Gastrointestinal motility disorders in inflammatory bowel diseases

The relationship between motility and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders is at the same time complex and intriguing since these conditions might share some genetic, environmental, immunological and microbial predisposing factors. In addition, significant symptom overlapping may occur, muddling the waters within the clinical context. Although on one hand this represents a challenge for the clinician for a potential under- or over-treatment and diagnostic delay, on the other hand it possibly represents an opportunity for the researcher to better disclose the intimate relationship between chronic (often low-grade) inflammation, motor disorders and deranged sensory function. The best example is probably represented by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In fact, a number of gastrointestinal motor disorders have been described in association with these diseases, disorders which span from the esophagus to the anorectum, and which will be extensively covered in this review. It is conceivable that at least part of this derangement is strictly related to inflammatory cytokine trafficking and neuromuscular changes; however, given the high prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in the general population, this overlap might also be serendipitous. However, it is worth noting that literature data on this topic are relatively scarce, sometimes quite outdated, and mostly focused on the interplay between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, both researchers and clinicians must be aware that symptoms related to gastrointestinal motility disorders may be highly prevalent in both active and inactive inflammatory bowel disease, correlate with greater psychological comorbidity and poorer quality of life, and may negatively influence the therapeutic approaches.

Suprasellar cistern tuberculoma presenting as unilateral ocular motility disorder and ptosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Intracranial tuberculoma is a rare and serious type of tuberculosis,which mostly occurs in the frontoparietal and cerebellar hemispheres,with predominance in the gray-white matter junction area,while tuberculomas only in the cistern are extremely rare with only a few reported cases in the literature.We describe a unique case of isolated tuberculoma in the suprasellar cistern,with only right ocular motility disorder and upper eyelid ptosis.CASE SUMMARY A 5-year-old boy without any medical history presented with right ocular motility disorder and upper eyelid ptosis one month ago.He had no history of fever,headache,vomiting,convulsions,or limb weakness.Neurological examination showed right third cranial nerve palsy with restrictions of eye movements and ptosis,pupil dilation and negative light reflex.Imaging suggested a spaceoccupying lesion in the suprasellar cistern with calcification and ring-enhancement.Moreover,no Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The lesion was initially diagnosed as a tumor,while postoperative pathology combined with PCR indicated tuberculoma.The patient continued postoperative anti-tuberculosis treatment.At present,the patient's condition is stable and the symptoms are partially relieved compared with those before surgery.CONCLUSION This case confirmed that isolated intracranial tuberculoma can occur in the suprasellar cistern.Therefore,for space-occupying lesions in the suprasellar cistern,tuberculoma should be included in the differential diagnosis even if there is no history or indication of tuberculosis infection.

Clinical observation on functional gastrointestinal motility disorder of postoperation of gastrointestinal tumor treated with electroacupuncture

Objective To observe the effects on functional gastrointestinal motility disorder of postoperation of gastrointestinal tumor treated with electroacupuncture. Methods Twenty-nine cases of functional gastrointestinal motility disorder of postoperation of gastrointestinal tumor were randomized into electroacupuncture group （19 cases） and control group （10 cases）. In electroacupuncture group, routine treatment after gastrointestinal operation and electroacupucture treatment were applied, Zusanli （足三里 ST 36）, Shangjuxu （上巨虚 ST 37）, Xiajuxu （下巨虚 ST 39） and Hegu （合谷 LI 4） were applied with electroacupuncture; in control group, the routine treatment after gastrointestinal operation was only applied. Anus exhaust, defecation, abdominal distension, stomachache, amount of gastrointestinal decompression drainage and changes of borborygmus were observed in two groups. Results Anus exhaust, defecation, abdominal distension, stomachache, amount of gastrointestinal decompression drainage and changes of borborygmus were relieved in two groups; and the effects of abdominal distension, anus exhaust, defecation, amount of gastrointestinal decompression drainage and borborygmus in electroacupuncture group were superior to those in control group （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion For the functional gastrointestinal motility disorder of postoperation of gastrointestinal tumor, the theraputic effect of electroacupuncture combined with routine treatment after operation is better than the routine treatment after operation.

Gender,medication use and other factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in non-obstructive dysphagia

Background:High-resolution esophageal manometry(HREM)is the diagnostic test of choice for evaluation of nonobstructive dysphagia.Studies regarding the predictors of esophageal dysmotility are limited.Therefore,our aim was to study the prevalence of and factors associated with esophageal motility disorders in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of all patients with non-obstructive dysphagia who underwent HREM in a tertiary center between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015.After obtaining IRB approval(16–051),clinical records were scrutinized for demographic data,symptoms,medication use,upper endoscopic findings and esophageal pH findings.HREM plots were classified per Chicago Classification version 3.0.Primary outcome was prevalence of esophageal motility disorders;secondary outcomes assessed predictive factors.Results:In total,155 patients with non-obstructive dysphagia(55616 years old,72%female)were identified.HREM diagnosis was normal in 49%followed by ineffective esophageal motility in 20%,absent contractility in 7.1%,achalasia type II in 5.8%,outflow obstruction in 5.2%,jackhammer esophagus in 4.5%,distal esophageal spasm in 3.9%,fragment peristalsis in 1.9%,achalasia type I in 1.9%,and achalasia type III in 0.6%.Men were five times more likely to have achalasia than women[odds ratio(OR)5.3,95%confidence interval(CI):2.0–14.2;P=0.001].Patients with erosive esophagitis(OR 2.9,95%CI:1.1–7.7;P=0.027)or using calcium channel blockers(OR 3.0,95%CI:1.2–7.4;P=0.015)were three times more likely to have hypomotility disorders.Conclusion:From this study,we concluded that HREM diagnosis per Chicago Classification version 3.0 was normal in 49%of patients with non-obstructive dysphagia.Male gender,erosive esophagitis and use of calcium channel blockers were predictive of esophageal motility disorders.

Water-jet vs traditional triangular tip knife in peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal dysmotility:A systemic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Peroral endoscopic myotomy is an increasingly used less invasive modality to treat esophageal dysmotility.Recently,triangular tip knife with integrated water jet function has been introduced to mitigate multiple instrument exchanges.AIM To compare traditional triangular tip knife and water jet knife in terms of procedural success,duration,instrument exchanges,coagulation forceps use,and adverse events.METHODS We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis with two authors independently in electronic databases(PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library)from inception through May 2021.In addition,we conducted a relevant search by Reference Citation Analysis(RCA)(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com).A fixed-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean,odds ratio(OR),and confidence intervals(CI).RESULTS We included 7 studies involving 558 patients.Triangular knife and water jet knife were similar in odds of procedural success with ratio of 4.78(95%CI=0.22-102.47)and odds of clinical success with ratio of 0.93(95%CI=0.29-2.97),respectively.Water jet knife had fewer instrument exchanges compared to triangular knife(2.21,95%CI=1.98-2.45 vs 11.9,95%CI=11.15-12.70)and usage of coagulation forceps(1.75,95%CI=1.52-1.97 vs 2.63,95%CI=2.37-2.89).Adverse events were higher in triangular knife group(OR:2.30,95%CI=1.35-3.95).CONCLUSION Peroral endoscopic myotomy using water jet knife is comparable in terms of pro cedural success to triangular tip knife.Water jet knife also required shorter procedural duration,less instrument exchanges,coagulation devices,and overall adverse events.

Current clinical approach to achalasia

Idiopathic achalasia is a rare primary motility disorder of the esophagus. The classical features are incomplete relaxation of a frequently hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and a lack of peristalsis in the tubular esophagus. These motor abnormalities lead to dysphagia, stasis, regurgitation, weight loss, or secondary respiratory complications. Although major strides have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of this rare disorder, including a probable autoimmune mediated destruction of inhibitory neurons in response to an unknown insult in genetically susceptible individuals, a definite trigger has not been identified. The diagnosis of achalasia is suggested by clinical features and conf irmed by further diagnostic tests, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), manometry or barium swallow. These studies are not only used to exclude pseudoachalasia, but also might help to categorize the disease by severity or clinical subtype. Recent advances in diagnostic methods, including high resolution manometry (HRM), might allow prediction of treatment responses. The primary treatments for achieving long-term symptom relief are surgery and endoscopic methods. Although limited high-quality data exist, it appears that laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is superior to endoscopic methods in achieving long-term relief of symptoms in the majority of patients. However, the current clinical approach to achalasia will depend not only on patients' characteristics and clinical subtypes of the disease, but also on local expertise and patient preferences.

Efficacy of intraorbital electroacupuncture for diabetic abducens nerve palsy： study protocol for a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial

Abducens nerve palsy（ANP） is commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. The validity of acupuncture as a traditional Chinese medicine method in peripheral nerve repair is well established. However, its efficacy in randomized controlled trials remains unclear. Herein, we designed a protocol for a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of intraorbital electroacupuncture on diabetic ANP. We plan to recruit 60 patients with diabetic ANP, and randomly divide them into treatment and control groups. Patients in both groups will continue their glucose-lowering therapy. A neural nutrition drug will be given to both groups for six weeks. The treatment group will also receive intraorbital electroacupuncture therapy. We will assess efficacy of treatment, eyeball movement, diplopia deviation and the levels of fasting blood-glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin before treatment at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment. The efficacy and recurrence will be investigated during follow-up（1 month after intervention）. This protocol was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 16 January 2015（Chi CTR-IPR-15005836）. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University of China（approval number： 201452）. All protocols will be in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. Written informed consent will be provided by participants. We envisage that the results of this clinical trial will provide evidence for promoting clinical use of this new therapy for management of ANP.

Pregnancies established through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using spermatozoa with dysplasia of fibrous sheath

Aim:Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath(DFS)is an anomaly found in asthenozoospermic patients with extremely lowor absent motility.In order to determine the efficacy of ICSI in these patients,a retrospective analysis of ICSI results inDFS patients has been done.Methods:Ten ICSI attempts were performed in 6 patients with diagnosis of Dysplasiaof the Fibrous Sheath studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy.Results:In the cases studied,sperm concentration was(29.62±18.05)×10^(6)/mL,total motility was 1.14±1.31%.Progressive motility was 0%except for one case with 0.1%.One hundred and three preovulatory oocytes were obtained and 94 metaphaseⅡoocyteswere injected.Sixty-nine of them showed two pronuclei(fertilization rate:73.4%).Forty-nine embryos were ob-tained and 34 were transferred(mean:3.4 embryos per transfer).Five pregnancies were diagnosed byβ-hCG plasmalevel determinations that resulted to be one preclinical abortion,one clinical abortion and three deliveries.Anotherpregnancy(ongoing)was achieved from a cryopreserved embryo transfer.Conclusion:These results showed thatICSI provides a suitable solution for patients suffering from irreversible sperm defects such as DFS.Nevertheless,it ismandatory to inform couples of possible transmission risks to offspring,which are unknown at present.Only when theetiology of this problem is disclosed,it will be possible to assess the real genetic risk.

Oesophageal surgery

INTRODUCTIONThe origins of oesophageal surgery ,like most surgical treatments ,are based in the treatment of traumatic injury .The Smith Surgical Papyrus describes the examination, diagnosis and treatment of 'a gaping wound of throat, penetrating the gullet' [1].

Manometric findings in patients with isolated distal gastroesophageal reflux

AIM： To analyze manometric abnormalities in patients with isolated distal reflux and compare these findings in patients with erosive and non-erosive disease, METHODS： Five hundred and fifty patients who presented to the outpatient clinic of Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital with gastroesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms were enrolled, Each individual was evaluated with esophageal manometry, 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, Manometric findings for the patients with isolated distal reflux were compared to findings in controls who were free of reflux disorders or hypersensitive esophagus, Findings for isolated distal reflux patients with and without erosive reflux disease were also compared, RESULTS： Of the 550 subjects enrolled, 97 （17.6%, mean age 48 years） had isolated distal reflux and i00 had no abnormalities on ambulatory pH monitoring （control group, mean age 45 years）. There were no significant differences between the isolated distal reflux group and control group with respect to age, body mass index, and esophageal body contraction amplitude （EBCA）. Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was significantly higher in the control group （12.7 ± 10.3 mmHg vs 9.6 ± 7.4 mmHg, P = 0.01）. Fifty-five （56.7%） of the 97 patients with isolated distal reflux had erosive reflux disease. There were no statistical differences between the erosive reflux disease and non-erosive reflux disease subgroups with respect to mean EBCA, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, or DeMeester score.However, 13% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease had distal wave amplitudes ≤ 30 mmHg, whereas none of the patients with non-erosive reflux disease had distal wave amplitudes in this low category. CONCLUSION： Patients with erosive and non-erosive disease present with similar manometric abnormalities. The only striking difference is the observation of very low EBCA exclusively in patients with erosive disease.

Long-pulse gastric electrical stimulation protects interstitial cells of Cajal in diabetic rats via IGF-1 signaling pathway

AIM: To investigate the effects of different parameters of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and changes in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signal pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Male rats were randomized into control, diabetic (DM), diabetic with sham GES (DM + SGES), diabetic with GES1 (5.5 cpm, 100 ms, 4 mA) (DM + GES1), diabetic with GES2 (5.5 cpm, 300 ms, 4 mA) (DM + GES2) and diabetic with GES3 (5.5 cpm, 550 ms, 2 mA) (DM + GES3) groups. The expression levels of c-kit, M-SCF and IGF-1 receptors were evaluated in the gastric antrum using Western blot analysis. The distribution of ICCs was observed using immunolabeling for c-kit, while smooth muscle cells and IGF-1 receptors were identified using alpha-SMA and IGF-1R antibodies. Serum level of IGF-1 was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Gastric emptying was delayed in the DM group but improved in all GES groups, especially in the GES2 group. The expression levels of c-kit, M-SCF and IGF-1R were decreased in the DM group but increased in all GES groups. More ICCs (c-kit(+)) and smooth muscle cells (alpha-SMA(+)/IGF-1R(+)) were observed in all GES groups than in the DM group. The average level of IGF-1 in the DM group was markedly decreased, but it was up-regulated in all GES groups, especially in the GES2 group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that long-pulse GES promotes the regeneration of ICCs. The IGF-1 signaling pathway might be involved in the mechanism underlying this process, which results in improved gastric emptying.

Changes of smooth muscle contractile filaments in small bowel atresia

AIM:To investigate morphological changes of intestinal smooth muscle contractile fibres in small bowel atresia patients.METHODS:Resected small bowel specimens from small bowel atresia patients(n = 12) were divided into three sections(proximal,atretic and distal).Standard histology hematoxylin-eosin staining and enzyme immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize smooth muscle contractile markers-smooth muscle actin(SMA) and desmin using conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal bowel.Small bowel from agematched patients(n = 2) undergoing Meckel's diverticulum resection served as controls.RESULTS:The smooth muscle coat in the proximal bowel of small bowel atresia patients was thickened compared with control tissue,but the distal bowel was unchanged.Expression of smooth muscle contractile fibres SMA and desmin within the proximal bowel was slightly reduced compared with the distal bowel and control tissue.There were no major differences in the architecture of the smooth muscle within the proximal bowel and the distal bowel.The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia patients revealed only minimal differences regarding smooth muscle morphology and the presence of smooth muscle contractile filament markers.CONCLUSION:Changes in smooth muscle contractile filaments do not appear to play a major role in postoperative motility disorders in small bowel atresia.

Achalasia after bariatric Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery reversal

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that is characterized by a loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus and failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The risk of developing esophageal motility disorders, including achalasia, following bariatric surgery is controversial and differs based on the type of surgery. Most of the reported cases occurred with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. To our knowledge, there are only three reported cases of achalasia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and no reported cases after revision of the surgery. We present a case of a 70-year-old female who had a previous history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with revision. She presented with persistent nausea and regurgitation for one month. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a dilated esophagus without strictures or stenosis. A barium study was performed after the endoscopy and was suggestive of achalasia. Those findings were confirmed by a manometry. The patient was referred for laparoscopic Heller's myotomy.

Dysphagia,reflux and related sequelae due to altered physiology in scleroderma

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease that presents with significant gastrointestinal involvement,commonly in the esophagus.Dysphagia is a common clinical manifestation of systemic sclerosis and is strongly related to esophageal dysmotility.However,there are multiple other contributing factors in each step in the physiology of swallowing that may contribute to development of severe dysphagia.The oral phase of swallowing may be disrupted by poor mastication due to microstomia and poor dentition,as well as by xerostomia.In the pharyngeal phase of swallowing,pharyngeal muscle weakness due to concurrent myositis or cricopharyngeal muscle tightening due to acid reflux can cause disturbance.The esophageal phase of swallowing is most commonly disturbed by decreased peristalsis and esophageal dysmotility.However,it can also be affected by obstruction from chronic reflux changes,pill-induced esophagitis,or Candida esophagitis.Other contributing factors to dysphagia include difficulties in food preparation and gastroparesis.Understanding the anatomy and physiology of swallowing and evaluating systemic sclerosis patients presenting with dysphagia for disturbances in each step can allow for development of better treatment plans to improve dysphagia and overall quality of life.

Changes in the esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction manometric feature based on the Chicago Classification updates

BACKGROUND The critical diagnostic criteria for esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction(EGJOO)were published in the latest Chicago Classification version 4.0(CCv4.0).In addition to the previous criterion[elevated integrated relaxation pressure(IRP)in supine position],manometric diagnosis of EGJOO requires meeting the criteria of elevated median-IRP during upright wet swallows and elevated intrabolus pressure.However,with the diagnostic criteria modification,the change in manometric features of EGJOO remained unclear.AIM To evaluate the esophageal motility characteristics of patients with EGJOO and select valuable parameters for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 370 patients who underwent highresolution manometry with 5 mL water swallows×10 in supine,×5 in upright position and the rapid drink challenge(RDC)with 200 mL water from November 2016 to November 2021 at Peking University First Hospital.Fifty-one patients with elevated integrated supine IRP and evidence of peristalsis were enrolled,with 24 patients meeting the updated manometric EGJOO diagnosis(CCv4.0)as the EGJOO group and 27 patients not meeting the updated EGJOO criteria as the isolated supine IRP elevated group(either normal median IRP in upright position or less than 20%of supine swallows with elevated IBP).Forty-six patients with normal manometric features were collected as the normal high-resolution manometry(HRM)group.Upper esophageal sphincter(UES),esophageal body,and lower esophageal sphincter(LES)parameters were compared between groups.RESULTS Compared with the normal HRM group,patients with EGJOO(CCv4.0)had significantly lower proximal esophageal contractile integral(PECI)and proximal esophageal length(PEL),with elevated IRP on RDC(P<0.05 for each comparison),while isolated supine IRP elevated patients had no such feature.Patients with EGJOO also had more significant abnormalities in the esophagogastric junction than isolated supine IRP elevated patients,including higher LES resting pressure(LESP),intrabolus pressure,median supine IRP,median upright IRP,and IRP on RDC(P<0.05 for each comparison).Patients with dysphagia had significantly lower PECI and PEL than patients without dysphagia among the fifty-one with elevated supine IRP.Further multivariate analysis revealed that PEL,LESP,and IRP on RDC are factors associated with EGJOO.The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed UES nadir pressure,PEL,PECI,LESP,and IRP on RDC are parameters supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.CONCLUSION Based on CCv4.0,patients with EGJOO have more severe esophagogastric junction dysfunction and are implicated in the proximal esophagus.Additionally,several parameters are supportive for confirming the diagnosis of EGJOO.

Therapeutic efficacy observation of acupuncture plus medicine for laryngopharyngeal reflux due to liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus medicine in treating laryngopharyngeal reflux due to liverqi stagnation and spleen deficiency.Methods A total of 70 patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with conventional medications,and the observation group was treated with additional acupuncture therapy.The reflux symptom index(RSI)and reflux finding score(RFS)were evaluated.Esophageal motility indicators such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure(LESP)and upper esophageal sphincter pressure(UESP),and salivary pepsin level were measured.The clinical efficacy was also compared.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the RSI and RFS scores in both groups decreased significantly(all P<0.05),and the RSI and RFS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05).There were no significant changes in the LESP and UESP in the control group(both P>0.05),while LESP and UESP in the observation group increased significantly(both P<0.05),and higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05).The salivary pepsin levels in both groups decreased(both P<0.05),and the salivary pepsin level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus medicine can improve symptoms and signs in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux due to liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency,and regulate esophageal motility and salivary pepsin level.Its efficacy is more significant compared with medicine alone.