Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Chronic Constipation in Senegalese Children

Introduction: Constipation is the infrequent emission of hard stools. It is common, most often of functional origin, with a prevalence ranging from 0.7% to 29.6%. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of constipation in children undergoing paediatric gastroenterology. Methodology: This was a bi-centric retrospective study carried out at the Albert Royer Children’s Hospital and the Dalal Jamm Hospital Pediatrics Department. Children followed in the pediatric gastroenterology consultation during the period from January 1, 2013 to February 29, 2020 were included. Results: A total of 337 children (205 boys;60.83%) were included, representing a prevalence of 25%. The median age was 3 years 6 months. The 13 - 24 months age group was the most frequent (27.6%). Rare stools were the main reason for consultation (92.8%). Rare stools were noted in 92.88% of cases. Bristol types 1 and 2 accounted for 6.53% and 54.60% respectively. The main associated signs were abdominal pain (29.4%), followed by abdominal bloating (20.96%). Abdominal pain was functional in 73.58% of cases. Under treatment, 90.19% of children had a favorable outcome. Conclusion: Constipation is common in Senegalese children with a prevalence close to that reported in Western countries. In most case, it is functional with good prognostic.

A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of tegaserod in patients from China with chronic constipation

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tegaserod, 6 mg twice daily （b.i.d.）, in men and women with chronic constipation （CC） from China. METHODS： This was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Following a 2-wk treatmentfree baseline period, patients were randomized to receive either tegaserod （6 mg b.i.d.） or placebo （b.i.d.） for 4 wk. An analysis of covariance with repeated measures was used to determine the overall effect of treatment for the primary efficacy variable; the change from baseline in the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements （CSBMs） during the 4-wk treatment period. Secondary efficacy endpoints included other measures of response in terms of CSBMs, and patients＇ daily and weekly assessment of bowel habits. Safety was also assessed, based on the incidence and severity of adverse events （AEs）. RESULTS： A total of 607 patients were randomized to receive either tegaserod （n = 304） or placebo （n = 303）. Tegaserod treatment resulted in a rapid and significant increase from baseline in the adjusted mean number of CSBMs per week over wk 1-4 compared with placebo （1.39 vs 0.91, P = 0.0002）. A statistically significant difference in favor of tegaserod was also observed for a mean increase ≥ 1 CSBM/wk over wk 1-4 （47.7% vs 35.0%, tegaserod vs placebo, respectively, P = 0.0018） and for the absolute number of≥ 3 CSBMs/wk over wk 1-4 （25.0% vs 14.5%, tegaserod vs placebo, respectively, P = 0.0021）. Improvements in other symptoms of CC were also seen in the tegaserod group, including improved stool form and reduced straining. In addition, more patients in the tegaserod group reported satisfactory relief from their constipation symptoms. The frequency and severity of AEs was comparable between tegaserod and placebo groups, with the exception of a greater incidence of diarrhea in patients receiving tegaserod （3.6%） compared with placebo （1.7%）. CONCLUSION： Tecjaserod treatment improved multiple symptoms of CC and was associated with a favorable safety profile.

Chronic constipation:Facilitator factor for development of varicocele

AIM:To evaluate the possible relationship between varicocele and chronic constipation.METHODS:Between April 2009 and May 2010,a total of 135 patients with varicocele or constipation and 120 healthy controls were evaluated.Patients were divided into two groups.In both groups detailed medical history was taken and all patients were examined physically by the same urologist and gastroenterologist.All of them were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography.All patients with constipation,except for the healthy controls of the second group,underwent a colonoscopy to identify the etiology of the constipation.In the first group,we determined the rate of chronic constipation in patients with varicocele and in the second group,the rate of varicocele in patients with chronic constipation.In both groups,the rate of the disease was compared with age-matched healthy controls.In the second group,the results of colonoscopies in the patients with chronic constipations were also evaluated.RESULTS:In the first group,mean age of the study and control groups were 22.9 ± 4.47 and 21.8 ± 7.21 years,respectively(P < 0.05).In the second group,mean age of the study and control groups were 52.8 ± 33.3 and 51.7 ± 54.3 years,respectively(P < 0.05).In the first group,chronic constipation was observed in 8 of the 69 patients with varicocele(11.6%) and 3 out of 60 in healthy controls(5%),respectively.In this regard,there was no statistical significance between varicocele patients and the healthy control(P = 0.37).In the second group,varicocele was observed in 16 of the 66 patients with chronic constipation(24.24%) and 12 out of 60 in healthy controls(20%) respectively.Similarly,there was no statistical significance between chronic constipation and healthy controls(P = 0.72).Internal/external hemorrhoids were detected in 4 of the 16 patients with chronic constipation and varicocele,in the second group.In the remaining 50 patients with chronic constipation 9 had internal/external hemorrhoids.In this regard,there was no statistical significance between chronic constipation and healthy controls(P = 0.80).CONCLUSION:Chronic constipation may not be a major predictive factor for the development of varicocele,but it may be a facilitator factor for varicocele.

Potential oxidative stress in children with chronic constipation

AIM: To investigate the potential oxidative stress in children with -chronic constipation and to explore its mechanisms.METHODS: Seventy children with chronic constipation and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled in a randomized controlled study. Plasma levels of vitamins C and E, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and lipoperoxide level in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometry.RESULTS: Compared with healthy children whose vitamin C,vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipoperoxide were 58.35±14.42 μmol/L, 27.15±6.55 μmol/L, 2 206±171U/(g· Hb), 327.3±82.2 K/(g·Hb) and 19.18±4.27 nmol/(g·Hb)respectively, the levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, the activity of superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the children with chronic constipation significantly decreased [46.59±11.51 μmol/L,20.65±4.80 μmol/L, 1943±147 U/(g·Hb) and 269.3±67.8 K/(g·Hb),respectively P＜0.01], while the lipoperoxide significantly increased [25.22±5.01 nmol/(g·Hb), P＜0.01]. With a prolonged course of disease, the levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the children with chronic constipation gradually decreased,while the level of lipoperoxide gradually increased.CONCLUSION: Chronic constipation can cause potential oxidative stress in children.

Intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B:A still little known diagnosis for organic causes of intestinal chronic constipation

Intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B(IND-B) is a controversial entity among the gastrointestinal neuromuscular disorders. It may occur alone or associated with other neuropathies, such as Hirschsprung's disease(HD). Chronic constipation is the most common clinical manifestation of patients. IND-B primarily affects young children and mimics HD, but has its own histopathologic features characterized mainly by hyperplasia of the submucosal nerve plexus. Thus, IND-B should be included in the differential diagnoses of organic causes of constipation. In recent years, an increasing number of cases of IND-B in adults have also been described, some presenting severe constipation since childhood and others with the onset of symptoms at adulthood. Despite the intense scientific research in the last decades, there are still knowledge gaps regarding definition, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic possibilities for IND-B. However, in medical practice, we continue to encounter patients with severe constipation or intestinal obstruction who undergo to diagnostic investigation for HD and their rectal biopsies present hyperganglionosis in the submucosal nerve plexus and other features, consistent with the diagnosis of IND-B. This review critically discusses aspects related to the disease definitions, pathophysiology and genetics, epidemiology distribution, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic possibilities of this still little-known organic cause of intestinal chronic constipation.

The Value of a Modified Colonic Transit Test in the Diagnosis of Chronic Constipation

Objectives To explore the value of performing a modified colonic transit test in the diagnosis of chronic constipation.Methods we retrospectively analyzed the results in 101 patients admitted to the MDT Outpatient Clinic of Subei People’s Hospital,Jiangsu Province,China,from July 1,2019,to July 31,2021.Patients were prohibited from using drugs and stimulant foods that could affect bowel motility for three days before and during the examination.We performed two abdominal X-rays at 6 and 72 hours after oral ingestion of the barium suspension to observe the residual condition of barium in the patient's colon.We then gave specific treatments based on the different types of constipation detected in the patients.Results Compared with patients with normal transit,patients with slow transit(P<0.001)and patients with rectal evacuation disorders had a significantly reduced stool frequency(P<0.05).The kappa coefficient of the modified colonic transit test compared to anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of functional defecation disorders(FDDs)was 0.649,indicating substantial consistency between the two methods.Conclusion The modified colonic transit test not only assesses colonic transit function and provides an initial determination of the type of constipation,but also shows the colon morphology,providing a reference for possible subsequent treatments.

Assessment of the triglyceride glucose index in adult patients with chronic diarrhea and constipation

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance(IR).However,the link between two of the most prevalent bowel disorders,chronic diarrhea and constipation,and the triglyceride glucose(TyG)index,a marker of IR,has not yet been investigated.AIM To investigate the potential association between TyG and the incidence of chronic diarrhea and constipation.METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 2400 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2009-2010.TyG was used as an exposure variable,with chronic diarrhea and constipation as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale used as the outcome variables.A demographic investigation based on TyG quartile subgroups was performed.The application of multivariate logistic regression models and weighted generalized additive models revealed potential correlations between TyG,chronic diarrhea,and constipation.Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the stability of any potential associations.RESULTS In the chosen sample,chronic diarrhea had a prevalence of 8.00%,while chronic constipation had a prevalence of 8.04%.In multiple logistic regression,a more prominent positive association was found between TyG and chronic diarrhea,particularly in model 1(OR=1.45;95%CI:1.17-1.79,P=0.0007)and model 2(OR=1.40;95%CI:1.12-1.76,P=0.0033).No definite association was observed between the TyG levels and chronic constipation.The weighted generalized additive model findings suggested a more substantial positive association with chronic diarrhea when TyG was less than 9.63(OR=1.89;95%CI:1.05-3.41,P=0.0344),and another positive association with chronic constipation when it was greater than 8.2(OR=1.74;95%CI:1.02-2.95,P=0.0415).The results of the subgroup analyses further strengthen the extrapolation of these results to a wide range of populations.CONCLUSION Higher TyG levels were positively associated with abnormal bowel health.

Current developments in pharmacological therapeutics for chronic constipation

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease severely affecting the patient's quality of life. The traditional treatment of constipation is the use of laxatives. Recently, several new drugs including lubiprostone, linaclotide and prucalopride have been approved for treatment of chronic constipation. However, a significant unmet medical need still remains, particularly among those patients achieving poor results by current therapies. The 5-EF1'1 receptor modulators velusetrag and naronapride, the guanylate cy-clase C agonist plecanatide and die deal bile acid transporter inhibitor elobixibat are recognized as the most promising drugs under investigation. Herein, we give a comprehensive review on the pharmacological therapeutics for the treatment of chronic constipation, with the purpose of reflecting the drug development trends in this field. (C) 2015 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.orgicenses/by-ne-rid/4.0/).

May Chronic Childhood Constipation Cause Oxidative Stress and Potential Free Radical Damage to Children?

Objective To investigate whether chronic childhood constipation (CCC) may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to children, and to explore the mechanisms by which CCC may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to chronic constipation patients (CCPs). Methods Sixty CCPs and sixty healthy child volunteers (HCVs) whose ages, gender and others were matched for the CCPs were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, in which levels of vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric analytical methods. Results Compared with average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HCVs group, the average values of VC and VE in plasma as well as those of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the CCPs group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Linear regression and bivariate correlation analysis showed that with prolonged course of the CCPs, the levels of VC and VE in plasma as well as the activities of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the CCPs were decreased gradually (P<0.0001). Conclusion The findings in the present study suggest that chronic childhood constipation causes oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to children with chronic constipation.

Proteomic analysis of down-regulated proteins in colonic mucosa of chronic slow transit constipation rats

Objective： To investigate the alternations of proteins in the colonic mucosa of chronic slow transit constipation （STC） rats with a 2-DE-based proteomic method and analyze the function of these down-regulated proteins so as to provide theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosa of chronic STC rats. Methods： STC model was established by feeding rats with 8 mg/（kg＇d） diphenoxylate for 120 d. An experimental model of chronic STC rat was used for separation of proteomics from colonic mucosa using two-dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE）. Proteins altered in expressional level were identified by Image Master 2DElite, mass spectrometry, and bibliometrics were applied to identify the differential protein expression and their clinical s observed in the pathogenesis lgn of ificance and function were analyzed. Results： Obvious differential protein expression was STC, including mast cell protease （A1）, non-specific dipeptidase （A2） and chondrosome succinate dehydrogenase precursor （A3）. The expressions of A1, A2 and A3 were down-regulated in the gel graph of STC rats Conclusion： The down-regulation of chondrosome succinate dehydrogenase, mast cell protease as well as non-specific dipeptidase in rat colon suggests the functional impairment of the oxidoreduction of mitochondrion is very important in the genesis and development of STC. The immunological reaction of STC rats is weakened, and the function of digesting and absorbing protein may be damaged to some extent.

Pediatric functional constipation treatment with Bifi dobacterium-containing yogurt:A crossover,double-blind,controlled trial

AIM: To evaluate the treatment of pediatric functional chronic intestinal constipation (FCIC) with a probiotic goat yogurt. METHODS: A crossover double-blind formula-controlled trial was carried out on 59 students (age range: 5-15 years) of a public school in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, presenting a FCIC diagnostic, according to Roma Ⅲ criteria. The students were randomized in two groups to receive a goat yogurt supplemented with 109 colony forming unit/mL Bifidobacterium longum (B.longum) (probiotic) daily or only the yogurt for a period of 5 wk (formula). Afterwards, the groups were intercrossed for another 5 wk. Defecation frequency, stool consistency and abdominal and defecation pain were assessed.RESULTS: Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement in defecation frequency compared to baseline. However, the group treated with probiotic showed most signif icant improvement in the f irst phase of the study. An inversion was observed after crossing over, resulting in a reduction in stool frequency when this group was treated by formula. Probiotic and formula improved stool consistency in the f irst phase of treatment, but the improvement obtained with probiotic was significantly higher (P = 0.03). In the second phase of treatment, the group initially treated with probiotic showed worseningstool consistency when using formula. However, the difference was not signif icant. A signif icant improvement in abdominal pain and defecation pain was observed with both probiotic and formula in the first phase of treatment, but again the improvement was more signif icant for the group treated with B. longum during phase I (P < 0.05). When all data of the crossover study were analyzed, significant differences were observed between probiotic yogurt and yogurt only for defecation frequency (P = 0.012), defecation pain (P = 0.046) and abdominal pain (P = 0.015).

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms

AIM: To investigate the effect of reducing dietary fiber on patients with idiopathic constipation. METHODS: Sixty-three cases of idiopathic constipation presenting between May 2008 and May 2010 were enrolled into the study after colonoscopy excluded an organic cause of the constipation. Patients with previous colon surgery or a medical cause of their constipation were excluded. All patients were given an explanation on the role of fiber in the gastrointestinal tract. They were then asked to go on a no fiber diet for 2 wk. Thereafter, they were asked to reduce the amount of dietary fiber intake to a level that they found acceptable. Dietary fiber intake, symptoms of constipation, difficulty in evacuation of stools, anal bleeding, abdominal bloating or abdominal pain were recorded at 1 and 6 mo. RESULTS: The median age of the patients (16 male, 47 female) was 47 years (range, 20-80 years). At 6 mo, 41 patients remained on a no fiber diet, 16 on a reduced fiber diet, and 6 resumed their high fiber diet for religious or personal reasons. Patients who stopped or reduced dietary fiber had significant improvement in their symp-toms while those who continued on a high fiber diet had no change. Of those who stopped fiber completely, the bowel frequency increased from one motion in 3.75 d (± 1.59 d) to one motion in 1.0 d (± 0.0 d) (P < 0.001); those with reduced fiber intake had increased bowel frequency from a mean of one motion per 4.19 d (± 2.09 d) to one motion per 1.9 d (± 1.21 d) on a reduced fiber diet (P < 0.001); those who remained on a high fiber diet continued to have a mean of one motion per 6.83 d (± 1.03 d) before and after consultation. For no fiber, reduced fiber and high fiber groups, respectively, symptoms of bloating were present in 0%, 31.3% and 100% (P < 0.001) and straining to pass stools occurred in 0%, 43.8% and 100% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Idiopathic constipation and its associated symptoms can be effectively reduced by stopping or even lowering the intake of dietary fiber.

Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture for chronic functional constipation

Methods Two Qihai （气海 CV Objective To discuss the efficacy of acupuncture for groups of points were applied alternatively to 90 cases by chronic functional constipation acupuncture： （1） Tianshhu （CFC）. ST 25）, 6）, Shemgjfuxu （上巨虚 ST 37）, etc. （2）Zhongliao （中髎 BL 33）, Xiadiao （下髎 BL 34）, Dachangshu （大肠俞 BL 25）, etc. Electroacupuncture was applied in combination at Zhongliao （中髎 BL 33）, Xialiao （下髎 BL 34）, Tianshu（天枢 ST 25） and Shamgjuxu （上巨虚 ST 37）, once a day, 10 treatments made one session. By constipation diary of patients, frequency of going to stool, straining severity, time of once bowl evacuation, a sense of incomplete bowel emptying, stool quality, a sense of defecation and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire （PAC-QOL）, as well as the changes before and after treatment were observed. Results After treatment, the apparent improvements were achieved in frequency of going to stool, straining severity, time of once bowl evacuation, a sense of incomplete bowel emptying, a sense of defecation and score of PAC-QOL as compared with those before treatment （all P〈0.01）. The total effective rate was 67.7% （61/70）. The acupuncture effieacies were various on CFC of different dynamic mechanisms. The efficacy on slow transit constipation （STC） was superior to that caused by spastic pelvic floor syndrome （SPFS-C） （P〈0.05）, the efficacy on constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-C） was superior to that on either SPFS-C or constipation caused by relaxant pelvic floor syndrome （RPFS-C） （both P〈0.05）. Of 52 eases in effective follow-up, 1 month after treatment, 3 eases were cured, 6 eases markedly effective, 23 eases effective, and 20 cases failed; 3 months after treatment, 3 eases were cured, 5 eases markedly effective, 16 cases effective and 28 cases failed. Conclusion Acupuncture has definite efficacy on CFC with definite etiology, loci and diagnostic classification. But, the efficacies are different due to various dynamic mechanisms. A further optimized treatment program is required to improve the efficacy on SPFS-C and RPFS-C.

Colonic tubular duplication combined with congenital megacolon:A case report

BACKGROUND Colonic duplication refers to a spherical or tubular cavity which shows similar properties with the native colon and is attached to the mesenteric side of the alimentary tract.It is the rarest in alimentary tract duplications.Based upon anatomic feature,colonic duplications can be classified as spherical(cystic)or tubular,with the latter being less common(approximately 20%).Symptoms of colonic duplication are dependent on the duplication site and extent,and patient age,etc.Usually,patients with colonic duplication manifest typical intestinal obstruction,potentially accompanied by recurrent dark or bright red bloody stool,varying degrees of anemia-related symptoms,and body wasting.CASE SUMMARY A young male patient was admitted to our hospital due to recurrent abdominal pain.No definite diagnosis was achieved by computed tomography(CT)or electronic colonoscopy,and the bowel preparation efficacy was suboptimal.Hirschsprung disease was suspected,and thus laparoscopic exploration was performed.An approximately 60-cm-long inverted duplicated colon with severe edema and dilation was identified.It originated from the mesenteric side of the transverse colon and ended in the terminal part of the descending colon with a blind end.The parallel native colon had a thickened colonic wall,became stiff,and was poor in peristalsis.The patient then underwent subtotal colectomy and was discharged 7 d after the surgery.From 3 mo post-surgery to date,the patient had regular bowel movement once daily and a steady increase in body weight.CONCLUSION Tubular colonic duplication is a rare type of alimentary tract duplication that can be detected by ultrasonography,CT,or magnetic resonance imaging based on the actual clinical situation.Surgical resection of aberrant colon(including the duplicated colonic segment and other potentially involved colonic segments)is the only approach to cure this medical condition.

Is the DHEAS/cortisol ratio a potential filter for non-operable constipated cases?

Constipation is a significant manifestation of a number of psychological disorders.Published papers recommend using self-assessment questionnaires for discriminating psychological from non-psychological constipated patients before operating on them but reports from major surveys revealed that general practitioners failed to diagnose 70%of depressed patients using self-assessment questionnaires.Lower circulating concentrations of progesterone,17-hydroxyprogesterone,cortisol,testosterone,androstenedione,and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate(DHEAS) during the follicular phase in constipated young women compared with respective controls were found during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycles. During the luteal phase of the cycle,reductions were identified in estriol,cortisol and testosterone in the constipated group.Likewise,circulating concentrations of DHEAS were found to be lower in depressed patients than comparable healthy controls.DHEAS/cortisol ratios in morning serum and salivary samples were lower than those retrieved during other times of the day in depressed patients.The idea of recognizing major depression in constipated patients by measuring DHEAS/cortisol ratios in saliva and serum may be plausible but this possibility needs to be confirmed in well-designed studies.

Reoperation in an adult female with "right-sided" Hirschsprung's disease complicated by refractory hypertension and cough

Hirschsprung's disease(HD) is an intestinal malformation caused by the innate absence of ganglion cells in the neural plexus of the colorectal wall, and is most common in male infants. It is rare in adult, and is usually left-sided. Herein we reported based on the CARE guidelines a case of a 47-year-old adult female suffering from "right-sided" HD complicated by refractory hypertension and cough. The patient with a history of cesarean section and with digestive unfitness(abdominal pain, distention, and constipation) only since 20 years old had recurrence of HD after initial surgery due to the incomplete removal of the HD-affected bowel based on a diagnosis of "chronic ileus", leading to the relapse of the digestive symptoms and the emergence of some intractable circulatory and respiratory complications which could be hardly controlled by conservative treatment. During the long interval before coming to our department for help, she had been re-hospitalized for several times with various misdiagnoses and supplied merely with symptomatic treatment which could only achieve temporary symptomatic relief. At her admission to our department, the imaging examinations strongly indicated recurrent HD which was further supportedb y p a t h o l o g i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n s, a n d r i g h t h e m i-colectomy was performed to remove the remnant aganglionic intestinal segment. Intraoperative and postoperative pathology supported the completeness of the definitive resection. Post-operation, the patient's bowel motility significantly improved, and interestingly, the complications disappeared. For adult patients with long-term constipation combined with cough and hypertension, rare diseases like HD which requires definite surgery and which could be "right-sided" should not be overlooked. It is vital to diagnose and cure HD patients in childhood. Through the comparison of the two surgeries, it is noteworthy that for diagnosed HD, sufficient removal of the non-functional intestine confirmed by intraoperative pathology is essential.

Significance of defecography and the role of rectocele in constipated patients

Backround: Chronic constipation is a common, chronic and frequent problem of the general population. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of defecography in diagnosing the etiology of constipation and the relation between constipation and rectocele. Material-method: We have investigated 250 patients who have been admitted to our general surgery out-patient clinic with complaint of constipation using Rome III criteria and diagnostic defecography. Results: Out of 250 patients who were evaluated with defecography only 24 had normal findings. 136 patients were found to have rectocele. Conclusion: We propose that rectocele is an important etiology of constipation, and defecography should be considered early in the diagnosis of rectocele.

Randomized controlled trial on chronic functional constipation treated with grain-shaped moxibustion and acupuncture

Objective To compare the differences of therapeutic effects of chronic functional constipation treated with the combined therapy of moxibustion and acupuncture and simple acupuncture. Methods One hundred cases of constipation were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a simple acupuncture group with 50 cases for each group. Two groups of acupoints were adopted every other day alternatively for both groups. Point group 1： Tiansha （天枢ST 25）, Daheng （大横 SP 15）, Qihai （气海 CV 6）, Guanyuan （关元 CV 4）, Ztisanli （足三里 ST 36）, Shangjhxu （上巨虚 ST 37） and Sanyinjiao （三阴交 SP 6）. Point group 2： Zhsngliao （中髎 BL 33）, Xiatliao （下髎 BL 34）, Dachangsha （大肠俞 BL 25）, Shenshu （肾俞 BL 23） and Pisha （脾俞 BL 20）. Acupuncture was the only therapy adopted for acupuncture group on all the above mentioned points. While, for acupuncture-moxibustion group, moxibustion with grain-shaped moxa cones was applied on Qihai （所海 CV 6）, Zusatnli （足三里 ST 36）, Datchangshu （大肠俞 BL 25） and Pishu （脾俞 BL 20）, and acupuncture was applied on the rest points. Clinical therapeutic effect, clinical score of constipation, quality of life and score of psychological symptoms were observed before and after the treatment. Results The total effective rate in acupuncture-moxihustion group was 74.0%（37/50）, which was superior to that （52.0%, 26/50） in acupuncture group （P〈0.05）. The clinical scores of constipation, quality of life and scores of psychological symptoms of both groups improved after the treatment. For clinical scores of constipation, degree of difficulty in bowel movement, duration of defecation, abdominal pain, difficulty in exsufflation, incomplete sensation after defecation, obstruction sense of anus, purgative prescription dependence, score of life quality and psychological symptoms of acupuneture-moxibustion group were all better than those of simple acupuncture group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Conclusion The combined therapy of both moxibustion with grain-shaped moxa cones and acupuncture is safe and effective in treatment of chronic functional constipation, and the effect is superior to simple therapy of acupuncture.

Correlation between lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms and quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE:To explore correlations between the symptoms of constipation and abdominal distention and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in patients with stable disease.METHODS:We studied 191 patients with stable COPD(according to defined criteria)in this cross-sectional study from four three-level class A Chinese medicine hospitals in China.We built an Epidata 3.0 database and performed statistical analysis with SPSS,version 17.0.We analyzed correlations between the frequency of lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms(constipation and abdominal distention)and scores for major pulmonary symptoms(cough,sputum and wheezing)based on the St.George's Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ),6-minute walking distance(6MWD)and frequency of acute exacerbations of COPD(AECOPD).RESULTS:In addition to their pulmonary symptoms,39.79%and 40.31%of study patients withstable COPD reported constipation and abdominal distention,respectively.Scores for major pulmonary symptoms(cough,sputum and wheezing),AECOPD and SGRQ values in patients with constipation and abdominal distention were significantly greater,and the 6MWD markedly shorter,than in those without them.According to Pearson's correlation analysis,there were strong correlations between these lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms and scores for pulmonary symptoms,SGRQ,6MWD and AECOPD.CONCLUSION:Lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as constipation and abdominal distention can adversely affect pulmonary symptoms,frequency of acute exacerbations and quality of life in patients with stable COPD.