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Indian Pediatrics Nov 2018Infantile colic is self-limiting condition but it can be a cause of anxiety for parents and challenge for doctors. The challenge for the doctors lies in correct... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Infantile colic is self-limiting condition but it can be a cause of anxiety for parents and challenge for doctors. The challenge for the doctors lies in correct identification of the condition and appropriate management. The objective of this review article is to summarize the pathophysiology, treatment options and outcome in infantile colic so that clinicians can have a fair idea about the condition, recent updates and future prospects.
EVIDENCE
A search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar was made using the key words "Infant colic", Infantile colic", "excessive crying in infants". All the materials were analyzed and summarized.
RESULTS
At present, infantile colic is an area of clinical research both in terms of etiology and treatment. Various etiological theories have been proposed but none of them are strong enough to completely describe the condition. Various treatment agents are being tried for colic like counseling and behavioral modification, dietary modification, lactase and probiotic supplementation, pain relieving agents, and chiropathy. Proper counseling of the parents is the first line of management at present. Simethicone has no role in decreasing the symptoms of colic and Dicyclomine is not recommended in children younger than six months. No specific recommendations have been made on the use of pain relieving agents and manipulative therapies in colic. At present strong evidence is lacking regarding the use of probiotics, lactase supplementation and dietary modification.
CONCLUSIONS
Counseling of parents about the benign nature of the condition is considered first line for now until an effective treatment is established. Other treatment options are prescribed on a case-based manner, and based on the parental perception of the condition.
Topics: Behavior Therapy; Colic; Counseling; Crying; Diet Therapy; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Parasympatholytics
PubMed: 29941700
DOI: No ID Found -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Aug 2021Chronic abdominal pain is a common gastrointestinal (GI) symptom that characterizes many functional GI disorders/disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable... (Review)
Review
Chronic abdominal pain is a common gastrointestinal (GI) symptom that characterizes many functional GI disorders/disorders of gut-brain interaction, including irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome. The symptoms of abdominal pain in these highly prevalent disorders are often treated with antispasmodic agents. Antispasmodic treatment includes a broad range of therapeutic classes with different mechanisms of action, including anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agents (inhibition of GI smooth muscle contraction), calcium channel inhibitors (inhibition of calcium transport into GI smooth muscle), and direct smooth muscle relaxants (inhibition of sodium and calcium transport). The aim of this review article was to examine the efficacy and safety of antispasmodics available in North America (e.g., alverine, dicyclomine, hyoscine, hyoscyamine, mebeverine, otilonium, pinaverium, and trimebutine) for the treatment of chronic abdominal pain in patients with common disorders of gut-brain interaction. For the agents examined, comparisons of studies are limited by inconsistencies in treatment dosing and duration, patient profiles, and diagnostic criteria employed. Furthermore, variability in study end points limits comparisons. Risk of selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting bias also differed among studies, and in many cases, risks were considered "unclear." The antispasmodics evaluated in this review, which differ in geographic availability, were found to vary dramatically in efficacy and safety. Given these caveats, each agent should be considered on an individual basis, rather than prescribed based on information across the broad class of agents.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Chronic Pain; Humans; North America; Parasympatholytics
PubMed: 33993133
DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001266 -
The Lancet. Gastroenterology &... Feb 2020Although novel therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) continue to be developed, many doctors rely on more established, traditional therapies as first-line or...
BACKGROUND
Although novel therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) continue to be developed, many doctors rely on more established, traditional therapies as first-line or second-line treatment options. These therapies include soluble fibre (eg, ispaghula husk), antispasmodic drugs, peppermint oil, and gut-brain neuromodulators (including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or α-2-δ calcium channel subunit ligands). However, the relative efficacy of traditional treatments in patients with IBS is unclear because there have been few head-to-head randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to compare and rank the efficacy of traditional therapies in patients with IBS to help inform clinical decisions.
METHODS
For this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Embase Classic, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to week 2 of August 2019; ClinicalTrials.gov for unpublished trials or supplementary data published up to Aug 18, 2019; and gastroenterology conference proceedings for study abstracts published between 2001 and Aug 18, 2019. We included RCTs that compared any of these treatments with each other (head-to-head trials) or with placebo, in which the efficacy of soluble fibre, antispasmodic drugs, peppermint oil, or gut-brain neuromodulators was assessed in adults (aged at least 18 years) with IBS of any subtype after 4-12 weeks of treatment. Only RCTs reporting a dichotomous assessment of overall response to therapy, in terms of either improvement in global IBS symptoms or improvement in abdominal pain, were included. The efficacy and safety of all treatments were reported as a pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs to summarise the effect of each comparison tested, and treatments were ranked according to their P-score.
FINDINGS
Our search identified 5863 references, of which 81 were screened for eligibility. 51 RCTs with data from 4644 patients were eligible for inclusion in our analysis, but only 13 of these trials were at low risk of bias. Based on an endpoint of failure to achieve improvement in global IBS symptoms at 4-12 weeks, peppermint oil capsules were ranked first for efficacy (RR 0·63, 95% CI 0·48-0·83, P-score 0·84) and tricyclic antidepressants were ranked second (0·66, 0·53-0·83, P-score 0·77). For failure to achieve an improvement in global IBS symptoms at 4-12 weeks, there were no significant differences between active treatments after direct or indirect comparisons. For failure to achieve improvement in abdominal pain at 4-12 weeks, tricyclic antidepressants were ranked first for efficacy (0·53, 0·34-0·83, P-score 0·87); however, this result was based on data from only four RCTs involving 92 patients. For failure to achieve an improvement in abdominal pain, none of the active treatments showed superior efficacy upon indirect comparison. Tricyclic antidepressants were more likely than placebo to lead to adverse events (1·59, 1·26-2·06, P-score 0·16).
INTERPRETATION
In this network meta-analysis of RCTs of soluble fibre, antispasmodic drugs, peppermint oil, and gut-brain neuromodulators for IBS, few of which were judged as being at a low risk of bias, peppermint oil was ranked first for efficacy when global symptoms were used as the outcome measure, and tricyclic antidepressants were ranked first for efficacy when abdominal pain was used as the outcome measure. However, because of the lack of methodological rigour of some RCTs analysed in our study, there is likely to be considerable uncertainty around these findings. In addition, because treatment duration in most included trials was 4-12 weeks, the long-term relative efficacy of these treatments is unknown.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Brain; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Network Meta-Analysis; Neurotransmitter Agents; Parasympatholytics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31859183
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(19)30324-3 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Sep 2022Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction, with a complex pathophysiology. Antispasmodics are prescribed as first-line... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction, with a complex pathophysiology. Antispasmodics are prescribed as first-line therapy because of their action on gut dysmotility. In this regard, peppermint oil also has antispasmodic properties.
AIM
To update our previous meta-analysis to assess efficacy and safety of peppermint oil, particularly as recent studies have cast doubt on its role in the treatment of IBS METHODS: We searched the medical literature up to 2nd April 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of peppermint oil in IBS. Efficacy and safety were judged using dichotomous assessments of effect on global IBS symptoms or abdominal pain, and occurrence of any adverse event or of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Data were pooled using a random effects model, with efficacy and safety reported as pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
We identified 10 eligible RCTs (1030 patients). Peppermint oil was more efficacious than placebo for global IBS symptoms (RR of not improving = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.98, number needed to treat [NNT] = 4; 95% CI 2.5-71), and abdominal pain (RR of abdominal pain not improving = 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.93, NNT = 7; 95% CI 4-24). Adverse event rates were significantly higher with peppermint oil (RR of any adverse event = 1.57; 95% CI 1.04-2.37).
CONCLUSIONS
Peppermint oil was superior to placebo for the treatment of IBS, but adverse events were more frequent, and quality of evidence was very low. Adequately powered RCTs of peppermint oil as first-line treatment for IBS are needed.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Mentha piperita; Parasympatholytics; Plant Oils; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35942669
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17179 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jul 2021To investigate the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for low back pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for low back pain.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicialtrialsregister.eu, and WHO ICTRP from inception to 23 February 2021.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION
Randomised controlled trials of muscle relaxants compared with placebo, usual care, waiting list, or no treatment in adults (≥18 years) reporting non-specific low back pain.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations, respectively. Random effects meta-analytical models through restricted maximum likelihood estimation were used to estimate pooled effects and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Outcomes included pain intensity (measured on a 0-100 point scale), disability (0-100 point scale), acceptability (discontinuation of the drug for any reason during treatment), and safety (adverse events, serious adverse events, and number of participants who withdrew from the trial because of an adverse event).
RESULTS
49 trials were included in the review, of which 31, sampling 6505 participants, were quantitatively analysed. For acute low back pain, very low certainty evidence showed that at two weeks or less non-benzodiazepine antispasmodics were associated with a reduction in pain intensity compared with control (mean difference -7.7, 95% confidence interval-12.1 to-3.3) but not a reduction in disability (-3.3, -7.3 to 0.7). Low and very low certainty evidence showed that non-benzodiazepine antispasmodics might increase the risk of an adverse event (relative risk 1.6, 1.2 to 2.0) and might have little to no effect on acceptability (0.8, 0.6 to 1.1) compared with control for acute low back pain, respectively. The number of trials investigating other muscle relaxants and different durations of low back pain were small and the certainty of evidence was reduced because most trials were at high risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Considerable uncertainty exists about the clinical efficacy and safety of muscle relaxants. Very low and low certainty evidence shows that non-benzodiazepine antispasmodics might provide small but not clinically important reductions in pain intensity at or before two weeks and might increase the risk of an adverse event in acute low back pain, respectively. Large, high quality, placebo controlled trials are urgently needed to resolve uncertainty.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42019126820 and Open Science Framework https://osf.io/mu2f5/.
Topics: Benzodiazepines; Humans; Low Back Pain; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Parasympatholytics
PubMed: 34233900
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1446 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Jan 2022Pain relief remains a significant challenge in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): "Does anything really help relieve the pain in patients with IBS?".... (Review)
Review
Pain relief remains a significant challenge in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): "Does anything really help relieve the pain in patients with IBS?". Interventions aimed at pain relief in patients with IBS include diet, probiotics or antibiotics, antidepressants, antispasmodics, and drugs targeting specific gastrointestinal receptors such as opioid or histamine receptors. In the systematic review and meta-analysis published in this journal, Lambarth et al. examined the literature on the role of oral and parenteral anti-neuropathic agents in the management of pain in patients with IBS. This review article appraises their assessment of the efficacy of the anti-neuropathic agents amitriptyline, pregabalin, gabapentin, and duloxetine in the relief of abdominal pain or discomfort, and impact on overall IBS severity and quality of life. This commentary provides an update of current evidence on the efficacy of the dietary and pharmacological treatments that are available or in development, as well psychological and cognitive behavioral therapy for pain in IBS. Advances in recent years augur well for efficacious treatments that may expand the therapeutic arsenal for pain in IBS.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Analgesics; Antidepressive Agents; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Parasympatholytics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34859929
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14305 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Mar 1989In Parkinson's disease there is degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, with consequent depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The triad of tremor,... (Review)
Review
In Parkinson's disease there is degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, with consequent depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The triad of tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia is the clinical hallmark. Drugs currently used for palliative therapy fall into three categories: anticholinergic agents, dopamine precursors (levodopa combined with extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitors) and artificial dopamine agonists. It has been argued, on theoretical grounds, that some drugs slow the progress of Parkinson's disease, although no firm evidence has supported this. Treatment must be individualized, and more than one type of drug can be given concurrently after a careful build-up in dosage. We review the adverse effects of various drugs and consider new developments such as slow-release preparations, selective D-1 and D-2 agonists and transplants of dopaminergic cells into the brain. The treatment of Parkinson's disease can be demanding, rewarding and sometimes frustrating, but it remains a most challenging exercise in pharmacotherapy.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Antioxidants; Caudate Nucleus; Dopamine Agents; Humans; Levodopa; Parasympatholytics; Parkinson Disease; Prognosis
PubMed: 2563667
DOI: No ID Found -
European Review For Medical and... 2015This non-systematic review discusses the available evidence on the use of flavoxate in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This non-systematic review discusses the available evidence on the use of flavoxate in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).
METHODS
Medline was searched for inclusion of relevant studies. No limitations in time were considered.
RESULTS
Flavoxate hydrochloride is an antispasmodic agent which exerts an inhibition of the phosphodiesterases, a moderate calcium antagonistic activity, and a local anesthetic effect. Results from preclinical and clinical studies show that flavoxate significantly increases bladder volume capacity (BVC), with greater results if compared to other drugs such as emepronium bromide and propantheline. Moreover in clinical trials, both versus placebo or versus active comparators, flavoxate treatment was associated with a significant improvement in different low urinary tract symptoms, such as diurnal and night frequency, urgency and urinary incontinence, suprapubic pain, dysuria, hesitancy and burning. In addition flavoxate was associated with an overall more favourable safety profile than competitors.
CONCLUSIONS
Several researches and a number of years of clinical practice have proven the efficacy and tolerability of flavoxate administration in the treatment of OAB and associated symptoms. However, new studies are necessary to collect more evidence on the role of this molecule in the treatment of OAB and to further explore its use in other indications such as symptomatic treatment of lower urinary tract infections.
Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Female; Flavoxate; Humans; Male; Parasympatholytics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urinary Bladder, Overactive
PubMed: 25807422
DOI: No ID Found -
BioMed Research International 2018Natural products with antispasmodic activity have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate different illnesses since the remote past. We searched the literature... (Review)
Review
Natural products with antispasmodic activity have been used in traditional medicine to alleviate different illnesses since the remote past. We searched the literature and compiled the antispasmodic activity of 248 natural compounds isolated from terrestrial plants. In this review, we summarized all the natural products reported with antispasmodic activity until the end of 2017. We also provided chemical information about their extraction as well as the model used to test their activities. Results showed that members of the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families had the highest number of isolated compounds with antispasmodic activity. Moreover, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids were the chemical groups with the highest number of antispasmodic compounds. Lastly, a structural comparison of natural versus synthetic compounds was discussed.
Topics: Animals; Asteraceae; Humans; Lamiaceae; Parasympatholytics; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 30402474
DOI: 10.1155/2018/3819714 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2012The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) varies depending on the criteria used to diagnose it, but it ranges from about 5% to 20%. IBS is associated with... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) varies depending on the criteria used to diagnose it, but it ranges from about 5% to 20%. IBS is associated with abnormal gastrointestinal motor function and enhanced visceral perception, as well as psychosocial and genetic factors. People with IBS often have other bodily and psychiatric symptoms, and have an increased likelihood of having unnecessary surgery compared with people without IBS.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments in people with IBS? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to August 2011 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 27 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: 5HT(3) receptor antagonists (alosetron and ramosetron), 5HT(4) receptor agonists (tegaserod), antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]), antispasmodics (including peppermint oil), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, loperamide, and soluble and insoluble fibre supplementation.
Topics: Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Loperamide; Parasympatholytics
PubMed: 22296841
DOI: No ID Found