Searching for a definition for pharmacologically refractory constipation: A systematic review

Abstract

There is need for a detailed definition of pharmacologically refractory constipation before submitting patients to invasive treatments and to evaluate new pharmacological agents.

Systematic review with meta‐analysis: The association between post‐traumatic stress disorder and irritable bowel syndrome

“…Second, inter‐study variability and the symptom‐based approach used in the diagnosis of IBS and PTSD (e.g., Rome IV criteria and the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) could affect the reliability of current findings. As several of the studies used a self‐report symptom questionnaire in the diagnosis of IBS, there is a known wide variability and ambiguity in each individual's definition of constipation and diarrhea . Furthermore, two of the largest studies included in the meta‐analysis used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code diagnoses based on administrative health records, which are subject to error or misclassification/misdiagnosis.…”

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Schizophrenia Symptoms

“…There is evidence that probiotics may alleviate the unwanted constipation [17, 21], weight gain, and adverse metabolic effects [22] commonly associated with antipsychotic use. In the study by Tomasik et al [19], probiotic supplementation was found to significantly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.…”

Agomelatine, a novel therapeutic option for the management of irritable bowel syndrome

“…In a complex and likely multifactorial disease like IBS, a multimodal approach is necessary as each agent tends to target individual symptoms, for example abdominal bloating or pain, diarrhoea or constipation . Furthermore, cost concerns exist as repeated courses of treatment are required as IBS is often a chronic, relapsing condition …”

“…6 In a complex and likely multifactorial disease like IBS, a multimodal approach is necessary as each agent tends to target individual symptoms, for example abdominal bloating or pain, diarrhoea or constipation. 7,8 Furthermore, cost concerns exist as repeated courses of treatment are required as IBS is often a chronic, relapsing condition. 9 Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in humans, as well as the enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa.…”