Rectal Distension Increased the Rectoanal Gradient in Patients with Normal Rectal Sensory Function.

Background: Frequent observation of abnormal manometric patterns consistent with dyssynergia in healthy volunteers has warranted the need for reassessment of the current methods to enhance the diagnostic value of anorectal manometry in functional defecatory disorders. Whether rectal distention at simulated evacuation will affect anorectal pressure profile and increase rectoanal gradient is not known.

Methods: One hundred and eight consecutive patients with chronic constipation, 93 females, median age 53 years (interquartile range: 40-65), were studied.

From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: Treatment targets for plaque psoriasis.

Background: An urgent need exists in the United States to establish treatment goals in psoriasis.

Objective: We aim to establish defined treatment targets toward which clinicians and patients with psoriasis can strive to inform treatment decisions, reduce disease burden, and improve outcomes in practice.

Methods: The National Psoriasis Foundation conducted a consensus-building study among psoriasis experts using the Delphi method.