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Journal of Gastroenterology and... Sep 2022Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and the hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Gastrointestinal symptoms and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and the hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders of gut-brain interaction are common in this cohort and multifactorial in origin. The primary aim of this review is to arm the gastroenterologist with a clinically useful understanding of HSD/hEDS, by exploring the association of gastrointestinal disorders with HSD/hEDS, highlighting current pathophysiological understanding and providing a pragmatic approach to managing these patients.
METHODS
Literature relevant to the gastrointestinal system and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was systematically searched, critically appraised, and summarized.
RESULTS
Diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria and a genetic basis is yet to be defined. The prevalence of many gut symptoms, including abdominal pain (69% vs 27%, P < 0.0001), postprandial fullness (34% vs 16%, P = 0.01), constipation (73% vs 16%, P < 0.001), and diarrhea (47% vs 9%, P < 0.001) are significantly higher in HSD/hEDS compared with non-HSD/hEDS individuals. Disorders of gut-brain interaction are also common, particularly functional dyspepsia. The pathophysiology of gut symptoms is poorly understood but may involve effects of connective tissue laxity and its functional consequences, and the influence of autonomic dysfunction, medication and comorbid mental health disorders. Awareness is the key to early diagnosis. Management is limited in evidence-base but ideally should include an integrated multidisciplinary approach.
CONCLUSIONS
HSD/hEDS is a multisystemic disorder in which gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly related to disorders of gut-brain interaction are common. Deficiencies in knowledge regarding the pathophysiological processes limit evidence-based interventions and remain important areas for future research.
Topics: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; Gastroenterologists; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Joint Instability
PubMed: 35750466
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15927 -
Journal of Immunology Research 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for postprandial distress syndrome (PDS).
METHODS
Search the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases with acupuncture randomized controlled trials for the treatment of patients with PDS. Strictly according to inclusion and exclusion quality assessment standards, the qualified ones are used to study the optimum extraction and data by two independent reviewers. Stata 15.0 software was used for meta-analysis.
RESULT
We initially identified 63 studies, of which five (1253 participants) were eventually included in our analysis. There were 643 cases in the experimental group and 610 cases in the control group. Acupuncture had a significant effect on the total therapeutic effect (OTE) at week 4 (OR 4.74, 95% CI 02.88-7.83, = 6.10, = 0 < 0.05). Significantly improved NDI (Nepean dyspepsia index) scores of PDS patients at week 4 (SMD 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.74). Significantly improved NDI scores in PDS patients at week 16 (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.71). After acupuncture treatment, the SID (dyspepsia symptom index) score of PDS patients decreased significantly at week 4 (SMD-0.52, 95% CI -0.73 to -0.32) and week 16 (SMD-0.59, 95% CI -0.81 to -0.36). Postprandial satiety scores (SMD-0.63, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.50) and early satiety scores (SMD-0.51, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.37) were also significantly lower at week 4 after acupuncture.
CONCLUSION
This study highlighted that the acupuncture could significantly improve the overall therapeutic effect of PDS patients, alleviate the symptoms of postprandial fullness and early satiety, and improve the quality of life of patients. Our results supported that acupuncture was an effective therapeutic strategy for postprandial distress syndrome.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Dyspepsia; Humans; Postprandial Period; Quality of Life; Stomach Diseases
PubMed: 35692506
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6969960 -
Journal of Dentistry Aug 2022To give an overview of the current evidence on the associations of general health conditions with masticatory performance and maximum bite force in older adults. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To give an overview of the current evidence on the associations of general health conditions with masticatory performance and maximum bite force in older adults.
DATA/SOURCES
Three electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase via Ovid and CINAHL Plus via EBSCOhost) were searched up to September 2021 for cross-sectional studies on general health conditions and masticatory performance or maximum bite force in older adults. Methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated based on Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Data on the associations between general health conditions and masticatory performance or maximum bite force were extracted.
STUDY SELECTION
Of the 5133 records identified, 39 studies (43 articles) were included in this review. Significant negative associations were found between masticatory performance and stroke, sarcopenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspepsia, dysphagia, anorexia, and carotid atherosclerosis. Significant negative association was found between maximum bite force and sarcopenia. There were equivocal results on the association between masticatory performance and diabetes mellitus, and between maximum bite force and stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There was no significant association between masticatory performance and metabolic syndrome, and between maximum bite force and progress of Parkinson's disease. Most studies revealed positive associations of physical function with masticatory performance and maximum bite force.
CONCLUSIONS
Negative associations between masticatory function of older adults and presence of several systemic diseases have been reported in a number of studies while there are positive associations between masticatory function and some physical function indicators.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This study provides valuable information on the association of masticatory function with general health, which draws clinicians' attention to the masticatory function of older adults who suffer from certain systemic diseases or physical dysfunction, and to the need to improve their masticatory ability to achieve healthy aging.
Topics: Aged; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Bite Force; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mastication; Sarcopenia; Stroke
PubMed: 35691453
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104186 -
Nutrients May 2022Functional dyspepsia represents one of the most common and prevalent disorders of the brain-gut interaction, with a large number of widespread risk factors being...
Functional dyspepsia represents one of the most common and prevalent disorders of the brain-gut interaction, with a large number of widespread risk factors being identified. With an intricate pathogenesis and symptomatology, it heavily impacts the quality of life and, due to the limited efficacy of traditional pharmacological agents, patients are likely to seek other medical and non-medical solutions to their problem. Over the last few years, significant research in this domain has emphasized the importance of various psychological therapies and nutritional recommendations. Nevertheless, a correlation has been established between functional dyspepsia and food intolerances, with more and more patients adopting different kinds of exclusion diets, leading to weight loss, restrictive eating behaviour and an imbalanced nutritional state, further negatively impacting their quality of life. Thus, in this systematic review, we aimed at analysing the impact and efficiency of certain exclusion diets undertook by patients, more precisely, the gluten-free diet and the low-FODMAP diet.
Topics: Diet Therapy; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Diet, Gluten-Free; Dyspepsia; Food Intolerance; Humans; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35631198
DOI: 10.3390/nu14102057 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2022Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is an aberrant anatomic malformation that occurs most commonly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. While the majority of heterotopic...
BACKGROUND
Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is an aberrant anatomic malformation that occurs most commonly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. While the majority of heterotopic pancreatic lesions are asymptomatic, many manifest severe clinical symptoms which require surgical or endoscopic intervention. Understanding of the clinical manifestations and symptoms of HP is limited due to the lack of large volume studies in the literature. The purpose of this study is to review symptomatic cases at a single center and compare these to a systematic review of the literature in order to characterize common clinical manifestations and treatment of this disease.
AIM
To classify the common clinical manifestations of heterotopic pancreas.
METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of pathologic samples containing heterotopic pancreas from 2000-2018. Review was limited to HP of the upper gastrointestinal tract due to the frequency of presentation in this location. Symptomatic patients were identified from review of the medical records and clinical symptoms were tabulated. These were compared to a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed and Embase searches for papers pertaining to heterotopic pancreas. Publications describing symptomatic presentation of HP were selected for review. Information including demographics, symptoms, presentation and treatment were compiled and analyzed.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine patient were identified with HP at a single center, with six of these identified has having clinical symptoms. Clinical manifestations included, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulceration with/without perforation, pancreatitis, and gastric outlet obstruction. Systemic review of the literature yielded 232 publications detailing symptomatic cases with only 20 studies describing ten or more patients. Single and multi-patient studies were combined to form a cohort of 934 symptomatic patients. The majority of patients presented with abdominal pain (67%) combined with one of the following clinical categories: (1) Dyspepsia, ( = 445, 48%); (2) Pancreatitis ( = 260, 28%); (3) Gastrointestinal bleeding ( = 80, 9%); and (4) Gastric outlet obstruction ( = 80, 9%). The majority of cases ( = 832, 90%) underwent surgical or endoscopic resection with 85% reporting resolution or improvement in their symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Heterotopic pancreas can cause significant clinical symptoms in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Better understanding and classification of this disease may result in more accurate identification and treatment of this malformation.
Topics: Choristoma; Duodenum; Gastric Outlet Obstruction; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatitis; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
PubMed: 35582670
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1455 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2022The effects of psychological interventions on symptoms and psychology of functional dyspepsia (FD) remain unclear. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of...
BACKGROUND
The effects of psychological interventions on symptoms and psychology of functional dyspepsia (FD) remain unclear. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of psychological interventions on symptoms and psychology of FD.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of psychological interventions in FD patients published before July 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by a random effects model. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs with a total of 1,434 FD patients were included. Compared with the control group, psychological interventions were significantly more likely to symptom improvement [RR = 1.74, 95% CI (1.12, 2.72), = 0.01], relieve gastrointestinal symptoms scores at follow up [SMD = -1.06, 95% CI (-1.55, -0.57), < 0.0001], relieve gastrointestinal symptoms scores at end of treatment [SMD = -0.98, 95% CI (-1.29, -0.67), < 0.001], decrease anxiety [SMD = -0.8, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.22), = 0.006] and depression levels [SMD = -1.11, 95% CI (-1.62, -0.61), < 0.001]. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that psychotherapy was more likely to symptom improvement, relieve gastrointestinal symptoms scores and decreased depression levels compared to the control.
CONCLUSIONS
Psychological interventions may be effective in alleviating the symptoms and psychology of FD, but the effect appears to be limited to psychotherapy with fewer trials for other psychological interventions. More data from high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm their use in the treatment of FD.
PubMed: 35465581
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.827220 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) investigating the effects of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) investigating the effects of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia (FD). To systematically collate, appraise, and synthesize the current evidence, we carried out an umbrella review of SRs/MAs.
METHODS
Systemic reviews/meta-analyses on acupuncture for FD were collected by searching major medical databases. The included studies were evaluated in terms of methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality using the criteria from the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, respectively.
RESULTS
Ten SRs/MAs were analyzed for this study. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs were generally unsatisfactory. Lack of protocol registration, no list of excluded trials, or lack of a comprehensive search strategy were the main limitations. No high-quality evidence was found to support the effects of acupuncture for FD; the qualitative data synthesis relied on low quality trials with small sample sizes and was the main factor for evidence degradation.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture seems to have a promising efficacy in the treatment of FD. It provides a new and prospective therapeutic method for FD. Although the quality of the included SRs/MAs was generally low and defects were frequent, this umbrella review highlights areas where improvement in methodology is required.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Databases, Factual; Dyspepsia; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Research Report
PubMed: 35433619
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.842096 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jun 2022Kiwifruit have known positive effects on digestion. During clinical intervention trials using kiwifruit to improve constipation, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms...
Kiwifruit have known positive effects on digestion. During clinical intervention trials using kiwifruit to improve constipation, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and pain, indigestion, and reflux were also alleviated. We aimed to evaluate the evidence for upper GI symptom relief by kiwifruit in clinical trials on participants with functional constipation (FC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), and healthy participants, and to elucidate which symptoms may be relieved and whether a difference exists between the effects of gold and green kiwifruit. We executed a systematic scoping review of 3 electronic databases from 1947 through January 2021 to identify clinical trials that reported effects of green or gold kiwifruit or kiwifruit compounds on upper GI symptoms as secondary outcomes in healthy participants or participants with FC or IBS-C. Studies were divided into those using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and those using alternative measurement tools. GSRS outcomes were pooled and statistically analyzed; non-GSRS outcomes were summarized. We identified 12 clinical trials with a total of 661 participants (124 controls, 537 receiving intervention) providing evidence for symptom relief of upper GI symptoms by kiwifruit intake. Only 5 of the 12 clinical trials used the GSRS to assess upper GI symptom relief. We found good evidence that green kiwifruit may reduce abdominal discomfort and pain, and some evidence that kiwifruit consumption may attenuate indigestion. Pooled GSRS outcome analysis indicates an average reduction of -0.85 (95% CI: -1.1, -0.57; Z = 6.1) in abdominal pain scores and -0.33 (95% CI: -0.52, -0.15; Z = -3.5) in indigestion scores with habitual kiwifruit consumption. While the number of studies reporting on upper GI symptom relief with a comparable measurement is limited, there is consistent evidence for the efficacy of kiwifruit on upper GI symptom relief. More research to strengthen the evidence is recommended.
Topics: Actinidia; Constipation; Dyspepsia; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Pain
PubMed: 35266507
DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac025 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Apr 2022Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional digestive disease with limited management selection. Previous studies revealed that acupuncture therapy is effective for FD.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a functional digestive disease with limited management selection. Previous studies revealed that acupuncture therapy is effective for FD. However, because sham controls were not implemented in most clinical trials following acupuncture therapy, it is difficult to differentiate overall treatment responses from placebo. This study aims to quantify placebo responses in clinical trials in which FD patients received sham manual acupuncture (MA) and sham electroacupuncture (EA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of MA and EA for FD patients were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, as well as 4 Chinese language databases from inception to January 2021. RevMan 5.20 software was used for pooled analysis of symptom scores and quality of life. The symptom scores were combined using standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of included studies was tested using modified Jadad scale and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) checklist. Egger's test, Begg's test, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Stata 11.0 statistical software. The protocol of this study is registered in PROSPERO as CRD42021233858.
RESULTS
After screening, the current systematic review included 13 randomized controlled trials, of which 8 studies were used in the meta-analysis. Regarding subjective outcomes, the combined effect of sham MA on FD symptoms was [SMD=-0.42, 95% CI (-0.72, -0.12); P=0.005], whereas sham EA treatment was [SMD=-0.54, 95% CI (-0.81, -0.27); P<0.001]. The combined effect on FD quality of life of post-sham MA group was [SMD=-0.32, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.12); P=0.002]. With regard to objective outcomes, the combined effect of sham EA on dominant frequency was [WMD=-0.11, 95% CI (-0.30, -0.08); P=0.24], while the combined effect of sham EA on dominant power was [WMD=-3.35, 95% CI (-8.04, 1.35); P=0.16].
CONCLUSIONS
Sham MA and sham EA remarkably improve symptoms and quality of life scores of FD without influencing objective outcomes, highlighting the significance of sham controls in acupuncture therapy clinical trials.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Dyspepsia; Electroacupuncture; Humans; Placebo Effect; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35180148
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001679 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Jan 2022The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was beneficial, but the dose varies greatly. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil [dose: 20 mg/three times a day (TID)] for adult Asian PAH patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang Data) were searched from their inception to January 2022. We recruited all randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions that compared sildenafil (20 mg/TID) versus placebo or symptomatic treatment for adult Asian PAH patients.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies involving 480 participants were included. Compared to symptomatic treatment, sildenafil-treated patients were more likely to walk 57.68 meters further in six-minute walk distance [mean difference (MD) =57.68 m, 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.55 to 73.81], achieve an improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation (MD =2.48%, 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.71), and increase the score of the Borg scale for dyspnea (MD =-0.99 points, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.53). The total number of patients with World Health Organization class III and IV also exhibited a downtrend. Compared to the placebo, sildenafil was associated with a reduction in the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MD =-4.13 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.52 to -1.74) and the level of brain natriuretic peptide (MD =-86.16 pg/mL, 95% CI: -103.39 to -68.93). The most common adverse events were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, which were relatively mild.
DISCUSSION
Sildenafil at a dose of 20 mg/TID is well tolerated in adult Asian PAH patients, and is associated with statistically significant improvements in exercise capacity, cardio-pulmonary function, and haemodynamic indices. The long-term prognosis still needs to be evaluated and confirmed by further trials.
Topics: Adult; Dyspnea; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Quality of Life; Sildenafil Citrate; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35144425
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-3979