Study on the occurrence and influencing factors of gastrointestinal symptoms in hemodialysis patients with uremia

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,and these symptoms seriously affect patients'prognosis.AIM To assess the occurrence and factors influencing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis.METHODS We retrospectively selected 98 patients with uremia who underwent regular hemo-dialysis treatment in the blood purification center of our hospital from December 2022 to December 2023.The gastrointestinal symptoms and scores of each dimension were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Grading Scale(GSRS).Patients were divided into gastrointestinal symptoms and no gastrointestinal symptom groups according to whether they had gastrointestinal symptoms.The factors that may affect gastrointestinal symptoms were identified by single-factor analysis.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms.RESULTS Gastrointestinal symptoms included indigestion,constipation,reflux,diarrhea,abdominal pain,and eating disorders,and the total average GSRS score was 1.35±0.47.This study showed that age,number of tablets,dialysis time,glucocorticoid,parathyroid hormone(PTH),combined diabetes mellitus and C-reactive protein(CRP)were independent risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,whereas body mass index(BMI),hemoglobin(Hb),and urea clearance index were independent protective factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal symptoms are mostly mild in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,most commonly including dyspepsia,eating disorders,and gastroesophageal reflux.The independent influencing factors mainly include the BMI,age,number of pills taken,dialysis time,urea clearance index,Hb,use of glucocorticoids,and thyroid hormone level.PTH,CRP,and diabetes are clinically related factors influencing the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms,and targeted prevention can be performed.

Observation on the Nursing Effect of Ginger Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Heart Failure Due to Yang Qi Deficiency

Objective:To evaluate the nursing measures and effects of ginger moxibustion in the treatment of heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods:86 patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms who were admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected and divided into 43 cases in each group by random number table grouping;Group I implemented integrated care,while Group II adopted conventional care.The indicators of care were compared between the two groups.Results:After the nursing care,the digestive symptom scores of Group I were lower than those of Group I,and the psychological scores were lower than those of Group II(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ginger moxibustion can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and enhance the psychological health of patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms: A comparison between patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

AIM: To compare the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD).

Association of symptoms with gastrointestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To investigate the correlations between selfreported symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and the gastrointestinal(GI) microbiota composition.METHODS:Fecal samples were collected from a total of 44 subjects diagnosed with IBS.Their symptoms were monitored with a validated inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire adjusted for IBS patients.Thirteen quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were applied to evaluate the GI microbiota composition.Eubacteria and GI bacterial genera(Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus and Veillonella),groups(Clostridium coccoides/Eubacterium rectale,Desulfovibrio desulfuricans) and distinct bacterial phylotypes [closest 16S rDNA sequence resemblance to species Bifidobacterium catenulatum,Clostridium cocleatum,Collinsella aerofaciens(C.aerofaciens),Coprococcus eutactus(C.eutactus),Ruminococcus torques and Streptococcus bovis ] with a suspected association with IBS were quantified.Correlations between quantities or presence/absence data of selected bacterial groups or phylotypes and various IBSrelated symptoms were investigated.RESULTS:Associations were observed between subjects' self-reported symptoms and the presence or quantities of certain GI bacteria.A Ruminococcus torques(R.torques)-like(94% similarity in 16S rRNA gene sequence) phylotype was associated with severity of bowel symptoms.Furthermore,among IBS subjects with R.torques 94% detected,the amounts of C.cocleatum 88%,C.aerofaciens-like and C.eutactus 97% phylotypes were significantly reduced.Interesting observations were also made concerning the effect of a subject's weight on GI microbiota with regard to C.aerofaciens like phylotype,Bifidobacterium spp.and Lactobacillus spp.CONCLUSION:Bacteria seemingly affecting the symptom scores are unlikely to be the underlying cause or cure of IBS,but they may serve as biomarkers of the condition.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and associated factors in Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia

AIM: To study the evolution of gastrointestinal symptoms and associated factors in Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).METHODS: From June 2008 to November 2009, a total of 1049 patients with FD (65.3% female, mean age 42.80 ± 11.64 years) who visited the departments of gastroenterology in Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an, China were referred for this study. All of the patients fulfilled the Rome III criteria for FD. Baseline demographic data, dyspepsia symptoms, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and drug treatment were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo follow-up. Comparison of dyspepsia symptoms between baseline and after follow-up was explored using multivariate analysis of variance of repeated measuring. Multiple linear regression was done to examine factors associated with outcome, both longitudinally and horizontally.RESULTS: Nine hundred and forty-three patients (89.9% of the original population) completed all four follow-ups. The average duration of follow-up was 12.24 ± 0.59 mo. During 1-year follow-up, the mean dyspeptic symptom score (DSS) in FD patients showed a significant gradually reduced trend (P < 0.001), and similar differences were found for all individual symptoms (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex (P < 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.018), sleep disorder at 1-year follow-up (P = 0.019), weight loss (P < 0.001), consulting a physician (P < 0.001), and prokinetic use during 1-year follow-up (P = 0.035) were horizontally associated with DSS at 1-year follow-up. No relationship was found longitudinally between DSS at 1-year follow-up and patient characteristics at baseline.CONCLUSION: Female sex, anxiety, and sleep disorder, weight loss, consulting a physician and prokinetic use during 1-year follow-up were associated with outcome of FD.

Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in the Korean population

AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of chronic gastroin- testinal symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life （HRQOL） in the Korean population. METHODS： A cross-sectional survey, using a reliable and valid Rome I] based questionnaire, was per- formed on randomly selected residents, between 18 and 69 years in age. All respondents were interviewed at their homes or offices by a team of interviewers. The impact of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms on HRQOL was assessed using the Korean version of the 36-item Short-Form general health survey （SF-36）. RESULTS： Of the 1807 eligible subjects, 1417 （78.4%： male 762; female 655） were surveyed. Out of the respondents, 18.6% exhibited at least one chronic gastrointestinal symptom. The prevalence of gastro- esophageal reflux disease （GERD）, defined as heart- burn and/or acid regurgitation experienced at least weekly, was 3.5% （95% CI, 2.6-4.5）. The prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） and chronic constipation based on Rome Ⅱ criteria were 11.7% （95% CI, 10.1-13.5）, 2.2% （95% CI, 1.5-3.1）, and 2.6% （95% CI, 1.8-3.5） respectively. Compared with subjects without chronic gastrointesti- nal symptoms （n = 1153）, those with GERD （n = 50）, uninvestigated dyspepsia （n = 166） and IBS （n = 31） had significantly worse scores on most domains of the SF-36 scales. CONCLUSION： The prevalence of GERD, uninvesti- gated dyspepsia and IBS were 3.5%, 11.7% and 2.2% respectively, in the Korean population. The health- related quality of life was significantly impaired in subjects with GERD, uninvestigated dyspepsia and IBS in this community.

Diabetic factors associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM: To determine whether gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are more frequent in type 2 diabetic patients and to examine which diabetic factors are associated with the symptoms. METHODS: Consecutive subjects with diabetes and age-/gender-matched normal controls were recruited for this study. GI symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire divided into two GI symptomcategories (upper and lower GI symptoms), and consisting of 11 individual symptoms. In the diabetic patient group, diabetic complications including peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and diabetes duration were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the total 190 diabetic patients and 190 controls enrolled, 137 (72%) of the diabetic patients and 116 (62%) of the controls had GI symptoms. In the diabetic patient group, 83 (43%) had upper GI symptoms and 110 (58%) lower GI symptoms; in the control group, 59 (31%) had upper GI symptoms and 104 (55%) lower GI symptoms. This difference between the two groups was significant for only the upper GI symptoms (P = 0.02). Among the diabetic factors, the HbA1c level was the only independent risk factor for upper GI symptoms in the multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 2.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-3.95). CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased prevalence of upper GI symptoms and these symptoms appeared to be independently linked to poor glycemic control, as measured by the HbA1c levels.

Association of upper gastrointestinal symptoms with functional and clinical characteristics in the elderly

AIM： To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with clinical and functional characteristics in elderly outpatients. METHODS： The study involved 3238 outpatients ≥ 60 years consecutively enrolled by 107 general practitioners. Information on social, behavioral and de- mographic characteristics, function in the activities of daily living （ADL）, co-morbidities and drug use were collected by a structured interview. Upper gastroin- testinal symptom data were collected by the 15-items upper gastro-intestinal symptom questionnaire for the elderly, a validated diagnostic tool which includes the following five symptom clusters： （1） abdominal pain syndrome; （2） reflux syndrome; （3） indigestion syn- drome; （4） bleeding, and （5） non-specific symptoms. Presence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed through a logistic regression model. RESULTS： 3100 subjects were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of upper gastrointes- tinal symptoms was 43.0%, i.e. cluster （1） 13.9%, （2） 21.9%, （3） 30.2%, （4） 1.2%, and （5） 4.5%. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequently re- ported by females （P 〈 0.0001）, with high number of co-morbidities （P 〈 0.0001）, who were taking higher number of drugs （P 〈 0.0001） and needed assistance in the ADL. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex （OR = 1.39, 95% CI： 1.17-1.64）, dis- ability in the ADL （OR = 1.47, 95% CI： 1.12-1.93）, smoking habit （OR = 1.29, 95% C]： 1.00-1.65）, and body mass index （OR = 1.06, 95% CI： 1.04-1.08）, as well as the presence of upper （OR = 3.01, 95% C]： 2.52-3.60） and lower gastroenterological diseases （OR = 2.25, 95%CI： 1.70-2.97）, psychiatric （OR = 1.60, 95% CI： 1.28-2.01） and respiratory diseases （OR = 1.25, 95% C]： 1.01-1.54） were significantly associated with the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION： Functional and clinical characteristics are associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. A multidimensional comprehensive evaluation may be useful when approaching upper gastrointestinal symp- toms in older subjects.

Clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms as initial symptoms: Retrospective case series

BACKGROUND A large number of pneumonia cases due to coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)have been first reported in China.Meanwhile,the virus is sweeping all around the world and has infected millions of people.Fever and pulmonary symptoms have been noticed as major and early signs of infection,whereas gastrointestinal symptoms were also observed in a significant portion of patients.The clinical investigation of disease onset was underestimated,especially due to the neglection of cases presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.AIM To characterize the clinical features of coronavirus-infected patients with gastrointestinal symptoms as initial symptoms.METHODS This is a retrospective,single-center case series of the general consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 at Wuhan Union Hospital from February 2,2020 to February 13,2020.According to their initial symptoms,these patients were classified into two groups.Patients in group one presented with pulmonary symptoms(PS)as initial symptoms,and group two presented with gastrointestinal symptoms(GS).Epidemiological,demographic,clinical,laboratory,and treatment data were collected for analysis.RESULTS Among the 50 patients recruited,no patient has been admitted to intensive care units,and no patient died during the study.The duration of hospitalization was longer in the GS group than in the PS group(12.13±2.44 vs 10.00±2.13,P<0.01).All of the 50 patients exhibited decreased lymphocytes.However,lymphocytes in the GS group were significantly lower compared to those in the PS group(0.94±0.06 vs 1.04±0.15,P<0.01).Procalcitonin and hs-CRP were both significantly higher in the GS group than in the PS group.Accordingly,the duration of viral shedding was significantly longer in the GS group compared to the PS group(10.22±1.93 vs 8.15±1.87,P<0.01).CONCLUSION COVID-19 patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms as initial symptoms need more days of viral shedding and hospitalization than the patients presenting with pulmonary symptoms.

Association between gastrointestinal symptoms and affectivity in patients with bipolar disorder

AIM To study if anxiety, depression and experience of stress are associated with gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.METHODS A total of 136 patients with bipolar disorder(mean age 49.9 years; 61% women) and 136 controls from the general population(mean age 51.0 years; 60% women) were included in the study. GI symptoms were assessed with The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-irritable bowel syndrome(GSRS-IBS), level of anxiety and depression with The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) and stress-proneness with Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Over a ten year period, all visits in primary care were retrospectively recorded in order to identify functional GI disorders.RESULTS In subjects with low total HADS-score, there were no significant differences in GI-symptoms between patients and controls(GSRS-IBS 7.0 vs 6.5, P = 0.513). In the patients with bipolar disorder there were significant correlations between all GSRS and HADS subscores for all symptom clusters except for "constipation" and "reflux". Factors associated to GI symptoms in the patient group were female sex(adjusted OR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.07-5.24) and high HADS-Depression score(adjusted OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.07-12.4). These patients had also significantly more visits for IBS than patients with low HADS-Depression scores(29% vs 8%, P = 0.008). However, there was no significant differences in consulting behaviour for functional GI disorders between patients and controls(25% vs 17%, P = 0.108).CONCLUSION Female patients and patients with high HADS depression score reported significantly more GI symptoms, whereas patients with low HADS scores did not differ from control subjects.

Prevalence and Determinants of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults on Maintenance Hemodialysis in Cameroon

Introduction: Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and constitute an important cause of morbidity. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of GIS and identify their determinants in adults on maintenance hemodialysis in Cameroon. Patients and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2017 at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital dialysis center. All conscious consenting adults’ patients who provided a written informed consent and have been on hemodialysis for more than three months with an arterio-venous fistula were recruited. All chronic hemodialysis patients of the center dialyze 4 hours twice a week. All patients with dementia were excluded. We collected demographic, clinical, and paraclinical data and used Rome IV modified GIS rating scale. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare variables. Results: We included 83 (72.3% males) participants with a mean (SD) age of 50 (12) years. Hypertension (31.3%), chronic glomerulonephritis (26.5%) and diabetes mellitus (20.5%) were the leading baseline nephropathy. There were 31 (37.3%) participants with psychiatric disorders including anxiety (45.2%) and depression (54.8%). The biological abnormalities were increased parathormone (20.5%), hypocalcemia (24.1%), hyperphosphatemia (32.5%), increased C-reactive protein (46.4%) and anemia (68.7%). The GIS was reported in 73 (87.9%) participants. Diarrhea (47%), constipation (38.6%), vomiting (38.6%), anorexia (33.7%) and nausea (31.3%) were the main GIS observed. The presence of hypertension was the only association with the GIS (p = 0.02). We did not find any association between GIS and age, gender, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorders and duration in dialysis (all p > 0.1). Conclusion: We reported a high prevalence of GIS in this mainly young adult population. This could be related to their under-dialysis status and suggest the increased frequency of dialysis session in this setting.

Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with COVID-19

Gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,such as diarrhea,abdominal pain,vomiting,and anorexia,are frequently observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting these GI symptoms to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections remain elusive.Previous studies indicate that the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into intestinal cells leads to downregulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptors resulting in impaired barrier function.While intestinal ACE2 functions as a chaperone for the amino acid transporter B0AT1,the B0AT1/ACE2 complex within the intestinal epithelium acts as a regulator of gut microbiota composition and function.Alternations to the B0AT1/ACE2 complex lead to microbial dysbiosis through increased local and systemic immune responses.Previous studies have also suggested that altered serotonin metabolism may be the underlying cause of GI disorders involving diarrhea.The findings of elevated plasma serotonin levels and high fecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients with diarrhea indicate that the viral infection evokes a systemic inflammatory response that specifically involves the GI.Interestingly,the elevated proinflammatory cytokines correlate with elevated serotonin and fecal calprotectin levels further supporting the evidence of GI inflammation,a hallmark of functional GI disorders.Moreover,the finding that rectal swabs of COVID-19 patients remain positive for SARS-CoV-2 even after the nasopharynx clears the virus,suggests that viral replication and shedding from the GI tract may be more robust than that of the respiratory tract,further indicating fecal-oral transmission as another important route of viral spread.This review summarized the evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms(impaired barrier function,gut inflammation,altered serotonin metabolism and gut microbiota dysbiosis)underlying the GI symptoms in patients with COVID-19.

Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Advanced Cancer Patients Treated with Platinum-based Chemotherapy

Objective This study assessed the weight loss changes and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with advanced tumors receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 297 patients with advanced cancers[124 gastrointestinal(GI)cancer patients,119 lung cancer patients and 54 head and neck cancer(HNC)patients]receiving first-line chemotherapy at Tongji Hospital.The patients’changes in body weight,body mass index(BMI),and biochemical parameters(serum haemoglobin and albumin levels)were compared before and after two chemotherapy cycles.Results More than half[54.88%(163/297)]of the patients had experienced unintentional weight loss in the 6 months before chemotherapy,and weight loss≥5%and≥10%of the body mass was noted in 35.69%and 20.20%of the patients,respectively.After two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy,the proportions of patients with a>5%reduction in body weight among patients with GI,lung,and head and neck cancers were 47.5%(59/124),44.53%(53/119),and 46.2%(25/54),respectively.The patients with GI and lung cancers were more vulnerable to extreme weight loss(≥10%)than those with HNC(P=0.025).The serum hemoglobin levels were also remarkably decreased relative to those before chemotherapy(all P<0.05).Common GI symptoms reported by all patients included anorexia(61.28%),vomiting(52.53%),and nausea(51.18%).A higher proportion of patients with≥10%weight loss experienced anorexia and vomiting(OR=12.21 and 3.61,P=0.008 and 0.047,respectively).Conclusions For advanced cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy,the GI symptoms are the major factor related to their nutritional status.Appropriate nutritional screening,evaluation and treatment should be applied during the treatment of cancer in order to reduce GI symptoms and improve the patient’s nutritional status.

Reduction of Pain, Fatigue, Gastrointestinal and Other Symptoms and Improvement in Quality of Life Indicators in Fibromyalgia Patients with Membrane Lipid Replacement Glycerolphospholipids and Controlled-Release Caffeine

Objectives: A preliminary, open label study was initiated to determine if oral wafers containing a combination of membrane glycerolphospholipids and controlled-release caffeine could reduce self-reported pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL) indicators in fibromyalgia patients. Methods: Pain, fatigue and other symptoms were determined using validated, patient survey forms completed over an 8-day test period and compared to baseline values. Participants included 21 patients (15 females and 6 males) of average age of 48.5 ± 9.8 years with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. These patients consumed four daily chewable wafers containing glycerolphospholipids (4.8 g) and one controlled-released caffeine (184 mg) wafer that maintained caffeine levels at approximately one cup of coffee for over 8 h. Results: Participants in the study responded to the combination test supplement within days. By the end of the study there were significant overall improvements (36.1%, p p p p p Conclusions: The combination membrane lipid replacement glycerolphospholipid supplement with controlled-release caffeine was safe and effective and significantly reduced pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as improved QOL indicators in fibromyalgia patients.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with COVID-19: Is there a relationship with mortality and new variations of SARS-CoV-2?

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Although,respiratory symptoms are typical the digestive system is also a susceptible target with gastrointestinal symptoms present even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.The gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 include diarrhea,abdominal pain,anorexia,and nausea among other symptoms.Some questions that remain to be answered include:Do patients with gastrointestinal symptoms have a higher mortality?SARS-CoV-2 variants are already a global reality:Do these variants present with a greater prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms?Do patients with these symptoms warrant more intensive care unit care?

Gastrointestinal symptoms as the first sign of chronic granulomatous disease in a neonate: A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic granulomatous disease(CGD)characterized by recurrent and severe bacterial and fungal infections is most common in childhood.CASE SUMMARY We reported a 24-d-old male infant who developed gastrointestinal symptoms as the first sign of CGD.CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal symptoms representing the first sign of CGD are very rare,and prompt diagnosis and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics were of crucial importance.

Clinical Observations on the Effects of a Dietary Supplement (GI Regenerate^TM) on Patients’ Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Quality of Life Assessments

Background: Different treatments have been developed and used to control symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with digestive diseases and disorders. Although the use of drugs or alternative approaches has improved symptom severity in some but not all patients, often these improvements were not sustainable. Objectives: An open label clinical study was initiated to determine if oral capsules containing a dietary supplement of herbs and oils (GI RegenerateTM) could reduce self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL) indicators in patients with gastrointestinal conditions. Methods: Participants included 50 patients (40 females and 10 males) of mean age of 51.1 ± 12.7 years (range, 24 - 77 years) with a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal disorder or gastrointestinal symptoms. These patients consumed five soft-gels containing the test supplement 30 minutes before each meal for 90 days. Symptoms were evaluated by medical staff, and patient health status was self-reported using a validated quality of life questionnaire (Quality of Life Digestive Survey) designed for functional digestive disorders. Exit interviews (Patient Global Impression of Change, PGIC) were conducted by the medical staff. Results: Participants in the study responded with improved symptom severities and QOL scores to the test dietary supplement within the 90 day period;most improvements occurred within 20 days on the test dietary supplement. By the end of the study there were significant overall global improvements in the symptoms and QOL health surveys (p = 0.0183), with significant improvements in symptom discomfort (p = 0.0004), daily activities (p = 0.029) and anxiety (p = 0.018). In contrast, there were insignificant improvements in diet (p = 0.398), sleep (p = 0.136), health perception (p = 0.686), coping with the disease (p = 0.309) and impact of stress (p = 0.785). Using the PGIC exit interview that measured each patient’s impression of overall global change in symptoms and QOL these data also indicated overall significant improvements in symptoms and in satisfaction with the test supplement (moderately better improvements in symptoms and QOL or score of 4.8 ± 0.169, p 50 years) versus younger (Conclusions: The GI RegenerateTM natural dietary supplement safely and significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved quality of life in subjects with a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms.

Association of Perceived Stress and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in College Students: A Systematic Review

Stress and anxiety are common entities in college students, and only a handful of students can handle these stressors appropriately, while others may show physical signs and symptoms. The main purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association between perceived stress and gastrointestinal symptoms. A detailed search was conducted using five databases: PubMed, Research Gate, Science Direct, American Journal of Gastroenterology, and Google scholar. Ten papers were finalized after the application of various inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles as all the included articles were cross-sectional studies. The systematic review of these finalized articles found that most studies revealed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in college students and were linked to perceived stress.

gastrointestinal symptom prevalence depends on disease duration and gastrointestinal region in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM To unravel relationships between gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms impairing quality of life(QOL)and clinical profiles of diabetes mellitus(DM)patients. METHODS We enrolled 134 outpatients with type 2 DM.Mean age was 64.7 years,mean body mass index was 24.7 RESULTS Lower abdominal symptoms were found to be more frequent than those affecting the upper abdomen.Diabetic duration and medications showed associations with GI symptoms.We identified differences in peak prevalences of the five symptoms.Gastralgia(P=0.02vs 10-14 years)and total GI symptoms(P=0.01 and P=0.02 vs 5-9 years and 10-14 years,respectively)peaked at a diabetes duration of 15-19 years.Heartburn(P=0.004)and postprandial fullness(P=0.03)tended to increase with disease duration.Constipation and diarrhea showed bimodal peaks,with the first early and the second late(e.g.,P=0.03 at 15-19 years vs 10-14years for diarrhea)in the disease course.Finally,GI symptoms showed clustering that reflected the region of the GI tract affected,i.e.,constipation and diarrhea had similar frequencies(P<0.0001). CONCLUSION Our study highlights the importance of questioning patients about QOL impairment due to abdominal symptoms,especially in the early and the late periods of diabetes.

Gastrointestinal and nutritional care in pediatric neuromuscular disorders

Neuromuscular diseases(NMDs)affect the development and growth of the neuromuscular system in children.The pathology can occur anywhere along the neuromuscular pathway,from the brain to the nerves to the muscle fibers.These diseases have a profound impact on the quality of life not only of children but also of their families.The predominant manifestation in NMDs is hypotonia,which leads to muscle weakness and fatigue,reduced mobility,and decreased physical performance.However,multiple organ systems can be affected,with resulting orthopedic,cardiac,infectious,respiratory,and nutritional problems.Children with NMD present an increased risk for several dietary and feeding difficulties because of their neuromuscular diagnosis,presentation,and severity.These problems include chronic gastrointestinal issues(constipation,dysphagia,gastroesophageal reflux,and diarrhea),dysphagia,malnutrition,and body composition alterations.As a result,compared to the overall pediatric population,infants and children with NMD are more likely to be malnourished,ranging from failure to thrive to overweight or obesity.Disease-specific guidelines vary in level of detail and recommendations for dietary management.Overall,nutritional data available are sparse,with the exception of Duchenne muscular dystrophy,spinal muscular atrophy,and congenital muscular dystrophy.The purpose of this review is to describe the spectrum of nutritional challenges in children with NMD and to summarize the main dietary and gastrointestinal recommendations for each neuromuscular disorder to provide guidance for daily clinical practice.