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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

The efficacy and safety study of electro-acupuncture for severe chronic functional constipation: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial
We report a protocol for a randomized controlled trial using EA to confirm the efficacy and safety for severe chronic functional constipation. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial. A total of 1,034 patients will be randomly allocated into the EA group (n=517) and the sham EA group (n=517). The EA group receives needling at ST25, SP14 and ST37 and the sham EA group receives needling at sham ST25, SP14 and ST37. The primary outcome measure is changednumber of weekly average complete spontaneous bowel movements(CSBMs) during 8 weeks of treatment, compared with baseline. The secondary outcome measures are: 1) the pr...
Source: Trials - June 15, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Zhishun LiuJia LiuYe ZhaoYuying CaiLiyun HeHuanfang XuXiaohua ZhouShiyan YanLixing LaoBaoyan Liu Source Type: research

Methylnaltrexone for Opioid‐Induced Constipation in Pediatric Oncology Patients
ConclusionThis case series suggests that methylnaltrexone is safe and may be effective when given subcutaneously as a 0.15 mg/kg single dose to pediatric oncology patients with opioid‐induced constipation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;9999:1–4. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Amelia Rodrigues, Cherie Wong, Andrea Mattiussi, Sarah Alexander, Elaine Lau, L. Lee Dupuis Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

I've Been Constipated. Could I Have Colon Cancer?
I'm usually able to have a bowel movement at least two times per week. For the past three weeks, I haven't been able to have a bowel movement on my own. I've been taking a laxative once a week. Can this be a sign of colon cancer? (Source: About.com Colon Cancer)
Source: About.com Colon Cancer - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: coloncancer.guide at about.com Tags: health Source Type: news

In Mouse Model, Females Fend Off Gut Diseases
At least among mice, females have innate protection from certain digestive conditions, according to a new Michigan State University study. While it's tricky to draw conclusions for human health, the findings could eventually help scientists better understand and treat the 1.4 million Americans suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD. Crohn's disease and colitis, the two most common forms of IBD, involve abnormal functioning of the immune system that can damage the digestive tract, causing inflammation, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and other symptoms... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - June 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Crohn's / IBD Source Type: news

Adult Small Bowel Obstruction
ConclusionsThe potentially useful aspects of the history and physical examination were limited to a history of abdominal surgery, constipation, and the clinical examination findings of abnormal bowel sounds and abdominal distention. CT, MRI, and US are all adequate imaging modalities to make the diagnosis of SBO. Bedside US, which can be performed by EPs, had very good diagnostic accuracy and has the potential to play a larger role in the ED diagnosis of SBO. More ED‐focused research into this area will be necessary to bring about this change. Resumen Obstrucción de Intestino Delgado en el Adulto IntroductionLa obstruc...
Source: Academic Emergency Medicine - June 12, 2013 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Mark R. Taylor, Nadim Lalani Tags: Evidence‐Based Diagnostics Source Type: research

The Implications of Missed Opportunities to Diagnose Appendicitis in Children
ConclusionsOf children diagnosed with appendicitis, 4.8% may have had a missed opportunity for earlier diagnosis. These false‐negative diagnoses are associated with higher rates of perforation, postoperative complications, and need for postoperative interventions, as well as longer hospitalizations. Resumen Las Implicaciones de las Oportunidades Perdidas para Diagnosticar Apendicitis en Niños ObjetivosEl propósito de este estudio fue determinar el porcentaje de niños con apendicitis aguda que tuvieron un diagnóstico falso negativo, y analizar la asociación de un diagnóstico perdido de apendicitis con los resultado...
Source: Academic Emergency Medicine - June 12, 2013 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Jessica A. Naiditch, Timothy B. Lautz, Susan Daley, Mary Clyde Pierce, Marleta Reynolds Tags: Original Research Contribution Source Type: research

What You Need to Know About Your Colon
No one likes to discuss colon health. But it’s serious business, and learning about it—and what you can do to take care of your colon—can help ensure you and your loved ones lead healthier lives. Here, Benjamin Hopkins, MD, a Duke Medicine colon and rectal surgeon, touches every condition you don’t want to talk about – from hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence to anal pain and diverticulitis. Q. What’s the most important thing to do for colorectal health? A. The best approach to good colorectal health is to maintain a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water. Eight glasses of water a day helps prevent constipa...
Source: DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features - June 11, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Colorectal Cancer Duke Primary Care Source Type: news

18 and Under: The Pain of Constipation
In a study of 10,000 visits to a children’s hospital emergency room, constipation was the most common specific diagnosis. (Source: NYT Health)
Source: NYT Health - June 10, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: By PERRI KLASS, M.D. Tags: Family 18 and Under Constipation medicine and health Featured Children and Childhood Fiber (Dietary) Source Type: news

Wellbutrin / Zyban / Bupropion Side Effects
Bupropion is marketed under the brand names Wellbutrin (as an antidepressant) and Zyban (for smoking cessation). Common side effects include constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and trembling or shaking. Other side effects may be more severe. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)
Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder - June 9, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: bipolar.guide at about.com Tags: health Source Type: news

Effects of kivia powder on Gut health in patients with occasional constipation: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Conclusions: Treatment with Kivia powder, an extract of kiwifruit containing ZyactinaseTM, for four weeks was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in gently enhancing bowel movement frequency and reducing abdominal pain and flatulence in subjects with occasional constipation.Trial registration: ISRCTN: ISRCTN49036618 (Source: Nutrition Journal)
Source: Nutrition Journal - June 8, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Jay UdaniDavid Bloom Source Type: research

Concurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism and metastatic breast carcinoma affected a parathyroid gland.
Conclusion:The case illustrates that hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid hyperplasia which was concurrent with metastatic breast cancer to a parathyroid gland without disseminated systemic metastasis. Although, this case is a very uncommon and it is not clear whether there is relationship between breast cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism, its possibility should always be considered as the cause of hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer. PMID: 23750035 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Genitourinary Cancer)
Source: Clinical Genitourinary Cancer - June 7, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Lee SH, Kim BH, Bae MJ, Yi YS, Kim WJ, Jeon YK, Kim SS, Kim YK, Kim IJ Tags: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Source Type: research

Highlights from this issue
Luminal GIHost genetics of Irritable bowel syndrome: more clues towards inflammation and infection Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) shows a familial tendency but studying host genetic factors in this condition is fraught with difficulty due to vaguely defined phenotypes. One in five of IBS begins with an acute gastroenteritis; this is defined as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). Given the similarity between PI-IBS and diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), Swan et al hypothesised that IBS-D would be characterised by a genetic tendency to overreact to infectious or inflammatory insults and to show persistent immune activation. In ord...
Source: Gut - June 6, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: El-Omar, E., Grady, W., Gerbes, A. Tags: Digest Source Type: research

Identifying and testing candidate genetic polymorphisms in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): association with TNFSF15 and TNF{alpha}
Conclusion IBS-D and PI-IBS patients are associated with TNFSF15 and TNFα genetic polymorphisms which also predispose to Crohn's disease suggesting possible common underlying pathogenesis. (Source: Gut)
Source: Gut - June 6, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Swan, C., Duroudier, N. P., Campbell, E., Zaitoun, A., Hastings, M., Dukes, G. E., Cox, J., Kelly, F. M., Wilde, J., Lennon, M. G., Neal, K. R., Whorwell, P. J., Hall, I. P., Spiller, R. C. Tags: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Gastroenteritis, Crohn's disease, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Irritable bowel syndrome Neurogastroenterology Source Type: research

Short stature and an interesting association
We report here, a 7-year-old girl who presented with short stature, constipation and isosexual precocious puberty due to the long standing untreated severe hypothyroidism with this syndrome. (Source: Indian Journal of Human Genetics)
Source: Indian Journal of Human Genetics - June 4, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Latha Magatha SnehaKishore ThanasegarapandianVenkataraman ParamasivamJulius Xavier Scott Source Type: research

Drug Relieves MS Constipation -- at a Price (CME/CE)
ORLANDO (MedPage Today) -- Treatment of constipation in multiple sclerosis patients with lubiprostone (Amitiza) increased spontaneous bowel movements but also appeared to induce diarrhea, a small trial indicated. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)
Source: MedPage Today Primary Care - June 2, 2013 Category: Primary Care Source Type: news

Lubiprostone for constipation
A small study involving 21 people with MS and constipation found that lubiprostone increased spontaneous bowel movements more than threefold (though this depended on how data from three people who dropped out was counted). A side effect was diarrhoea. From the CMSC/ACTRIMS meeting. MedPage Today Bowel symptoms - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - June 1, 2013 Category: Neurology Source Type: news

Erratum
In the abstract titled “Analgesia during long-term lubiprostone therapy in patients with opioid-induced constipation and chronic, non-cancer pain: results from a phase 3, open-label clinical trial” (Joswick et al, J Pain 14:S79, 2013) the following correction should be made: During the study, 24.6% of patients reported a treatment-related adverse event (AE), most commonly nausea and diarrhea (5.0% and 4.6%, respectively). No drug-related serious AEs were reported. Five (1.1%) and 5 (1.1%) patients withdrew because of nausea and diarrhea, respectively; 2 cases of nausea and 2 cases of diarrhea were severe. Reliance on ...
Source: The Journal of Pain - June 1, 2013 Category: Materials Science Tags: Erratum Source Type: research

Opiates and Constipation
Topics for this column seem to come easily, either by questions from readers or my own experiences with pharmacotherapy. The topic for this issue comes from an unfortunate skiing accident I recently had that resulted in a need to take oxycodone/acetaminophen. Mindful of a recent column on acetaminophen dosing, I was aware of the cumulative dose of that drug coming from a variety of prescription and nonprescription products. I even asked the nurse in the hospital how much acetaminophen I had received in the past 24 hours and was delighted to hear that they had an automatic tracking system to warn nurses about cumulativ...
Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners - June 1, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Philip J. Schneider Tags: Prescription Pad Source Type: research

High resolution colonic manometry - what have we learnt?- a review of the literature 2012.
Abstract Despite its size and physiological importance, the human colon is one of the least understood organs of the body. Many disorders arise from suspected abnormalities in colonic contractions, yet, due largely to technical constraints, investigation of human colonic motor function still remains relatively primitive. Most measures of colonic motility focus upon the transit speed (radiology, scintigraphy and, more recently, "smart pills"); however, only colonic manometry can measure pressure/force from multiple regions within the colon in real time (Dinning and Scott (Curr Opin Pharmacol 11:624-629, 2011)). Base...
Source: Pharmacological Reports - June 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Bampton PA, Dinning PG Tags: Curr Gastroenterol Rep Source Type: research

Kratom: it’s a stimulant, AND it’s an opioid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yj-8fgFkM8 3 out of 5 stars Pharmacology of Kratom: An Emerging Botanical Agent with Stimulant, Analgesic and Opioid-Like Effects. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2012 Dec;112:792-799. Abstract Kratom is a psychoactive leaf from the southeast Asian tree mitragyna speciosa, a species related to the coffee and gardenia plants. Because the leaf contains over 20 active substances and its effects are dose-related, ingesting the leaf in pill or tea form has been associated with a variety of effects. At low doses, the leaves produce a stimulant effect that can be perceived as pleasant and energizing, but c...
Source: The Poison Review - May 31, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Leon Tags: Medical kratom legal high mitragyna opioid stimulant Source Type: news

Race and Acute Abdominal Pain in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in pediatric emergency departments, with a broad differential diagnosis. The impact of demographic and clinical characteristics of patients on the evaluation and management of these children is not well known. The most common cause of abdominal pain is constipation, which rarely requires hospital admission. Demographic factors, in particular race, do not seem to affect evaluation and management. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - May 31, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Pediatrics Digest Summary Source Type: research

Race and Acute Abdominal Pain in a Pediatric Emergency Department
CONCLUSIONS: Constipation is the most common diagnosis in children presenting with abdominal pain. Our data demonstrate that no racial differences exist in the evaluation, treatment, and disposition of children with abdominal pain. (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - May 31, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Caperell, K., Pitetti, R., Cross, K. P. Tags: Emergency Medicine Article Source Type: research

Honey Pacifier Use Among an Indigent Pediatric Population
CONCLUSIONS: Honey pacifier use was relatively common among this population, seen in ~1 out of 10 respondents. A majority of the mothers surveyed (~80%) were unaware of the potential dangers of giving honey to infants under age 12 months. Herbal medicine use was also common. (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - May 31, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Benjamins, L. J., Gourishankar, A., Yataco-Marquez, V., Cardona, E. H., de Ybarrondo, L. Tags: Article Source Type: research

Phase 2 study of bortezomib-dexamethasone alone or with added cyclophosphamide or lenalidomide for sub-optimal response as second-line treatment for patients with multiple myeloma.
Abstract In this phase 2 study, the first prospective evaluation of bortezomib-dexamethasone as second-line therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, 163 patients were enrolled to receive four cycles of bortezomib-dexamethasone. Patients were investigator-assessed for response at cycle 5 day 1, then treated as follows: responding patients received another four cycles of bortezomib-dexamethasone, while patients with stable disease were subsequently randomized to sequential treatment with a further four cycles of bortezomib-dexamethasone alone or with added cyclophosphamide or lenalidomide. The primary endpoi...
Source: Haematologica - May 28, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Dimopoulos MA, Beksac M, Benboubker L, Roddie H, Allietta N, Broer E, Couturier C, Mazier MA, Angermund R, Facon T Tags: Haematologica Source Type: research

Use of Naturally Occurring Peptides for Neuropathic Spinal Cord Injury Pain.
Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied by intractable pain as well as loss of motor and visceral control. As part of an overall strategy in patient rehabilitation and improvement in quality of life, pain management is crucial. Interestingly, SCI patients report pain below the level of injury that has characteristics of neuropathic-type pain. Preclinical studies suggest that a key substrate that underlies the symptoms of neuropathic pain such as spontaneous pain and below-level cutaneous hypersensitivity is aberrant activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons. While pharmacotherapies for peripheral neuropathic ...
Source: Current Protein and Peptide Science - May 28, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Hama A, Sagen J Tags: Curr Protein Pept Sci Source Type: research

Abdominal pain localization is associated with non‐diarrheic Rome III functional gastrointestinal disorders
Conclusions & InferencesThe results from this study provide the basis for developing new criteria allowing for the identification of homogeneous groups of patients with non‐diarrheic FBDs based on characteristic sites of pain. (Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility)
Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility - May 27, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: M. Bouchoucha, M. Fysekidis, G. Devroede, J. ‐J. Raynaud, B. Bejou, R. Benamouzig Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Genetic Polymorphisms of UGT1A8, UGT1A9 and HNF-1α and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Renal Transplant Recipients taking Mycophenolic acid.
In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT1) A8, 1A9, and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF1α) genes or pharmacokinetic parameters of mycophenolic acid (MPA) were associated with the severity of GI symptoms in patients receiving MPA therapy. A total of 109 kidney transplant patients taking mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives were genotyped for UGT1A8, 1A9 and HNF1α genes. Among these, a total of 15 patients were participants in the pharmacokinetic study. Severity of GI symptoms was assessed using a validated Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS). The overall and subscal...
Source: Transplant Immunology - May 27, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Vu D, Tellez-Corrales E, Yang J, Qazi Y, Shah T, Naraghi R, Hutchinson IV, Min DI Tags: Transpl Immunol Source Type: research

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
Abstract Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare and serious disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized as a motility disorder with the primary defect of impaired peristalsis; symptoms are consistent with a bowel obstruction, although mechanical obstruction cannot be identified. CIP is classified as a neuropathy, myopathy, or mesenchymopathy; it is a neuropathic process in the majority of patients. The natural history of CIP is generally that of a progressive disorder, although occasional patients with secondary CIP note significant symptomatic improvement when the underlying disorder i...
Source: Nutrition in Clinical Practice - May 25, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Gabbard SL, Lacy BE Tags: Nutr Clin Pract Source Type: research

Dearterialization with Mucopexy vs. Haemorrhoidectomy for Grade III or IV Haemorrhoids: Short‐Term Results of a Double‐blind Randomized Controlled Trial
ConclusionsCompared to haemorrhoidectomy, dearterialization led to less pain in grade III/IV hemorrhoids.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Colorectal Disease)
Source: Colorectal Disease - May 25, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Paula I. Denoya, Mathew Fakhoury, Karen Chang, Jordan Fakhoury, Roberto Bergamaschi Tags: Original Article ‐ Randomised Controlled Trial Source Type: research

Influence of melatonin on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in postmenopausal women.
Conclusions: Melatonin can be used as part of the treatment of IBS, particularly in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (2): 114-120). PMID: 23653274 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Endokrynologia Polska)
Source: Endokrynologia Polska - May 24, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Chojnacki C, Walecka-Kapica E, Lokieć K, Pawłowicz M, Winczyk K, Chojnacki J, Klupińska G Tags: Endokrynol Pol Source Type: research

The influence of electro-acupuncture stimulation to female constipation patients.
This study aims to examine electro-acupuncture stimulation (EA) assisted therapy with analysis of heart rate variability to understand autonomic nervous activity variability (ANAV) and to track the changes in female patients with constipation. The average ages were 42 ± 12 years old. The participants were divided by a single-blind and randomized trial into two groups: the electro-acupuncture-point group, and the non-electro-acupuncture-point group. Both of the groups had eight treatments, once a week. For the electro-acupuncture (EA) group, needles were inserted into their Zusunli (ST36), Shangiuxu (ST37), Tiensu (ST25), ...
Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine - May 24, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Chen CY, Ke MD, Kuo CD, Huang CH, Hsueh YH, Chen JR Tags: Am J Chin Med Source Type: research

A systematic review of the effectiveness of bowel management strategies for constipation in adults with stroke
Conclusion: Constipation management strategies are limited. This review suggests that structured bowel programmes and nurse-led intervention in bowel care have a significant effect in improving bowel evacuations. (Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies)
Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies - May 24, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Su Fee Lim, Charmaine Childs Tags: Reviews and Discussion Papers Source Type: research

Plecanatide Eases Chronic ConstipationPlecanatide Eases Chronic Constipation
The novel agent belongs to a new class of oral therapies known as guanylate cyclase-C receptor agonists. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - May 24, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Gastroenterology News Source Type: news

Constipation builds up QoL, mortality risks
Australian researchers highlight the widespread impact of constipation on both quality of life and longevity, finding the majority of women experience symptoms in later life. (Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology)
Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology - May 24, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: news

Congenital hypothyroidism: recommendations of the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
O hipotireoidismo congênito (HC) é o distúrbio endócrino congênito mais frequente, com incidência variando de 1:2.000 a 1:4.000 crianças nascidas vivas e uma das principais causas de retardo mental que pode ser prevenida. Os Programas de Triagem Neonatal para a doença permitem a identificação precoce dos afetados e seu tratamento de modo a evitar as complicações da falta do hormônio. A maioria dos casos de hipotireoidismo congênito é decorrente de disgenesias tireoidianas (85%), entre elas a ectopia, hipoplasia ou agenesia tireoidianas, e os demais resultam de defeitos de síntese hormonal. As crianças afet...
Source: Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia e Metabologia - May 24, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research

Role of reoperative bowel preparation before sacral nerve modulation for constipation
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Colorectal Disease)
Source: Colorectal Disease - May 24, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: J Martellucci, G Naldini Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research

Drug Eases Constipation from Opioids (CME/CE)
ORLANDO (MedPage Today) -- A peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist alleviated opioid-induced constipation in two pivotal phase III trials, a researcher reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)
Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology - May 23, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: news

Infant botulism: First two confirmed cases in Slovenia and literature review.
Abstract In Europe, infant botulism is a rare but probably under-diagnosed disease. With the intent to spread the awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease, we present a review of the literature with the emphasis on European epidemiology and a practical approach to diagnosis. We also report the first two confirmed cases of infant botulism in Slovenia and describe our way to the final diagnosis in a clinical setting where all appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options are not readily available. The second case is particularly interesting, presenting with profound diarrhea following initial const...
Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology - May 23, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Radšel A, Andlovic A, Neubauer D, Osredkar D Tags: Eur J Paediatr Neurol Source Type: research

Novel Drug Eases Chronic Constipation (CME/CE)
ORLANDO (MedPage Today) -- Plecanatide, a novel agent that mimics the effects of a GI fluid-regulating peptide, was effective on objective measures and patient-rated outcomes in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)
Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology - May 22, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: news

Constipation And Other Bowel Problems Afflict 72 Percent Of Pregnant Women
Nearly 3 out of 4 pregnant women experience constipation, diarrhea or other bowel disorders during their pregnancies, a Loyola University Medical Center study has found. But such bowel disorders only minimally affect a pregnant woman's quality of life, the study found. The study by senior author Scott Graziano, MD, and Payton Johnson was presented during the 61st Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in New Orleans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 22, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy / Obstetrics Source Type: news

Ethnobotanical knowledge on indigenous fruits in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions in Northern Namibia
Conclusions: The local communities in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions have relatively good knowledge and practices regarding the indigenous fruit. This study enhances our understanding on the indigenous fruit in Namibia and their uses by local communities. (Source: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine)
Source: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine - May 22, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Ahmad CheikhyoussefWerner Embashu Source Type: research

The cannabinoid‐1 receptor inverse agonist taranabant reduces abdominal pain and increases intestinal transit in mice
Conclusions & InferencesTaranabant improved symptoms related to slow GI motility and abdominal pain and may become an attractive template in the development of novel therapeutics targeting IBS‐C. (Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility)
Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility - May 21, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: J. Fichna, A. Sibaev, M. Sałaga, M. Sobczak, M. Storr Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

72 percent of pregnant women experience constipation and other bowel problems
(Loyola University Health System) Nearly three out of four pregnant women experience constipation, diarrhea or other bowel disorders during their pregnancies, a Loyola University Medical Center study has found. But such bowel disorders have only minimal impacts on pregnant women's quality of life, the study found. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - May 20, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Parkinson’s motor symptoms linked to overactive bladder
Japanese research shows that men with Parkinson’s disease are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of overactive bladder if they have finger taps or constipation. (Source: MedWire News - Urology)
Source: MedWire News - Urology - May 19, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: news

Constipation builds up QoL, mortality risks
Australian researchers highlight the widespread impact of constipation on both quality of life and longevity, finding the majority of women experience symptoms in later life. (Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry)
Source: MedWire News - Psychiatry - May 15, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news

Spontaneous Bowel Perforation From Distal Catheter Leading to Meningitis: A Rare but Frequently Overlooked Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts
A 13-year-old girl with severe cognitive impairment and chronic seizures was brought to the emergency department with a history of constipation as well as episodes of vomiting and low-grade fever for the past few days. At the neurologic examination, the patient presented with elevated temperature, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia, suggesting the diagnosis of meningitis. At the general examination, it was possible to visualize a filiform structure protruding from the patient's anal region. The family reported that the patient had placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt at 3 weeks old owing to neonatal hydrocephalus. ...
Source: Pediatric Neurology - May 15, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Tobias A. Mattei, Asem Salma, Julian J. Lin Tags: Images in Child Neurology Source Type: research

FDA and EMA end points: which outcome end points should we use in clinical trials in patients with irritable bowel syndrome?
Abstract Trial design and endpoints for the evaluation of drug efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) underwent major changes over the last two decades. A systematic review in the early 1990s concluded that there were few well‐designed and well‐executed treatment trials in IBS. Over the next decade, the so‐called binary endpoints were used in several clinical trials in IBS in the US, Europe and other parts of the world. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a general guidance for the evaluation of symptom benefit in clinical trials based on patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures, which had ...
Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility - May 14, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: M. Corsetti, J. Tack Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula reduces acid gastro-esophageal reflux in symptomatic preterm infants
Abstract: Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is diagnosed frequently in preterm infants. Pharmacological treatment of GER has some potential side effects. Conservative treatment of GER should be the first-line approach and should include body positioning and diet modifications.Formula-fed preterm infants experience frequently symptoms of feeding intolerance. Hydrolyzed protein formula (HPF) is often used in these infants due to their effects on gastrointestinal motility.Aims: To investigate the role of an extensively HPF (eHPF) on GER indexes in formula-fed preterm infants with symptoms of both GER and feeding into...
Source: Early Human Development - May 12, 2013 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Luigi Corvaglia, Elisa Mariani, Arianna Aceti, Silvia Galletti, Giacomo Faldella Source Type: research

Fiber in Whole Foods: A Closer Look
Fiber has more health benefits than treating or preventing constipation or hemorrhoids. But most individuals do not include foods with adequate amounts of fiber to their diet. Perhaps low consumption of fiber is due to poor food choices or because one is not aware of the food high in fiber content. In this issue the facts about fiber are discussed including a list of commonly consumed foods and their fiber content. (Source: Home Health Care Management)
Source: Home Health Care Management - May 10, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Alpert, P. T. Tags: Prevention Source Type: research

Constipation Common Early in Pregnancy (CME/CE)
(MedPage Today) -- Three in four pregnant women develop functional bowel disorders in their first trimester, with constipation and bloating most likely to negatively impact their quality of life, researchers reported here. (Source: MedPage Today OB/GYN)
Source: MedPage Today OB/GYN - May 9, 2013 Category: OBGYN Source Type: news