Evidence-based management of Kawasaki disease in the emergency department.

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, was first described in Japan in 1967. It is currently the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. Untreated Kawasaki disease may lead to the formation of coronary artery aneurysms and sudden cardiac death in children.

Psychological profiles and quality of life differ between patients with dyssynergia and those with slow transit constipation.

Background: Pathophysiological characteristics differ between slow transit constipation (STC) and dyssynergic defecation, but whether psychological profiles and quality of life (QOL) are altered and whether they differ among these constipation subtypes are unknown.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated psychological profiles and QOL in 76 patients with dyssynergia, 38 patients with STC, and 44 control subjects using the Revised 90-item Symptom Checklist and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. In addition, we examined the correlations of psychological and QOL domains with constipation symptoms and pathophysiological subtypes.

Randomized controlled trial of biofeedback, sham feedback, and standard therapy for dyssynergic defecation.

Background & Aims: Constipation is a common disorder, and current treatments are generally unsatisfactory. Biofeedback might help patients with constipation and dyssynergic defecation, but its efficacy is unproven, and whether improvements are due to operant conditioning or personal attention is unknown.

Methods: In a prospective randomized trial, we investigated the efficacy of biofeedback (manometric-assisted anal relaxation, muscle coordination, and simulated defecation training; biofeedback) with either sham feedback therapy (sham) or standard therapy (diet, exercise, laxatives; standard) in 77 subjects (69 women) with chronic constipation and dyssynergic defecation.