Relationship between Kawasaki disease and abdominal pain

This editorial presents an analysis of an article recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.Kawasaki disease(KD)is a well-known pediatric vasculitis characterized by fever,rash,conjunctivitis,oral mucosal changes,and swelling of the extremities.This editorial aims to delve into the intricate relationship between KD and abdominal pain,drawing insights from recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding and potential avenues for future investigation.

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children with abdominal pain:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Extralobar pulmonary sequestration(ELS)with torsion is extremely rare,consequently,the diagnosis of ELS with torsion in children presents a challenge for clinicians.Herein,we report four cases of ELS with torsion that presented with abdominal pain,and further review the relevant literature to summarize the clinical features.CASE SUMMARY Four children presented to our department with abdominal pain.All underwent chest computed tomography,which revealed an intrathoracic soft tissue mass with pleural effusion.All four children underwent thoracoscopic resection of the identified pulmonary sequestration,and the vascular pedicle was clipped and excised.None of the patients experienced any postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider the possibility of ELS with torsion in children presenting with abdominal pain as the chief complaint.

Galvanic Skin Response—Extinction Biofeedback Training for Psychogenic Abdominal Pain: A Validation Protocol

Abdominal and pelvic pain of psychogenic origin is a widespread, disabling, difficult to identify, and often inadequately treated medical condition. This condition is often associated with poor quality of life due to high pain interference with daily activities. Cognitive behavioral psychological therapy and neuromodulation with biofeedback are validated therapies for the treatment of this condition. Aim of the present research work is the validation of a therapeutic protocol that involves the use of both techniques in combination. 20 patients diagnosed with psychogenic abdominal pain, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years who had not benefited from pharmacological therapies were enrolled. 10 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (psychological treatment only), another 10 patients were assigned to the study group (neuromodulation with biofeedback-Galvanic skin response-extinction in combination with psychological therapy). For both groups, the pain score, interference of pain with daily living activities, pain relief, and the share of anxiety associated with the pain condition were evaluated (pre- and post-treatment). The patients who underwent the combined treatment achieved statistically significant better scores than patients in the control group, respectively −4.9 ± 0.9 vs −1.0 ± 0.4 for Pain;−5.1 ± 1.1 vs −0.9 ± 0.3 for Interference with life;−7.2 ± 3.7 vs −2.2 ± 2.1 for HAMA;4.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.6 for Relief.

Research trends in exercise therapy for the treatment of pain in postmenopausal osteoporosis over the past decade:A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND Postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP)is the most common form of primary osteoporosis among women,and the associated pain often drives patients to seek clinical intervention.Numerous studies have highlighted the unique clinical benefits of exercise therapy(ET)in alleviating PMOP-related pain.However,bibliometric analyses examining collaboration,development trends,and research frontiers in the field of ET for PMOP pain remain scarce.AIM To explore the research trends in ET for pain treatment in PMOP patients over the past decade.METHODS All scholarly works were meticulously sourced from the Science Citation Index-Expanded within the prominent Web of Science Core Collection.Utilizing the capabilities of CiteSpace 6.2.R5,we conducted a thorough analysis of publications,authors,frequently cited scholars,contributing nations,institutions,journals of significant citation,comprehensive references,and pivotal keywords.Additionally,our examination explored keyword cooccurrences,detailed timelines,and periods of heightened citation activity.This comprehensive search,from 2014 through 2023,was completed within a single day,on October 11,2023.RESULTS In total,2914 articles were ultimately included in the analysis.There was a rapid increase in annual publication output in 2015,followed by stable growth in subsequent years.Boninger,Michael L,is the most prolific author,whereas Ware JE has the most citations.The United States’global influence is significant,surpassing all other nations.The University of California System and Harvard University are the most influential academic institutions.J Bone Joint Surg Am is the most influential journal in this field.“Spinal cord injury”is the keyword that has garnered the most attention from researchers.The developmental pattern in this field is characterized by interdisciplinary fusion,with different disciplines converging to drive progress.CONCLUSION The academic development of the field of ET for pain in PMOP has matured and stabilized.Clinical management and rehabilitation strategies,along with the mechanisms underlying the relationship between ET and bone resorption analgesia,continue to be the current and future focal points of research in this field.

Impacts of radiation therapy on quality of life and pain relief in patients with bone metastases

Bone metastases(BM)are a common complication in advanced cancer patients,significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality due to their ability to cause pain,fractures,and spinal cord compression.Radiation therapy(RT)is vital in managing these complications by targeting metastatic lesions to ease pain,improve mobility,and reduce the risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures.Evidence supports the effectiveness of RT in pain relief,showing its ability to provide significant palliation and lessen the need for opioid painkillers,thereby enhancing the overall quality of life(QoL)for patients with BM.However,optimizing RT outcomes involves considerations such as the choice of radiation technique,dose fractionation schedules,and the integration of supportive care measures to mitigate treatment-related side effects like fatigue and skin reactions.These factors highlight the importance of personalized treatment planning tailored to individual patient needs and tumor characteristics.This mini-review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted impacts of RT on pain management and QoL enhancement in BM patients,with implications for refining clinical practices and advancing patient care through the synthesis of findings from various studies.

Clinical efficacy of magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitischronic pelvic pain syndrome

BACKGROUND The prominent symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS)are urogenital pain,lower urinary tract symptoms,psychological problems,and sexual dysfunction.Traditional pharmacological treatments have poor efficacy and more untoward reaction and complications.Magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy is a non-invasive form of physiotherapy.Nevertheless,its effectiveness in improving urinary discomfort and relieving pain in patients requires further exploration.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of the magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy instrument in the treatment of chronic prostatitis(CP)/CPPS.METHODS Seventy patients with CP/CPPS were collected from the outpatient clinic and ward of the Department of Male Medicine,Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and were treated with magnetic vibration magnetoelectric therapy once a day for a period of 14 d.National Institutes of healthchronic prostatitis symptom index(NIH-CPSI),international index of erectile function 5(IIEF-5),premature ejaculation diagnostic tool(PEDT),generalized anxiety disorder(GAD),patient health questionnaire,the pain catastrophizing scale(PCS)and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome(TCMS)scores were performed before and after treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate of treatment was 58.5%,and the total NIH-CPSI score,pain symptoms,voiding symptoms,quality of life,IIEF-5,PEDT,GAD,PCS and TCMS scores all decreased significantly(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Magnetic vibration magnetotherapy is effective in improving urinary discomfort,relieving pain,improving quality of life,improving sexual dysfunction and relieving negative emotions such as anxiety in patients with CP/CPPS.

Application effect of phloroglucinol injection in elderly patients with spastic abdominal pain in emergency department

BACKGROUND Although norepinephrine injection is commonly used in emergency situations,it is associated with risks for elderly patients with spasmodic liver pain.This study explores the safety and effectiveness of mebendazole injection,an alternative treatment option,for the emergency management of spasmodic abdominal pain,while minimizing adverse reactions,in elderly patients.AIM To explore the development of norepinephrine injection and the adverse reactions of this drug in emergency elderly patients with spasmodic liver pain.METHODS The control group consisted of 56 elderly patients visiting our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021.After hospital admission,the control group was intravenously administered tolopin.The experimental group consisted of 56 emergency patients with spasmodic abdominal pain who visited our hospital until June 2022.After hospital admission,the experimental group was intravenously administered toloxazole.The two groups were treated for 3 d.The disappearance of clinical symptoms was observed before and after the treatment,and the difference in adverse reactions between the two groups was compared.RESULTS The pain of the wife,fire,diarrhea,drowning,and surrounding time disappeared in the experimental group.No statistical difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in visual pain analog scale(VAS)scores before and after the treatment(P>0.05).The VAS scores of abdominal pain severity after 0.5 h,1.0 h,and after 6.0 h of treatment were significantly lower for the experimental group than for the control group.After the treatment,the therapeutic effect in the experimental group was higher and statistically significant than that in the control group(P<0.05).The probability of adverse reactions before the treatment was lower in the experimental group than in the control group.CONCLUSION During emergency,mebendazole injection exhibited a good therapeutic value when used for the clinical treatment of elderly patients with spasmodic stomach pain.It accelerated the disappearance of clinical symptoms such as stomach pain,reduced the stomach weight,and improved clinical activity.Reducing and promoting the frequency of high treatment safety with mebendazole injection is worthwhile.

Determining the Effect of Acute Abdominal Pain Using Ultrasound

Acute abdominal pain is a medical emergency that is characterized by abrupt, acute, recently developed abdominal pain that is accompanied by other signs that are confined in the abdomen area. The purpose of this study was to illustrate how ultrasonography may be used to identify sudden abdominal pain. From December 2021 and March 2022, a comprehensive examination of 50 patients with acute abdominal pain was conducted. Seven hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan, examined individuals with clinically suspected abdominal and pelvic deformities using 3.5 MHz ultrasound machines. Out of the 50 (100%) patients who were presented with acute abdominal pain 10 (20%) were appendicitis, 9 (18%) were cholecystitis, 8 (16%) were Nephrolithiasis, 3 (6%) were Choledocholithiasis, 3 (6%) were Chronic kidney disease, 3 (6%) were Cholelithiasis, 3 (6%) were Cystitis, 4 (8%) were Ascites, 1 (2%) was acute kidney injury, 1 (2%) was Acute Peritonitis, 1 (2%) was Diverticulum and 1 (2%) each was of Epigastric hernia, Hepatosplenomegaly, Liver cirrhosis, Nephritis and Ovarian cysts respectively. According to the study results, ultrasonography (US) proceeds to be the go-to imaging strategy in most situations, particularly for younger and female patients, where limiting exposure to radiation must be obligated. The application of Computerized Tomography CT should be restricted in circumstances where there is no diagnostic US and, in all situations, where there is a significant disparity between medical symptoms and negative imaging in the US.

Postpolypectomy syndrome without abdominal pain led to sepsis/septic shock and gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND Postpolypectomy syndrome(PPS)is a rare postoperative complication of colonic polypectomy.It presents with abdominal pain and fever accompanied by coagulopathy and elevated inflammatory markers.Its prognosis is usually good,and it only requires outpatient treatment or observation in a general ward.How-ever,it can be life-threatening.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 58-year-old man who underwent two colonic polypectomies,each resulting in life-threatening sepsis,septic shock,and coagulopathy.Each of the notable manifestations was a rapid drop in blood pressure,an increase in heart rate,loss of consciousness,and heavy sweating,accompanied by shortness of breath and decreased oxygen in the finger pulse.Based on the criteria of organ dysfunction due to infection,we diagnosed him with sepsis.The patient also experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding after the second operation.Curiously,he did not complain of any abdominal pain throughout the course of the illness.He had significantly elevated concentrations of inflammatory markers and coagulopathy.Except for the absence of abdominal pain,his fever,significant coagulopathy,and elevated inflammatory marker concentrations were all consistent with PPS.Abdominal computed tomography and superior mesenteric artery computed tomography angiography showed no free air or vascular damage.Thus,the diagnosis of colon perforation was not considered.The final blood culture results indicated Moraxella osloensis.The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and quickly improved after fluid resuscitation,antibiotic treatment,oxygen therapy,and blood transfusion.CONCLUSION PPS may induce dysregulation of the systemic inflammatory response,which can lead to sepsis or septic shock,even in the absence of abdominal pain.

Minimally invasive interventional therapy for pain

Pain interventional therapy,known as the most promising medical technology in the 21st century,refers to clinical treatment technology based on neuroanatomy,neuroimaging,and nerve block technology to treat pain diseases.Compared with traditional destructive surgery,interventional pain therapy is considered a better and more economical choice of treatment.In recent years,a variety of minimally invasive pain interventional therapy techniques,such as neuroregulation,spinal cord electrical stimulation,intervertebral disc ablation,and intrasheath drug infusion systems,have provided effective solutions for the treatment of patients with post-herpetic neuralgia,complex regional pain syndrome,cervical/lumbar disc herniation,and refractory cancer pain.

Effects of individual shock wave therapy vs celecoxib on hip pain caused by femoral head necrosis

BACKGROUND Celecoxib has been used to treat hip discomfort and functional difficulties associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH),although significant adverse reactions often follow long-term use.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)can delay the progression of ONFH,alleviate the pain and functional limitations it causes,and avoid the adverse effects of celecoxib.AIM To investigate the effects of individual ESWT,a treatment alternative to the use of celecoxib,in alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by ONFH.METHODS This was a randomized,controlled,double-blinded,non-inferiority trial.We examined 80 patients for eligibility in this study;8 patients were excluded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.A total of 72 subjects with ONFH were randomly assigned to group A(n=36;celecoxib+alendronate+sham-placebo shock wave)or group B(n=36;individual focused shock wave[ESWT based on magnetic resonance imaging three-dimensional(MRI-3D)reconstruction]+alendronate).The outcomes were assessed at baseline,at the end of treatment,and at an 8-wk follow-up.The primary outcome measure was treatment efficiency after 2 wk of intervention using the Harris hip score(HHS)(improvement of 10 points or more from the baseline was deemed sufficient).Secondary outcome measures were post-treatment HHS,visual analog scale(VAS),and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)scores.RESULTS After treatment,the pain treatment efficiency of group B was greater than that of group A(69%vs 51%;95%CI:4.56%to 40.56%),with non-inferiority thresholds of-4.56%and-10%,respectively.Furthermore,the HHS,WOMAC,and VAS scores in group B dramatically improved during the follow-up period as compared to those in group A(P<0.001).After therapy,the VAS and WOMAC in group A were significantly improved from the 2nd to 8th wk(P<0.001),although HHS was only significantly altered at the 2 wk point(P<0.001).On the 1st d and 2nd wk after treatment,HHS and VAS scores were different between groups,with the difference in HHS lasting until week 4.Neither group had severe complications such as skin ulcer infection or lower limb motorsensory disturbance.CONCLUSION Individual shock wave therapy(ESWT)based on MRI-3D reconstruction was not inferior to celecoxib in managing hip pain and restrictions associated with ONFH.

Instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Active myofascial trigger points(TrPs)often occur in the upper region of the upper trapezius(UT)muscle.These TrPs can be a significant source of neck,shoulder,and upper back pain and headaches.These TrPs and their related pain and disability can adversely affect an individual’s everyday routine functioning,work-related productivity,and general quality of life.AIM To investigate the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM)vs extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)on the TrPs of the UT muscle.METHODS A randomized,single-blind,comparative clinical study was conducted at the Medical Center of the Egyptian Railway Station in Cairo.Forty patients(28 females and 12 males),aged between 20-years-old and 40-years-old,with active myofascial TrPs in the UT muscle were randomly assigned to two equal groups(A and B).Group A received IASTM,while group B received ESWT.Each group was treated twice weekly for 2 weeks.Both groups received muscle energy technique for the UT muscle.Patients were evaluated twice(pre-and posttreatment)for pain intensity using the visual analogue scale and for pain pressure threshold(PPT)using a pressure algometer.RESULTS Comparing the pre-and post-treatment mean values for all variables for group A,there were significant differences in pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.0002)and TrP2(P=0.0001).Also,for group B,there were significant differences between the pre-and post-treatment pain intensity for TrP1 and TrP2 and PPT for TrP1 and TrP2(P=0.0001).There were no significant differences between the two groups in the post-treatment mean values of pain intensity for TrP1(P=0.9)and TrP2(P=0.76)and PPT for TrP1(P=0.09)and for TrP2(P=0.91).CONCLUSION IASTM and ESWT are effective methods for improving pain and PPT in patients with UT muscle TrPs.There is no significant difference between either treatment method.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in pediatric functional abdominal pain

AIM:To assess the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum(PHGG) diet supplement in pediatric chronic abdominal pain(CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:A randomized,double-blind pilot study was performed in sixty children(8-16 years) with functional bowel disorders,such as CAP or IBS,diagnosed according to Rome Ⅲ criteria.All patients underwent ultrasound,blood and stool examinations to rule out any organic disease.Patients were allocated to receive PHGG at dosage of 5 g/d(n = 30) or placebo(fruitjuice n = 30) for 4 wk.The evaluation of the efficacy of fiber supplement included IBS symptom severity score(Birmingham IBS Questionnaire),severity of abdominal pain(Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score) and bowel habit(Bristol Stool Scale).Symptom scores were completed at 2,4,and 8 wk.The change from baseline in the symptom severity scale at the end of treatment and at 4 wk follow-up after treatment was the primary endpoint.The secondary endpoint was to evaluate compliance to supplementation with the PHGG in the pediatric population.Differences within groups during the treatment period and follow-up were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.RESULTS:The results of the study were assessed considering some variables,such as frequency and intensity of symptoms with modifications of the bowel habit.Both groups were balanced for baseline characteristics and all patients completed the study.Group A(PHGG group) presented a higher level of efficacy compared to group B(control group),(43% vs 5%,P = 0.025) in reducing clinical symptoms with modification of Birmingham IBS score(median 0 ± 1 vs 4 ± 1,P = 0.025),in intensity of CAP assessed with the Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score and in normalization of bowel habit evaluated with the Bristol Stool Scale(40% vs 13.3%,P = 0.025).In IBS subgroups,statistical analysis shown a tendency toward normalization of bowel movements,but there was no difference in the prevalence of improvement in two bowel habit subsets.PHGG was therefore better tolerated without any adverse effects.CONCLUSION:Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known,the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.

Glucomannan for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children:A randomized trial

AIM:To assess the efficacy of glucomannan(GNN) as the sole treatment for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs).METHODS:We conducted a double-blind,placebocontrolled,randomized trial.Patients were recruited among children referred to the Department of Paediatrics,Medical University of Warsaw.Included in the study were children aged 7-17 years with abdominal pain-related FGIDs classified according to the Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria.The children were randomly assigned to receive GNN,a polysaccharide of 1,4-D-glucose and D-mannose,a soluble fiber from the Japanese Konjac plant,at a dosage of 2.52 g/d(1 sachet of 1.26 g 2 times a day),or a comparable placebo(maltodextrin) at the same dosage.The content of each sachet was dissolved in approximately 125 mL of fluid and was consumed twice daily for 4 wk.RESULTS:Of the 89 eligible children,84(94%) completed the study."No pain" and "treatment success"(defined as no pain or a decrease ≥ 2/6 points on the FACES Pain Scale Revised) were similar in the GNN(n = 41) and placebo(n = 43) groups [no pain(12/41 vs 6/43,respectively;RR = 2.1,95%CI:0.87-5.07) as well as treatment success(23/41 vs 20/43;RR = 1.2,95%CI:0.79-1.83)].No significant differences between the groups were observed in the secondary outcomes,such as abdominal cramps,abdominal bloating/gassiness,episodes of nausea or vomiting,or a changed in stool consistency.GNN demonstrated no significant influence on the number of children requiring rescue therapy,school absenteeism,or daily activities.CONCLUSION:In our setting,GNN,as dosed in this study,was no more effective than the placebo in achieving therapeutic success in the management of FGIDs in children.

Serotonin transporter and cholecystokinin in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: Associations with abdominal pain, visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance

BACKGROUND Visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance are the main pathophysiological mechanisms of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).Previous studies have found that cholecystokinin(CCK)can enhance colon movement and that serotonin transporter(SERT)is a transmembrane transport protein with high affinity for 5-hydroxytryptamine,which can rapidly reuptake 5-hydroxytryptamine and then regulate its action time and intensity.We speculate that SERT and CCK might play a role in the pathogenesis of diarrheapredominant IBS(IBS-D)by affecting visceral sensitivity and the brain-gut axis.AIM To determine SERT and CCK levels in IBS-D patients diagnosed using Rome IV criteria and to analyze their associations with abdominal pain,visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance.METHODS This study collected data from 40 patients with IBS-D at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from September 2017 to April 2018 and 18 healthy controls.The severity of abdominal pain,visceral sensitivity and psychological performance were evaluated in IBS-D patients and healthy controls,the levels of SERT and CCK in plasma and colonic mucosa were evaluated,and the correlations between them were analyzed.RESULTS There were significant differences in the initial sensation threshold(31.00±8.41 mL vs 52.22±8.09 mL,P<0.001),defecating sensation threshold(51.75±13.57 mL vs 89.44±8.73 mL,P<0.001)and maximum tolerable threshold(97.25±23.64 mL vs 171.11±20.83 mL,P<0.001)between the two groups.IBS-D patients had more severe anxiety(7.78±2.62 vs 2.89±1.02,P<0.001)and depressive(6.38±2.43 vs 2.06±0.73,P<0.001)symptoms than healthy controls.Significant differences were also found in mucosal CCK(2.29±0.30 vs 1.66±0.17,P<0.001)and SERT(1.90±0.51 vs 3.03±0.23,P<0.001)between the two groups.There was a significant positive correlation between pain scores and mucosal CCK(r=0.96,0.93,0.94,P<0.001).Significant negative correlations between anxiety(r=-0.98;P<0.001),depression(r=-0.99;P<0.001),pain evaluation(r=-0.96,-0.93,-0.95,P<0.001)and mucosal SERT were observed.CONCLUSION IBS-D patients had psychosomatic disorders and visceral hypersensitivity.SERT and CCK might be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS-D by regulating the braingut axis and affecting visceral sensitivity.This provides a new potential method for identifying a more specific and effective therapeutic target.

Autonomic functions and gastric motility in children with functional abdominal pain disorders

BACKGROUND Abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders(AP-FGIDs)are the most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood.AIM To assess the role of gastric dysmotility and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the pathophysiology of AP-FGIDs.METHODS One hundred children, fulfilling Rome III criteria for AP-FGIDs, and 50 healthy controls, aged 5 to 12 years, were recruited after obtaining parental consent. All patients were investigated for underlying organic disorders. Gastric motility and cardiovascular autonomic functions were assessed using validated non-invasive techniques.RESULTS The main gastric motility parameters assessed(gastric emptying rate [45.7 vs 59.6 in controls], amplitude [48.7 vs 58.2], frequency of antral contractions [8.3 vs 9.4],and antral motility index [4.1 vs 6.4]) were significantly lower in children with AP-FGIDs(P < 0.05). The post-prandial antral dilatation at 1 min after the test meal significantly correlated with the severity of abdominal pain(P < 0.05).Assessment of autonomic functions in AP-FGID patients showed neither a significant difference compared to the control group, nor a correlation with gastric motility abnormalities(P > 0.05). The duration of pain episodes negatively correlated with the parasympathetic tone(maladaptive parasympathetic tone)(P< 0.05).CONCLUSION Children with AP-FGIDs have abnormal gastric motility but normal cardiovascular autonomic functions. There is no relationship between abnormal gastric motility and autonomic functions. The pathogenesis of AP-FGIDs is not related to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

Seasonal variations of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain in Finland

AIM: To investigate whether seasonal changes had an effect on the incidence of acute appendicitis (AA) or nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP).

Paroxysmal drastic abdominal pain with tardive cutaneous lesions presenting in Henoch-Schnlein purpura

Henoch-Schnlein purpura(HSP) is a small-vessel vasculitis mediated by IgA-immune complex deposition.It is characterized by the clinical tetrad of non-thrombocytopenic palpable purpura,abdominal pain,arthritis and renal involvement.The diagnosis of HSP is difficult,especially when abdominal symptoms precede cutaneous lesions.We report a rare case of paroxysmal drastic abdominal pain with gastrointestinal bleeding presented in HSP.The diagnosis was verified by renal damage and the occurrence of purpura.

Chronic abdominal pain secondary to mesenteric panniculitis treated successfully with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided celiac plexus block: A case report

Mesenteric panniculitis is a chronic illness that is characterized by fibrosing inflammation of the mesenteries that can lead to intractable abdominal pain. Pain control is a crucial component of the management plan. Most patients will improve with oral corticosteroids treatment, however, some patients will require a trial of other immunosuppressive agents, and a minority of patients will continue to have refractory disease. Endoscopic ultrasound guided celiac plexus block is used frequently to control abdominal pain in patients with pancreatic pathology. To our knowledge there are no case reports describing its use in mesenteric panniculitis patients with refractory abdominal pain.

Measuring episodic abdominal pain and disability in suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

AIM:To evaluate the reliability of an instrument that measures disability arising from episodic abdominal pain in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction(SOD).METHODS:Although several treatments have been utilized to reduce pain and associated disability,measurement tools have not been developed to reliably track outcomes.Two pilot studies were conducted to assess test-retest reliability of a newly developed instrument,the recurrent abdominal pain intensity and disability(RAPID) instrument.The RAPID score is a 90-d summation of days where productivity for various daily activities is reduced as a result of abdominal pain episodes,and is modeled after the migraine disability assessment instrument used to measure headache-related disability.RAPID was administered by telephone on 2 consecutive occasions in 2 consenting populations with suspected SOD:a pre-sphincterotomy population(Pilot Ⅰ,n = 55) and a post-sphincterotomy population(Pilot Ⅱ,n = 70).RESULTS:The average RAPID scores for Pilots Ⅰ and Ⅱ were:82 d(median:81.5 d,SD:64 d) and 48 d(median:0 d,SD:91 d),respectively.The concordance between the 2 assessments for both populations was very good:0.81 for the pre-sphincterotomy population and 0.95 for the post-sphincterotomy population.CONCLUSION:The described pilot studies suggest that RAPID is a reliable instrument for measuring disability resulting from abdominal pain in suspected SOD patients.