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Gastroenterology Sep 2023Belching, bloating, and abdominal distention are all highly prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms and account for some of the most common reasons for patient visits to... (Review)
Review
DESCRIPTION
Belching, bloating, and abdominal distention are all highly prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms and account for some of the most common reasons for patient visits to outpatient gastroenterology practices. These symptoms are often debilitating, affecting patients' quality of life, and contributing to work absenteeism. Belching and bloating differ in their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, and there is limited evidence available for their various treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update is to provide best practice advice based on both controlled trials and observational data for clinicians covering clinical features, diagnostics, and management considerations that include dietary, gut-directed behavioral, and drug therapies.
METHODS
This Expert Review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These best practice advice statements were drawn from a review of the published literature based on clinical trials, the more robust observational studies, and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these best practice advice statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Clinical history and physical examination findings and impedance pH monitoring can help to differentiate between gastric and supragastric belching. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Treatment options for supragastric belching may include brain-gut behavioral therapies, either separately or in combination, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, diaphragmatic breathing, speech therapy, and central neuromodulators. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Rome IV criteria should be used to diagnose primary abdominal bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Carbohydrate enzyme deficiencies may be ruled out with dietary restriction and/or breath testing. In a small subset of at-risk patients, small bowel aspiration and glucose- or lactulose-based hydrogen breath testing may be used to evaluate for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Serologic testing may rule out celiac disease in patients with bloating and, if serologies are positive, a small bowel biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis. A gastroenterology dietitian should be part of the multidisciplinary approach to care for patients with celiac disease and nonceliac gluten sensitivity. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Abdominal imaging and upper endoscopy should be ordered in patients with alarm features, recent worsening symptoms, or an abnormal physical examination only. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Gastric emptying studies should not be ordered routinely for bloating and distention, but may be considered if nausea and vomiting are present. Whole gut motility and radiopaque transit studies should not be ordered unless other additional and treatment-refractory lower gastrointestinal symptoms exist to warrant testing for neuromyopathic disorders. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: In patients with abdominal bloating and distention thought to be related to constipation or difficult evacuation, anorectal physiology testing is suggested to rule out a pelvic floor disorder. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: When dietary modifications are needed (eg, low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet), a gastroenterology dietitian should preferably monitor treatment. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Probiotics should not be used to treat abdominal bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Biofeedback therapy may be effective for bloating and distention when a pelvic floor disorder is identified. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Central neuromodulators (eg, antidepressants) are used to treat bloating and abdominal distention by reducing visceral hypersensitivity, raising sensation threshold, and improving psychological comorbidities. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: Medications used to treat constipation should be considered for treating bloating if constipation symptoms are present. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 14: Psychological therapies, such as hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other brain-gut behavior therapies may be used to treat patients with bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE 15: Diaphragmatic breathing and central neuromodulators are used to treat abdominophrenic dyssynergia.
Topics: Female; Humans; United States; Eructation; Celiac Disease; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Quality of Life; Constipation; Flatulence; Dilatation, Pathologic
PubMed: 37452811
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039 -
Circulation Research Jan 2021Blood eosinophil count and ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) associate with human cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether eosinophils play a role in cardiovascular disease...
RATIONALE
Blood eosinophil count and ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) associate with human cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether eosinophils play a role in cardiovascular disease remains untested. The current study detected eosinophil accumulation in human and murine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) lesions, suggesting eosinophil participation in this aortic disease.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether and how eosinophils affect AAA growth.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Population-based randomized clinically controlled screening trials revealed higher blood eosinophil count in 579 male patients with AAA than in 5063 non-AAA control (0.236±0.182 versus 0.211±0.154, 10/L, <0.001). Univariate (odds ratio, 1.381, <0.001) and multivariate (odds ratio, 1.237, =0.031) logistic regression analyses indicated that increased blood eosinophil count in patients with AAA served as an independent risk factor of human AAA. Immunostaining and immunoblot analyses detected eosinophil accumulation and eosinophil cationic protein expression in human and murine AAA lesions. Results showed that eosinophil deficiency exacerbated AAA growth with increased lesion inflammatory cell contents, matrix-degrading protease activity, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and smooth muscle cell loss using angiotensin-II perfusion-induced AAA in and eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA mice. Eosinophil deficiency increased lesion chemokine expression, muted lesion expression of IL (interleukin) 4 and eosinophil-associated-ribonuclease-1 (mEar1 [mouse EOS-associated-ribonuclease-1], human ECP homolog), and slanted M1 macrophage polarization. In cultured macrophages and monocytes, eosinophil-derived IL4 and mEar1 polarized M2 macrophages, suppressed CD11bLy6C monocytes, and increased CD11bLy6C monocytes. mEar1 treatment or adoptive transfer of eosinophil from wild-type and mice, but not eosinophil from mice, blocked AAA growth in ΔdblGATA mice. Immunofluorescent staining and immunoblot analyses demonstrated a role for eosinophil IL4 and mEar1 in blocking NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) activation in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Eosinophils play a protective role in AAA by releasing IL4 and cationic proteins such as mEar1 to regulate macrophage and monocyte polarization and to block NF-κB activation in aortic inflammatory and vascular cells.
Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Aged; Angiotensin II; Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Cells, Cultured; Dilatation, Pathologic; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophils; Female; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-4; Macrophages; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; Monocytes; NF-kappa B; Phenotype; Ribonucleases; Vascular Remodeling; Mice
PubMed: 33153394
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.318182 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Apr 2021Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal pressure is determined by... (Review)
Review
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal pressure is determined by multiple factors such as blood pressure, abdominal compliance, and other factors that exert a constant pressure within the abdominal cavity. Several conditions in the critically ill may increase abdominal pressure compromising organ perfusion that may lead to renal and respiratory dysfunction. Among surgical and trauma patients, aggressive fluid resuscitation is the most commonly reported risk factor to develop ACS. Other conditions that have also been identified as risk factors are ascites, hemoperitoneum, bowel distention, and large tumors. All patients with abdominal trauma possess a higher risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Certain surgical interventions are reported to have a higher risk to develop IAH such as damage control surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and liver transplantation among others. Close monitoring of organ function and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) allows clinicians to diagnose ACS rapidly and intervene with target-specific management to reduce IAP. Surgical decompression followed by temporary abdominal closure should be considered in all patients with signs of organ dysfunction. There is still a great need for more studies to determine the adequate timing for interventions to improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 33968300
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i4.330 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2021This review aims to study the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration process during the human fetal period. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to study the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration process during the human fetal period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration during the human fetal period.
RESULTS
The rise in intra-abdominal pressure is a supporting factor for testicular migration. This process has two phases: the abdominal and the inguinal-scrotal stages. The passage of the testis through the inguinal canal occurs very quickly between 21 and 25 WPC. Bilateral cryptorchidism in Prune Belly syndrome is explained by the impaired contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall; mechanical obstruction due to bladder distention and structural alteration of the inguinal canal, which hampers the passage of the testis during the inguinoscrotal stage of testicular migration. Abdominal wall defects as gastroschisis and omphaloceles are associated with undescended testes in around 30 to 40% of the cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Abdominal pressure wound is an auxiliary force in testicular migration. Patients with abdominal wall defects are associated with undescendend testis in more than 30% of the cases probably due to mechanical factors; the Prune Belly Syndrome has anatomical changes in the anterior abdominal wall that hinder the increase of intra-abdominal pressure which could be the cause of cryptorchidism in this syndrome.
Topics: Cryptorchidism; Humans; Inguinal Canal; Male; Prune Belly Syndrome; Scrotum; Testis
PubMed: 32758302
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2021.99.03 -
Journal of Pregnancy 2014The aim of this review was to identify clinically significant ultrasound predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in fetal gastroschisis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to identify clinically significant ultrasound predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in fetal gastroschisis.
METHODS
A quasi-systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Ovid using the key terms "gastroschisis," "predictors," "outcome," and "ultrasound."
RESULTS
A total of 18 papers were included. The most common sonographic predictors were intra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and bowel dilatation not otherwise specified (NOS). Three ultrasound markers were consistently found to be statistically insignificant with respect to predicting adverse outcome including abdominal circumference, stomach herniation and dilatation, and extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD).
CONCLUSIONS
Gastroschisis is associated with several comorbidities, yet there is much discrepancy in the literature regarding which specific ultrasound markers best predict adverse neonatal outcomes. Future research should include prospective trials with larger sample sizes and use well-defined and consistent definitions of the adverse outcomes investigated with consideration given to IABD.
Topics: Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gastroschisis; Humans; Intestines; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 25587450
DOI: 10.1155/2014/239406 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Feb 2023Visible abdominal distension has been attributed to: (A) distorted perception, (B) intestinal gas accumulation, or (C) abdominophrenic dyssynergia (diaphragmatic push...
BACKGROUND
Visible abdominal distension has been attributed to: (A) distorted perception, (B) intestinal gas accumulation, or (C) abdominophrenic dyssynergia (diaphragmatic push and anterior wall relaxation).
METHODS
A pool of consecutive patients with functional gut disorders and visible abdominal distension included in previous studies (n = 139) was analyzed. Patients (61 functional bloating, 74 constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and 4 with alternating bowel habit) were evaluated twice, under basal conditions and during a self-reported episode of visible abdominal distension; static abdominal CT images were taken in 104 patients, and dynamic EMG recordings of the abdominal walls in 76, with diaphragmatic activity valid for analysis in 35.
KEY RESULTS
(A) Objective evidence of abdominal distension was obtained by tape measure (increase in girth in 138 of 139 patients), by CT imaging (increased abdominal perimeter in 96 of 104 patients) and by abdominal EMG (reduced activity, i.e., relaxation, in 73 of 76 patients). (B) Intestinal gas volume was within ±300 ml from the basal value in 99 patients, and above in 5 patients, who nevertheless exhibited a diaphragmatic descent. (C) Diaphragmatic contraction was detected in 34 of 35 patients by EMG (increased activity) and in 82 of 103 patients by CT (diaphragmatic descent).
CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES
In most patients complaining of episodes of visible abdominal distention: (A) the subjective claim is substantiated by objective evidence; (B) an increase in intestinal gas does not justify visible abdominal distention; (C) abdominophrenic dyssynergia is consistently evidenced by dynamic EMG recording, but static CT imaging has less sensitivity.
Topics: Humans; Abdominal Wall; Diaphragm; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Flatulence
PubMed: 36153798
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14466 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... 2016The most common cause of gas under diaphragm is hollow viscous perforation. In 10% of cases it can be due to rare causes, both abdominal and extra-abdominal, one of them...
INTRODUCTION
The most common cause of gas under diaphragm is hollow viscous perforation. In 10% of cases it can be due to rare causes, both abdominal and extra-abdominal, one of them being intra abdominal infection by gas forming organisms.
PRESENTATION OF THE CASE
A 51 year old male patient, a poorly controlled diabetic, presented with a second episode of severe pain abdomen and abdominal distention, with lower abdominal tenderness. Plain Xray of the abdomen in erect posture showed gas under the right dome of diaphragm and ultrasound abdomen confirmed gross pneumoperitoneum. On emergency laparotomy, a pancreatic abscess was discovered, which had ruptured through the inferior leaf of the transverse mesocolon.
DISCUSSION
There are many obscure causes for extra-intestinal and extra abdominal sources for gas under diaphragm which contribute to 10% of the etiology for the same.These are as follows: post laparotomy status, ruptured liver abscess, retroperitoneal air, biliary-enteric fistula, gall stone ileus, incompetent sphincter of Oddi, focal biliary lipomatosis, post scuba diving, post adeno-tonsillectomy, post dental extraction, following arthroscopy of the knee, intra abdominal sepsis by gas forming organisms and pneumatosis coli to name a few. In this case, Klebsiella was responsible for producing gas under the diaphragm.
CONCLUSION
Pancreatic abscess, in particular, as a extraintestinal source for gas under diaphragm has not been reported in English literature.
PubMed: 27771601
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.10.016 -
Biomolecules Mar 2022Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), defined as a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta beyond 50% of its normal diameter, is a common and potentially life-threatening... (Review)
Review
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), defined as a focal dilation of the abdominal aorta beyond 50% of its normal diameter, is a common and potentially life-threatening vascular disease. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying AAA pathogenesis remain unclear. Healthy endothelial cells (ECs) play a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vascular tone and maintaining an anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic local environment. Increasing evidence indicates that endothelial dysfunction is an early pathologic event in AAA formation, contributing to both oxidative stress and inflammation in the degenerating arterial wall. Recent studies utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing revealed heterogeneous EC sub-populations, as determined by their transcriptional profiles, in aortic aneurysm tissue. This review summarizes recent findings, including clinical evidence of endothelial dysfunction in AAA, the impact of biomechanical stress on EC in AAA, the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling in AAA, and EC heterogeneity in AAA. These studies help to improve our understanding of AAA pathogenesis and ultimately may lead to the generation of EC-targeted therapeutics to treat or prevent this deadly disease.
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Dilatation, Pathologic; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 35454098
DOI: 10.3390/biom12040509 -
Cureus Mar 2021Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare diagnosis that can be challenging to make as its symptoms, which include abdominal distention, nausea, and persistent...
Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare diagnosis that can be challenging to make as its symptoms, which include abdominal distention, nausea, and persistent vomiting, often overlap with many other acute abdominal pathologies. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can help the clinician identify gastric outlet obstruction in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). Sonographic identifiers include a markedly dilated stomach that is filled with both hyper- and hypoechoic contents and may extend into the lower abdomen in the pelvic views.
PubMed: 33859891
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13829 -
Indian Pediatrics Mar 2007We present here the first case of Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a rare type of glycogen storage disease, from India. A 17-month-old female child presented with severe growth...
We present here the first case of Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a rare type of glycogen storage disease, from India. A 17-month-old female child presented with severe growth retardation and abdominal distention. Clinical examination revealed a "doll-like" face, massive hepatomegaly, and rickets. Laboratory investigations confirmed severe hypophosphatemic rickets and proximal renal tubular dysfunction. Liver biopsy showed glycogen accumulation in the hepatocytes.
Topics: Abdomen; Dietary Supplements; Failure to Thrive; Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets; Fanconi Syndrome; Female; Glycogen Storage Disease; Hepatomegaly; Humans; Infant
PubMed: 17413201
DOI: No ID Found