scholarly journals Dietary advice provided to those undergoing pelvic radiotherapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-132
Author(s):  
Nickola Pallin ◽  
Jane Richardson

AbstractBackgroundIn those receiving radiotherapy for pelvic cancers, up to 80% develop gastrointestinal symptoms, with dietary interventions recommended to reduce these symptoms. However, research outlining the current dietary support provided to patients undergoing radiotherapy for pelvic cancer is lacking.AimTo identify the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by those undergoing pelvic radiotherapy and to identify the dietary support provided to these patients.Methods and materialsA service evaluation was undertaken in one NHS Trust hospital whereby patients undergoing radical pelvic radiotherapy during a 15-week recruitment period were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling and the data were analysed descriptively using SPSS.ResultsIn total, 31 patients responded achieving a response rate of 48%. The most frequent reported gastrointestinal symptoms were gas and flatulence followed by diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain. The main dietary changes implemented by the respondents and recommended by health care professionals included reducing fibre intake, reducing certain vegetables, reducing caffeine and increasing water.FindingsThe results illustrate the impact of gastrointestinal side effects on patients’ dietary intake. The results highlight that nutritional guidance need to be standardised, especially for the management of diarrhoea and gas and flatulence as these were the most common occurring side effects. With radiographers most frequently giving nutritional advice they must be provided with guidance to support those undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Ludlow ◽  
John Green

Radiotherapy used to treat cancers in the pelvic region can have lasting side effects, and the persistence of these symptoms for 3 months or more is described as pelvic radiation disease (PRD). The growing number of pelvic cancer patients being diagnosed and successfully treated is increasing the incidence of PRD. This review examines the literature on the gastrointestinal symptoms of PRD. This includes how PRD is defined, how it is identified and how it relates specifically to the three pelvic cancers in which it most commonly manifests (prostate, gynaecological and colorectal). It pays particular attention to the impact of PRD on patient experience and quality of life. This review is the first part in a series on the GI symptoms of PRD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-502
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Bloor ◽  
Rudolph Schutte ◽  
Anthony R. Hobson

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a worldwide healthcare problem affecting approximately 25% of the global population. The most common IDA treatment is oral iron supplementation, which has been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as constipation and bloating. These can result in treatment non-adherence and the persistence of IDA. Intravenous iron does not cause GI side effects, which may be due to the lack of exposure to the intestinal lumen. Luminal iron can cause changes to the gut microbiota, aiding the promotion of pathogenic species and decreasing beneficial protective species. Iron is vital for methanogenic archaea, which rely on iron for growth and metabolism. Increased intestinal methane has been associated with slowing of intestinal transit, constipation, and bloating. Here we explore the literature to understand a potential link between iron and methanogenesis as a novel way to understand the mechanism of oral iron supplementation induced GI side effects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane L. Tarry-Adkins ◽  
Susan E. Ozanne ◽  
Catherine E. Aiken

AbstractWe systematically assessed the impact of metformin treatment on maternal pregnancy outcomes. PubMed, Ovid Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane databases were systematically searched (inception-1st February 2021). Randomised controlled trials reporting pregnancy outcomes in women randomised to metformin versus any other treatment for any indication were included. Outcomes included gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, gestational age at delivery, caesarean section, gestational diabetes, glycaemic control, and gastrointestinal side-effects. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, with a third available to evaluate disagreements. Risk-of-bias and GRADE assessments were conducted using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias and GRADE-pro software. Thirty-five studies (n = 8033 pregnancies) met eligibility criteria. GWG was lower in pregnancies randomised to metformin versus other treatments (1.57 kg ± 0.60 kg; I2 = 86%, p < 0.0001), as was likelihood of pre-eclampsia (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.95; I2 = 55%, p = 0.02). The risk of gastrointestinal side-effects was greater in metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.53–3.84; I2 = 76%, p = 0.0002). The risk of other maternal outcomes assessed was not significantly different between metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups. Metformin for any indication during pregnancy is associated with lower GWG and a modest reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, but increased gastrointestinal side-effects compared to other treatments.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 423 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Goode ◽  
C. Gillespie ◽  
C. Hackett ◽  
J. Andreyev

Lung ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 198 (2) ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Drent ◽  
V. L. J. Proesmans ◽  
M. D. P. Elfferich ◽  
N. T. Jessurun ◽  
S. M. G. de Jong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis vary widely, depending on the intensity of the inflammation and the organ systems affected. So far, no curative treatment exists; the disease can only be suppressed. All treatment options cause side effects affecting quality of life. The aim of this study was to establish and rank the prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal side effects of drugs used in the treatment of sarcoidosis. Methods A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey about complaints and side effects was conducted among sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Results Of the participants, 70% were being treated with one or more drugs. The most important reported side effect was weight gain, associated with increased appetite among prednisone users (as monotherapy as well as in combination with other drugs). Methotrexate (MTX) users especially experienced nausea, with monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Vomiting and weight loss were most prominent among azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) users, whereas diarrhoea was frequently mentioned by MMF and MTX users. The reported side effects of hydroxychloroquine were generally rather mild. Conclusion The current study ranked the gastrointestinal side effects associated with pharmacotherapy in sarcoidosis patients. Pharmacotherapy does have multiple gastrointestinal side effects. The strongest association between a reported side effect and drug use was that of weight gain associated with increased appetite among prednisone users. It would therefore be useful for future research to look further into dietary interventions to counter these side effects and reduce their burden.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Uchida ◽  
Motoyasu Kurahashi ◽  
Kenji Harada ◽  
Hidetoshi Kanai

Abstract Background and Aims Calcimimetic agent is used for secondaryhyperparathyroidism (SHPT), but it might cause gastrointestinal side-effects. These side effects are severe problem for PD patients with gastrointestinal symptoms due to dialysis fluid storage. Evocalcet is a new calcimimetic agent for SHPT, and expected to reduce gastrointestinal related symptoms. There have been some reports about switching from cinacalcet to evocalcet or administered for HD patients. However, there have been few reports on PD patients. Here, we reported the efficiency and safety of evocalcet in PD patients. Method PD patients who had newly started to treat for SHPT with evocalcet, between August 2018 to August 2019 were selected. Patients who died or transferred to HD within 6 months after administered evocalcet were excluded. We compared the changes in whole PTH level, serum phosphorus level and serum corrected calcium level with baseline and after administration. Moreover, we investigated adverse events of gastrointestinal related symptoms. Results Overall, 34 PD patients were included, (mean age: 67.5 years old, male/female: 23/11, average PD vintage: 39.6 months, serum phosphorus level: 5.1 ± 1.0 mg/dl). There was a significant reduction in whole PTH at week 16 from baseline (346 ± 187 pg/ml vs 258 ± 196 pg/ml, p &lt;0.001), and this relation was continued at week 32. There was no significant change in serum phosphorus level during this study. Serum corrected calcium level was the lowest at week 12 from baseline (9.4±0.7 mg/dl vs 9.0±0.1 mg/dl: p=0.004), thereafter, serum calcium level was not decline with adjustment of vitamin D receptor activators and calcium preparation. Adverse events were observed in 6 patients (18.2 %), nausea occurred in 3 patients, decreased appetite occurred in 2 patients, and diarrhea occurred in 2 patients. Although some adverse events had occurred, all patients continued study. Conclusion These results suggested that evocalcet might be efficient and safety in PD patients with SHPT.


2010 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca White

There are many factors that can influence nutritional intake. Food availability, physical capability, appetite, presence of gastrointestinal symptoms and perception of food are examples. Drug therapy can negatively influence nutritional intake through their effect on these factors, predominantly due to side effects. This review aims to give a brief overview of each of these factors and how drug therapy can affect them. Specific examples are given for each section and an indication of the impact on nutritional status. This article aims to assist the clinician in the identification of the effects of drug therapy on nutritional intake and provides advice on appropriate intervention. A drug history and side effect review should form an integral part of nutritional assessment. Early identification and effective therapeutic use of alternative drug therapy can also positively influence nutritional intake.


Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 698
Author(s):  
Li Yang Tan ◽  
Xin Yi Yeo ◽  
Han-Gyu Bae ◽  
Delia Pei Shan Lee ◽  
Roger C. Ho ◽  
...  

The central nervous system was classically perceived as anatomically and functionally independent from the other visceral organs. But in recent decades, compelling evidence has led the scientific community to place a greater emphasis on the role of gut microbes on the brain. Pathological observations and early gastrointestinal symptoms highlighted that gut dysbiosis likely precedes the onset of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. The delicate balance in the number and functions of pathogenic microbes and alternative probiotic populations is critical in the modulation of systemic inflammation and neuronal health. However, there is limited success in restoring healthy microbial biodiversity in AD and PD patients with general probiotics interventions and fecal microbial therapies. Fortunately, the gut microflora is susceptible to long-term extrinsic influences such as lifestyle and dietary choices, providing opportunities for treatment through comparatively individual-specific control of human behavior. In this review, we examine the impact of restrictive diets on the gut microbiome populations associated with AD and PD. The overall evidence presented supports that gut dysbiosis is a plausible prelude to disease onset, and early dietary interventions are likely beneficial for the prevention and treatment of progressive neurodegenerative diseases.


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