The Effect of An Aloe-Based Polyherbal Formulation in Adults with Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Six-Months Clinical Follow-up Trial

The most common functional gastrointestinal problem in the world is functional constipation. "Ayarij-e-Faiqra (AF)" is a polyherbal formula that has been recommended by Persian Medicine as an efficent purgative agent . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AF on functional constipation using a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the Rome III classification, 79 adults with functional constipation were included in this trial. The diagnostic criteria were according to the Rome III classification. Patients with constipation symptoms who referred to the traditional medicine clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences from April 2014 to September 2016 were randomly allocated to the AF and placebo groups. The AF and placebo groups received AF and placebo for three months, respectively and followed up for another three months. During the study, the treatment efficacy was assessed by a questionnaire. AF treatment significantly decreased most of the symptoms by 84% at the end of the first month (p < 0.05) and by 90% at the end of the third month in comparison to placbo group (p < 0.001). However, three months after the end of the intervention, the frequency of constipation symptoms in both groups was not statistically significant. Based on the satisfaction questionnaire, the treatment satisfaction score during the intervention was increased to 9 in the AF group, but no significant difference was found between the two groups three months after the intervention (p > 0.005). Although AF could be beneficial for treating functional constipation without significant side effects, changing patients’ lifestyles has great importance in this process.

Abdominal pain – a well-known gastrointestinal problem in new pandemic reality. Something to be aware of?

Diagnosing and managing abdominal pain is challenging and demanding of both primary care physicians and specialists. Abdominal pain is often non-specific sign and can mask life-threating conditions. The article discusses the problem – diagnostic and treatment of this symptom in terms of the present pandemic reality.

Rectal perforation in a 42-year-old woman due to Henoch-Schönlein purpura: a case report

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is caused by deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes within the blood vessels. HSP mostly occurs in children and is less common in adults. In addition to palpable purpura, arthritis or arthralgia, renal disease and abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms occur in 50% of children. These can be caused by gastrointestinal hemorrhage, bowel ischemia and necrosis, intussusception, and bowel perforation. In adults, intussusception is less frequent than in children. We report a 42-year-old woman referred to our hospital with acute abdominal pain. After laboratory and radiologic examinations, laparatomy was performed which revealed rectal perforation due to HSP. HSP is a multisystem disorder. Abdominal pain in patients with HSP may herald a serious gastrointestinal problem also in adult patients.

Gastrointestinal emergencies

This chapter covers the medical aspects of patients presenting to the emergency department with a gastrointestinal problem. It covers both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, including the management and scoring systems available for risk stratification. This chapter also includes a section on diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as the management of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. In addition to bowel-related pathology, another common presentation includes liver and alcohol-related pathology. This chapter summarizes the key aspects of liver failure. Included in this are the key investigation and indications for transplant, as well as the management of alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol withdrawal.

Chiropractic Treatment for Gastrointestinal Problems: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Many chiropractors believe that chiropractic treatments are effective for gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the present systematic review was to critically evaluate the evidence from controlled clinical trials supporting or not supporting this notion. Six electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. No limits were applied to language or publication date. Prospective, controlled, clinical trials of any type of chiropractic treatment for any type of gastrointestinal problem, except infant colic, were included. Only two trials were found – one was a pilot study, and the other had reached a positive conclusion; however, both had serious methodological flaws. There is no supportive evidence that chiropractic is an effective treatment for gastrointestinal disorders.

Nongastrointestinal Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Office-Based Clinical Survey

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal problem faced by practicing gastroenterologists. For many years, nongastrointestinal symptoms have been documented in IBS patients, but the medical literature does not emphasize them. The present study explored how IBS and inflammatory bowel disease patients differ in their reporting of nongastrointestinal symptoms. Information from 200 consecutive patients with IBS and a similar number of patients with Crohn's disease (in a single gastroenterology practice) was obtained at the initial visit using a simple questionnaire. Comparison of the data revealed that IBS patients describe certain nongastrointestinal symptoms far more frequently than do those with inflammatory bowel disease. It is recommended that these symptoms be considered along with the generally accepted criteria for making a positive diagnosis of IBS.