The COVID-19 pandemic as a modifier of DGBI symptom severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This SRMA reviewed and assessed the changes in the severity of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluated factors associated with symptom severity changes.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched until February 2024, for articles reporting on changes in symptom severity in DGBI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of DGBI patients who reported a change in their symptom severity were pooled using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effect of socio-cultural modifiers on symptom severity in DGBI.

Face-to-face interviews versus Internet surveys: Comparison of two data collection methods in the Rome foundation global epidemiology study: Implications for population-based research.

Background And Aims: The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) assessed the prevalence, burden, and associated factors of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries around the world. Achieving worldwide sampling necessitated use of two different surveying methods: In-person household interviews (9 countries) and Internet surveys (26 countries). Two countries, China and Turkey, were surveyed with both methods.

A comparative study of disorders of gut-brain interaction in Western Europe and Asia based on the Rome foundation global epidemiology study.

Objective: Many studies have been published on disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in Asia and Western Europe, but no previous study has directly assessed the difference between the two regions. The aim was to compare the prevalence of DGBI in Asia and Western Europe.

Methods: We used data collected in a population-based Internet survey, the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, from countries in Western Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore).

A case report of improvement on ADHD symptoms after fecal microbiota transplantation with gut microbiome profiling pre- and post-procedure.

Background: Recent studies demonstrate the association of the gut microbiome in regulating interactions between the central nervous system and intestinal function. Individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been shown to have unique gut microbial signature, with depletion of beneficial commensal microbes. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) restores the imbalanced gut microbiome and may replete missing microbes to increase production of hormones and neurotransmitters regulating human behavior and cognition.

Guidance on performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring in Singapore.

Introduction: We aimed to provide a practical and evidence-based guide on the indications, performance and reporting of high-resolution oesophageal manometry (HRM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (PHM) in adult patients in Singapore.

Methods: The guideline committee comprised local gastroenterologists from public and private sectors with particular expertise in aspects of HRM and PHM, and it was tasked to produce evidence-based statements on the indications, performance and reporting of these tests. Each committee member performed literature searches to retrieve relevant articles within the context of domains to which they were assigned.

Consensus statements and recommendations on the management of mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Southeast Asian region.

This paper reports the proceedings from the first consensus meeting on the management of mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. Seventeen statements were drawn up by a steering committee that focused on epidemiology, mechanism of action, diagnostic investigations, and treatment. Voting on the recommendations used the Delphi method with two rounds of voting among the 10 panel members.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is gaining traction as a minimally invasive treatment of achalasia. Increased reflux is reported after POEM but the incidence, type and severity of reflux are not fully understood. We aimed to study the prevalence and nature of reflux after POEM and correlate reflux with endoscopy and pH-impedance findings.

Chicago Classification Update (v4.0): Technical review on diagnostic criteria for distal esophageal spasm.

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is defined as a manometric pattern of at least 20% of premature contractions in a context of normal esophago-gastric junction relaxation in a patient with dysphagia or non-cardiac chest pain. The definition of premature contraction requires the measurement of the distal latency and identification of the contractile deceleration point (CDP). The CDP can be difficult to localize, and alternative methods are proposed.

SAGES guidelines for the use of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia.

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly used as primary treatment for esophageal achalasia, in place of the options such as Heller myotomy (HM) and pneumatic dilatation (PD) OBJECTIVE: These evidence-based guidelines from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) intend to support clinicians, patients and others in decisions about the use of POEM for treatment of achalasia.

Results: The panel agreed on 4 recommendations for adults and children with achalasia.

Conclusions: Strong recommendation for the use of POEM over PD was issued unless the concern of continued postoperative PPI use remains a key decision-making concern to the patient.

Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study.

Background & Aims: Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), now called disorders of gut-brain interaction, have major economic effects on health care systems and adversely affect quality of life, little is known about their global prevalence and distribution. We investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with 22 FGIDs, in 33 countries on 6 continents.

Methods: Data were collected via the Internet in 24 countries, personal interviews in 7 countries, and both in 2 countries, using the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire, Rome III irritable bowel syndrome questions, and 80 items to identify variables associated with FGIDs.

The international anorectal physiology working group (IAPWG) recommendations: Standardized testing protocol and the London classification for disorders of anorectal function.

Background: This manuscript summarizes consensus reached by the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group (IAPWG) for the performance, terminology used, and interpretation of anorectal function testing including anorectal manometry (focused on high-resolution manometry), the rectal sensory test, and the balloon expulsion test. Based on these measurements, a classification system for disorders of anorectal function is proposed.

Methods: Twenty-nine working group members (clinicians/academics in the field of gastroenterology, coloproctology, and gastrointestinal physiology) were invited to six face-to-face and three remote meetings to derive consensus between 2014 and 2018.

Accredited residents perform colonoscopy to the same high standards as consultants.

Background: Endoscopy remains a critical component of General Surgery and Gastroenterology training. Whilst residents need to gain experience, the quality of endoscopy which patients receive cannot be compromised. We conducted this study to compare quality indicators between consultants and residents with regards to colonoscopy.

Chronic Constipation and Constipation-Predominant IBS: Separate and Distinct Disorders or a Spectrum of Disease?

Rome III diagnostic criteria separate patients with idiopathic chronic constipation into mutually exclusive categories of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) or functional constipation (FC). However, several experts think that these conditions are not different disorders, but parts of a continuum. To shed light on this issue, we examined studies that compared IBS-C with FC with respect to symptoms, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and treatment response.

Partner Burden: A Common Entity in Celiac Disease.

Background: Caregiver burden is documented in several chronic diseases, but it has not been investigated in celiac disease (CD).

Aims: We aim to quantify the burden to partners of CD patients and identify factors that affect the perceived burden.

Methods: We surveyed patients with biopsy-proven CD and their partners.

Visceral pain perception in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and healthy volunteers is affected by the MRI scanner environment.

Background: The MRI scanner environment induces marked psychological effects, but specific effects on pain perception and processing are unknown and relevant to all brain imaging studies.

Objectives And Methods: We performed visceral and somatic quantitative sensory and pain testing and studied endogenous pain modulation by heterotopic stimulation outside and inside the functional MRI scanner in 11 healthy controls and 13 patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Results: Rectal pain intensity (VAS 0-100) during identical distension pressures increased from 39 (95% confidence interval: 35-42) outside the scanner to 53 (43-63) inside the scanner in irritable bowel syndrome, and from 42 (31-52) to 49 (39-58), respectively, in controls (ANOVA for scanner effect: p = 0.

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Singapore and Its Association with Dietary, Lifestyle, and Environmental Factors.

Background/aims: The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has risen considerably over the past decade in Singapore. We aim to explore the contribution of changes in diet, lifestyle and habits that may contribute to the increased prevalence and development of IBS.

Methods: This is a survey-based cross-sectional population study aimed to gather demographic, socio-economical, lifestyle, dietary, antibiotic usage and other related information.

Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to typhoid colitis: A case report and literature review.

We present a case of massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to Salmonella enterica subtype Typhi (S. Typhi) colitis, in a 29 year-old female treated for S. Typhi bacteremia.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Altered Intestinal Permeability Induced by Combat Training Are Associated with Distinct Metabotypic Changes.

Physical and psychological stress have been shown to modulate multiple aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, but its molecular basis remains elusive. We therefore characterized the stress-induced metabolic phenotype (metabotype) in soldiers during high-intensity combat training and correlated the metabotype with changes in GI symptoms and permeability. In a prospective, longitudinal study, urinary metabotyping was conducted on 38 male healthy soldiers during combat training and a rest period using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Melatonin regulation as a possible mechanism for probiotic (VSL#3) in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized double-blinded placebo study.

Background: Probiotics have treatment efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the exact mechanism remains obscure. One hypothesis is the mediation of melatonin levels, leading to changes in IBS symptoms.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic, VSL#3, on symptoms, psychological and sleep parameters, and pain sensitivity in IBS, and relate these parameters to in vivo melatonin levels.

Fructose transporters GLUT5 and GLUT2 expression in adult patients with fructose intolerance.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption following fructose ingestion (fructose intolerance) are common in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The underlying mechanism is unclear, but is hypothesized to be related an abnormality of intestinal fructose transporter proteins.

Objective: To assess the expression of the main intestinal fructose transporter proteins, glucose transport protein 5 (GLUT5) and 2 (GLUT2), in FGID.

Gastric metastases of oral carcinoma resulting from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement via the introducer technique.

INTRODUCTION. Tumour cell implantation is a rare complication in patients with head and neck cancers, who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. It has not been reported in patients who underwent a PEG insertion via the radiological or introducer technique.

Melatonin for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, in combination with disturbed bowel habits in the absence of identifiable organic cause. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and also large number by enterochromaffin cells of the digestive mucosa. Melatonin plays an important part in gastrointestinal physiology which includes regulation of gastrointestinal motility, local anti-inflammatory reaction as well as moderation of visceral sensation.