Validating Simple Modifications to the Rome IV Criteria for the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Secondary Care.

Background: The Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be too restrictive for clinical practice and research.

Aims: To validate the Rome IV criteria and study the diagnostic performance of simple modifications to them.

Methods: We collected symptom data from consecutive adults with suspected IBS seen in a single clinic.

Review article: The role of the gut-brain axis in inflammatory bowel disease and its therapeutic implications.

Background: Treatments targeting the gut-brain axis (GBA) are effective at reducing symptom burden in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The prevalence of common mental disorders and IBS-type symptom reporting is significantly higher in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than would be expected, suggesting potential GBA effects in this setting. Manipulation of the GBA may offer novel treatment strategies in selected patients with IBD.

Impact of Opioid Use on the Natural History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prospective Longitudinal Follow-up Study.

Background: Opioid use is increasingly prevalent amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether opioids have deleterious effects, or their use is merely linked with more severe disease, is unclear. We conducted a longitudinal follow-up study examining this issue.

Methods: Data on demographics, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, quality of life, and opioid use were recorded at baseline.

Novel symptom clusters predict disease impact and healthcare utilisation in inflammatory bowel disease: Prospective longitudinal follow-up study.

Background: Predicting adverse disease outcomes and high-volume users of healthcare amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is difficult.

Aims: The aim of this study is to use latent class analysis to create novel clusters of patients and to assess whether these predict outcomes during 6.5 years of longitudinal follow-up.

Efficacy of psychological therapies in people with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is increasing evidence for an influence of the gut-brain axis on the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Psychological therapies could, therefore, have beneficial effects in individuals with IBD, but data are conflicting. We aimed to update our previous systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the inclusion of more randomised controlled trials (RCTs) showed any beneficial effects and whether these effects varied by treatment modality.

Bedside ultrasonography prior to abdominal paracentesis is associated with low complication and high success rate: Experience in a National Health Service District General Hospital in the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2019.

Aims/background: To analyse data from a bedside ultrasound-assisted ascites procedure service in a National Health Service District General Hospital and compare them to results of studies in the medical literature.

Methods: A retrospective review of audit data collected (January 2013 to December 2019) of the practice of paracentesis in a National Health Service District General hospital. All adult patients referred to the ascites assessment service were included.

Ultrasound Findings in Suspected Ascites Referred for Paracentesis.

Complications of diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis include bowel perforation, hemorrhage, and death. At present, medical practitioners identify an area for paracentesis using either physical examination alone or with the addition of ultrasound. The preferable method is still debated within the medical literature.