floor disorders; and low back, pelvic girdle and abdominal pain.
RESULTS
The exercise program did not improve or worsen IRD (eg, MD 1 mm at rest 2 cm above the umbilicus, 95% CI -1 to 4). The program improved rectus abdominis thickness (MD 0.7 mm, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.3) and strength (MD 9 Nm, 95% CI 3 to 16) at 10 deg; its effects on other secondary outcomes were trivial or unclear.
CONCLUSION
An exercise program containing curl-ups for women with DRA did not worsen IRD or change the severity of pelvic floor disorders or low back, pelvic girdle or abdominal pain, but it did increase abdominal muscle strength and thickness.
REGISTRATION
NCT04122924.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Abdominal Muscles; Postpartum Period; Exercise Therapy; Diastasis, Muscle; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37286390
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.05.017 -
Medicine Sep 2023Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucopurulent stools as the main symptoms. Its incidence is... (Review)
Review
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucopurulent stools as the main symptoms. Its incidence is increasing worldwide, and traditional treatments have problems such as immunosuppression and metabolic disorders. In this article, the etiology and pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis are reviewed to clarify the targeted drugs of UC in the latest research. Our aim is to provide more ideas for the clinical treatment and new drug development of UC, mainly by analyzing and sorting out the relevant literature on PubMed, summarizing and finding that it is related to the main genetic, environmental, immune and other factors, and explaining its pathogenesis from the NF-κB pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and obtaining anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies, integrin antagonists, IL-12/IL-23 antagonists, novel UC-targeted drugs such as JAK inhibitors and SIP receptor agonists. We believe that rational selection of targeted drugs and formulation of the best dosing strategy under the comprehensive consideration of clinical evaluation is the best way to treat UC.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37713856
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035020 -
Digestion 2024Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain or discomfort without any structural abnormalities in the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent upper abdominal pain or discomfort without any structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. FD is categorized into two subgroups based on symptoms: postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome.
SUMMARY
The pathophysiology of FD involves several mechanisms. Delayed gastric emptying is observed in approximately 30% of FD patients but does not correlate with symptom patterns or severity. Impaired gastric accommodation is important in the pathophysiology, particularly for PDS. Visceral hypersensitivity, characterized by heightened sensitivity to normal activities, contributes to the perception of discomfort or pain in FD. Alterations to the duodenal mucosa, including impaired mucosal barrier function and low-grade inflammation, are also implicated in the pathogenesis of FD. Microbial dysbiosis and psychological factors such as stress can further exacerbate symptoms. Treatment options include dietary modifications, establishing a physician-patient relationship, acid suppressants, prokinetics, neuromodulators, and behavioral therapies. Dietary recommendations include eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding trigger foods. Acid suppressants are used as the first-line treatment. Prokinetics and neuromodulators aim to improve gastric motility and central pain processing, respectively. Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy, have shown benefits for refractory FD. Severe and refractory cases may require combination therapies or experimental treatments.
KEY MESSAGES
FD is a disorder of gut-brain interaction involving diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. Individualized treatment based on symptoms and responses to interventions is crucial. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of FD and advance the development of effective therapies.
Topics: Humans; Dyspepsia; Abdominal Pain; Stomach; Inflammation; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37598673
DOI: 10.1159/000532082 -
JAMA Surgery Jul 2023Intravenous (IV) contrast medium is sometimes withheld due to risk of complication or lack of availability in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) for abdominal...
IMPORTANCE
Intravenous (IV) contrast medium is sometimes withheld due to risk of complication or lack of availability in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) for abdominal pain. The risk from withholding contrast medium is understudied.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced abdominopelvic CT using contemporaneous contrast-enhanced CT as the reference standard in emergency department (ED) patients with acute abdominal pain.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This was an institutional review board-approved, multicenter retrospective diagnostic accuracy study of 201 consecutive adult ED patients who underwent dual-energy contrast-enhanced CT for the evaluation of acute abdominal pain from April 1, 2017, through April 22, 2017. Three blinded radiologists interpreted these scans to establish the reference standard by majority rule. IV and oral contrast media were then digitally subtracted using dual-energy techniques. Six different blinded radiologists from 3 institutions (3 specialist faculty and 3 residents) interpreted the resulting unenhanced CT examinations. Participants included a consecutive sample of ED patients with abdominal pain who underwent dual-energy CT.
EXPOSURE
Contrast-enhanced and virtual unenhanced CT derived from dual-energy CT.
MAIN OUTCOME
Diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced CT for primary (ie, principal cause[s] of pain) and actionable secondary (ie, incidental findings requiring management) diagnoses. The Gwet interrater agreement coefficient was calculated.
RESULTS
There were 201 included patients (female, 108; male, 93) with a mean age of 50.1 (SD, 20.9) years and mean BMI of 25.5 (SD, 5.4). Overall accuracy of unenhanced CT was 70% (faculty, 68% to 74%; residents, 69% to 70%). Faculty had higher accuracy than residents for primary diagnoses (82% vs 76%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% CI, 1.26-2.67; P = .002) but lower accuracy for actionable secondary diagnoses (87% vs 90%; OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.93; P < .001). This was because faculty made fewer false-negative primary diagnoses (38% vs 62%; OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13-0.41; P < .001) but more false-positive actionable secondary diagnoses (63% vs 37%; OR, 2.11, 95% CI, 1.26-3.54; P = .01). False-negative (19%) and false-positive (14%) results were common. Interrater agreement for overall accuracy was moderate (Gwet agreement coefficient, 0.58).
CONCLUSION
Unenhanced CT was approximately 30% less accurate than contrast-enhanced CT for evaluating abdominal pain in the ED. This should be balanced with the risk of administering contrast material to patients with risk factors for kidney injury or hypersensitivity reaction.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Abdominal Pain; Abdomen, Acute; Emergency Service, Hospital
PubMed: 37133836
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.1112 -
Nutrients Jan 2024This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal... (Review)
Review
This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS has increased globally, especially among young adults. Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in IBS management. About 85-90% of IBS patients report symptom exacerbation linked to specific food consumption, highlighting the strong connection between food intolerances and IBS. Food intolerances often exhibit a dose-dependent pattern, posing a challenge in identifying trigger foods. This issue is further complicated by the complex nature of gastrointestinal physiology and varying food compositions. This review discusses various dietary patterns and their impact on IBS, including the low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and Mediterranean diet. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach in dietary management, considering individual symptom variability and dietary history. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and holistic management of IBS, considering the complex interplay between dietary factors and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. It underlines the importance of patient education and adherence to treatment plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by the variability in dietary triggers and the psychological impact of dietary restrictions.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Food Intolerance; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Food Hypersensitivity; Food; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 38257158
DOI: 10.3390/nu16020265 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Digestive system diseases have evolved into a growing global burden without sufficient therapeutic measures. () is considered as a new potential economical therapy for... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Digestive system diseases have evolved into a growing global burden without sufficient therapeutic measures. () is considered as a new potential economical therapy for its probiotic effects in the gastrointestinal system. We have provided an overview of the researches supporting various strains' application in treating common digestive system diseases, including infantile colic, diarrhea, constipation, functional abdominal pain, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, colorectal cancer and liver diseases.
METHODS
The summarized literature in this review was derived from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
The therapeutic effects of in digestive system diseases may depend on various direct and indirect mechanisms, including metabolite production as well as modulation of the intestinal microbiome, preservation of the gut barrier function, and regulation of the host immune system. These actions are largely strain-specific and depend on the activation or inhibition of various certain signal pathways. It is well evidenced that can be effective both as a prophylactic measure and as a preferred therapy for infantile colic, and it can also be recommended as an adjuvant strategy to diarrhea, constipation, infection in therapeutic settings. While preclinical studies have shown the probiotic potential of in the management of functional abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, colorectal cancer and liver diseases, its application in these disease settings still needs further study.
CONCLUSION
This review focuses on the probiotic effects of on gut homeostasis via certain signaling pathways, and emphasizes the importance of these probiotics as a prospective treatment against several digestive system diseases.
Topics: Humans; Limosilactobacillus reuteri; Colic; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Digestive System Diseases; Constipation; Abdominal Pain; Diarrhea; Diverticulitis; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37662007
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1254198 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2023Probiotics have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D); however, the certainty of evidence is low. Well-powered... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Probiotics have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D); however, the certainty of evidence is low. Well-powered randomized controlled dose-ranging trials are warranted on promising single-strain candidates.
AIM
To investigate the clinical efficacy of () Lpla33 (DSM34428) in adults with IBS-D.
METHODS
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, and dose-ranging study. Three hundred and seven adults, 18-70 years of age, with IBS-D, according to Rome IV criteria, were allocated (1:1:1) to receive placebo or Lpla33 at 1 × 10 (1B) or 1 × 10 (10B) colony-forming units/d over an 8-wk intervention period. The primary outcome was the change in IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) total score after 8 wk, while secondary and exploratory outcomes included abdominal pain severity, IBS related quality of life, stool and microbial profile, and perceived stress.
RESULTS
IBS-SSS was significantly reduced, after 8 wk, in participants receiving 1B (-128.45 ± 83.30; < 0.001) and 10B (-156.77 ± 99.06; < 0.001), compared to placebo (-58.82 ± 74.75). Further, a dose-ranging effect was observed, with a greater absolute reduction in the 10B group ( < 0.05). A reduction in sub-scores related to abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bowel habits, and quality of life was observed in both groups compared to placebo ( < 0.001). Further, 62.5% and 88.4% of participants administered 1B and 10B, respectively, were classified as stool consistency responders based on a reduction in diarrheal stool form, as compared to 26.3% in the placebo group ( < 0.001). In contrast, no significant shifts were observed in microbial diversity.
CONCLUSION
Lpla33 (DSM34428) is well tolerated and improves IBS symptom severity with a dose-ranging effect and a corresponding normalization of bowel habits in adults with IBS-D.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Quality of Life; Diarrhea; Treatment Outcome; Abdominal Pain; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37576702
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i28.4451 -
Journal of the National Cancer Institute Aug 2023Prompt detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) among individuals younger than age 50 years (early-onset CRC) is a clinical priority because of its alarming rise.
BACKGROUND
Prompt detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) among individuals younger than age 50 years (early-onset CRC) is a clinical priority because of its alarming rise.
METHODS
We conducted a matched case-control study of 5075 incident early-onset CRC among US commercial insurance beneficiaries (113 million adults aged 18-64 years) with 2 or more years of continuous enrollment (2006-2015) to identify red-flag signs and symptoms between 3 months to 2 years before the index date among 17 prespecified signs and symptoms. We assessed diagnostic intervals according to the presence of these signs and symptoms before and within 3 months of diagnosis.
RESULTS
Between 3 months and 2 years before the index date, 4 red-flag signs and symptoms (abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia) were associated with an increased risk of early-onset CRC, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.34 to 5.13. Having 1, 2, or at least 3 of these signs and symptoms were associated with a 1.94-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.76 to 2.14), 3.59-fold (95% CI = 2.89 to 4.44), and 6.52-fold (95% CI = 3.78 to 11.23) risk (Ptrend < .001), respectively, with stronger associations for younger ages (Pinteraction < .001) and rectal cancer (Pheterogenity = .012). The number of different signs and symptoms was predictive of early-onset CRC beginning 18 months before diagnosis. Approximately 19.3% of patients had their first sign or symptom occur between 3 months and 2 years before diagnosis (median diagnostic interval = 8.7 months), and approximately 49.3% had the first sign or symptom within 3 months of diagnosis (median diagnostic interval = 0.53 month).
CONCLUSIONS
Early recognition of red-flag signs and symptoms (abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia) may improve early detection and timely diagnosis of early-onset CRC.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Case-Control Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Abdominal Pain; Diarrhea; Early Detection of Cancer
PubMed: 37138415
DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad068 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Jul 2023The close relationship between pain and mental health problems is well-known, and psychological intervention can provide an effective alternative to medication-based...
BACKGROUND
The close relationship between pain and mental health problems is well-known, and psychological intervention can provide an effective alternative to medication-based pain relief. However, previous studies on the connection between pain and psychological problems, the findings thus far have been inconclusive, limiting the potential for translating psychological interventions into clinical practice. To complement the gap, this study utilized genetic data and Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the potential relationship between pain in different parts and common mental disorders.
METHODS
Based on the instrumental variables selected from the Genome-wide association study summary statistics of localized pain and mental disorders, we conducted bidirectional two-sample MR analyses to infer bidirectional causal associations between pain and mental disorders. The inverse-variance weighted MR method and MR-Egger were used as the primary statistical method according to the horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity level. We reported the odds ratio to infer the causal effect between pain and mental disorders. F statistic was calculated to measure the statistical efficacy of the analyses.
RESULTS
Insomnia is causally related to the genetic susceptibility of multisite pain including head (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), neck/shoulder (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.16), back (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.18) and hip (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10). Reversely, headache (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24), neck/shoulder pain (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03-3.68), back pain (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.22-1.60), and hip pain (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.18-4.45) promote the genetic liability of insomnia. Depression is strongly associated with the predisposition of multisite pain including headache (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08-1.52), neck/shoulder pain (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16-1.50), back pain (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.66) and stomach/abdominal pain (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.25), while headache (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08), neck/shoulder (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17), back (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14), and stomach/abdominal pain (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26) are predisposing factors for depression. Additionally, insomnia is associated with the predisposition of facial, stomach/abdominal, and knee pain, anxiety was associated with the predisposition of neck/shoulder and back pain, while the susceptibilities of hip and facial pain are influenced by depression, but these associations were unidirectional.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results enhance the understanding of the complex interplay between pain and mental health and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to pain management that addresses both physical and psychological factors.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Shoulder Pain; Mental Disorders; Abdominal Pain; Headache; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 37415130
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01612-2 -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Nov 2023In the treatment of upper GI endoscopy-negative patients with heartburn and epigastric pain or burning, antacids, antireflux agents, and mucosal protective agents are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Poliprotect vs Omeprazole in the Relief of Heartburn, Epigastric Pain, and Burning in Patients Without Erosive Esophagitis and Gastroduodenal Lesions: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
INTRODUCTION
In the treatment of upper GI endoscopy-negative patients with heartburn and epigastric pain or burning, antacids, antireflux agents, and mucosal protective agents are widely used, alone or as add-on treatment, to increase response to proton-pump inhibitors, which are not indicated in infancy and pregnancy and account for significant cost expenditure.
METHODS
In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter trial assessing the efficacy and safety of mucosal protective agent Poliprotect (neoBianacid, Sansepolcro, Italy) vs omeprazole in the relief of heartburn and epigastric pain/burning, 275 endoscopy-negative outpatients were given a 4-week treatment with omeprazole (20 mg q.d.) or Poliprotect (5 times a day for the initial 2 weeks and on demand thereafter), followed by an open-label 4-week treatment period with Poliprotect on-demand. Gut microbiota change was assessed.
RESULTS
A 2-week treatment with Poliprotect proved noninferior to omeprazole for symptom relief (between-group difference in the change in visual analog scale symptom score: [mean, 95% confidence interval] -5.4, -9.9 to -0.1; -6.2, -10.8 to -1.6; intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations, respectively). Poliprotect's benefit remained unaltered after shifting to on-demand intake, with no gut microbiota variation. The initial benefit of omeprazole was maintained against significantly higher use of rescue medicine sachets (mean, 95% confidence interval: Poliprotect 3.9, 2.8-5.0; omeprazole 8.2, 4.8-11.6) and associated with an increased abundance of oral cavity genera in the intestinal microbiota. No relevant adverse events were reported in either treatment arm.
DISCUSSION
Poliprotect proved noninferior to standard-dose omeprazole in symptomatic patients with heartburn/epigastric burning without erosive esophagitis and gastroduodenal lesions. Gut microbiota was not affected by Poliprotect treatment. The study is registered in Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03238534) and the EudraCT database (2015-005216-15).
Topics: Humans; Omeprazole; Heartburn; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Esophagitis; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Dyspepsia; Peptic Ulcer; Abdominal Pain; Treatment Outcome; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37307528
DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002360