Effect of Mentha aquatica L. Extract on Bloating Symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, distension, change of bowel habit, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and mucus discharge along with stools. Although the disease causes long-term and agonizing pain, no ideal cure has been found for it so far. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and compliance of Mentha aquatica L. extract for the treatment of bloating caused by IBS. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial study was conducted in Tooba gastroenterology clinic in Sari, Iran, during 2019 (from January to May). A total of 104 patients with IBS in the age range of 20-80 years were randomly divided into two parallel groups of herbal medicine (MAC-330) and placebo. Study period consisted of a 4 weeks of administration, and 2 weeks of follow-up. IBS-associated symptoms including severity of bloating (as primary outcome) and frequency of defecation and abdominal pain were evaluated using a questionnaire before treatment, 1, 2 and 4 weeks after beginning treatment and 2 weeks after stopping treatment. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). The severity of bloating was significantly reduced in the both groups at fourth week (p < 0.030) and 2 weeks after stopping intervention (sixth week) (p < 0.026). The frequency of defecation has increased with the onset of the intervention until the fourth week of the treatment which was not significant. The abdominal pain reduced during the 4 weeks’ intervention, but it was not significant. Based on the obtained results, MAC-330 could not be used as an effective treatment for patients with IBS in short time; however, it reduces the abdominal bloating and pain in these patients, especially in the long-term use.

Glutamine Supplementation Enhances the Effects of a Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management

Background and Aims: Although irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders presented to gastroenterologists, therapeutic strategies are not yet well-established. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the possible superiority of adding glutamine supplement to low fermentable oligo- di- monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Methods: Eligible adults were randomized to receive a low FODMAP diet either with glutamine (15 g/day) or a placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant reduction in IBS-symptom severity score (IBS-SSS). Secondary endpoints were changes in IBS symptoms, stool frequency, consistency, and quality of life.Results: The study group enrolled 50 patients, among which 22 participants from each group completed the study protocol. The glutamine group had significant changes in total IBS-severity score, dissatisfaction of bowel habit and interference with community function (58% reduction; P &lt; 0.001, 57% reduction; P &lt; 0.001, 51% reduction; P = 0.043, respectively). Improvement in IBS-severity score of more than 45% was observed in 22 of 25 participants (88%) in the glutamine group, while it was only 15 of 25 participants (60%) in the control group (p = 0.015). No serious adverse events were observed.Conclusions: Our findings indicated the superiority of adding glutamine supplementation to a low FODMAP diet in amelioration of IBS symptoms while confirming the beneficial effects of a low FODMAP diet in IBS management.

P-EGS25 Boerhaave’s Syndrome Secondary to Symptomatic COVID-19 Infection

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected over 140 million people worldwide (1). COVID-19 symptoms primarily involve the respiratory system. However, recent data suggests that gastrointestinal symptoms occur in 11-61% of cases (2, 3).Boerhaave’s syndrome is a rare and dangerous disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, associated with a mortality rate of up to 50% (4). It most commonly occurs due to a lack of coordination between upper and lower oesophageal sphincters during forceful emesis, leading to an abrupt rise in intra-oesophageal pressures which leads to a transmural tear (5). Less commonly, a tear can be secondary to prolonged coughing (6). The majority of tears occur in the distal posterolateral third of the oesophagus and have an average length of 2.2 cm (7). Risk factors include males, excess alcohol or food consumption (6). We present a case of Boerhaave’s syndrome secondary to prolonged coughing, from COVID-19 infection. The tear was 8 cm in length in the mid anterior oesophagus. The patient survived a major operation and prolonged intensive care stay. Meloy et al. (8) published one case of oesophageal rupture in symptomatic COVID-19 – unfortunately the patient passed away before intervention. Methods A 75-year-old Caucasian female was day seven of COVID-19 infection and had been coping in the community with a continuous dry cough and mild shortness of breath. She presented to Accident and Emergency in the late afternoon when her cough developed into unremitting retching, vomiting, a global headache and epigastric pain disproportionate to presentation. No associated haematemesis or change in bowel habit. Past medical history was significant for hypertension, hypothyroidism, depression and anxiety. Previous surgical history included an open appendicectomy, cholecystectomy and resection of a melanoma. She was previously independent, consumed alcohol socially, a non-smoker and compliant with her regular medications.A CT chest with contrast demonstrated distal oesophageal rupture transversely with pneumomediastinum and extensive surgical emphysema in the neck and secondary bilateral pleural effusions, consistent with Boerhaave’s syndrome. The patient was taken to theatre the next morning for an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), right posterolateral thoracotomy and primary repair of the oesophageal perforation.On endoscopy, an 8cm defect in the anterior oesophagus starting at the T4 vertebral level was identified and was repaired using tunnelled permanent mesh. During the surgery, mediastinitis was noted and washed out. The antimicrobial therapy was altered post-operatively to intravenous tazocin and fluconazole. Results The management of this patient was a huge multidisciplinary team achievement. She spent forty-six days recovering in ICU, intubated, ventilated and sedated with noradrenaline vasopressor support. The patient developed a severe acute kidney injury, requiring haemofiltration. The mediastinal fluid culture grew Enterococcus faecalis, sensitive to vancomycin and antibiotic therapy was adjusted accordingly. The patient’s recovery was burdened by seizures, whilst being weaned off sedation, and episodes of bradycardia and asystole, most of which were self-resolving except one requiring thirty seconds of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. After chest drain removal, the patient redeveloped a right sided loculated pleural effusion so a further drain was inserted.A gastrografin contrast swallow study performed thirty-five days post-operatively demonstrated no evidence of contrast leak although some tracheobronchial aspiration. She was later stepped down to the ward and recovered very well. However, a component of post-ICU delirium and low mood was persistent. The patient had a repeat water-soluble contrast study on day 77 which demonstrated a contained anastomotic leak, managed conservatively. She was deemed medically ready for discharge at day 110. She was readmitted due to dysphagia secondary to a stricture at the site of mesh repair. OGD was performed and a stent was inserted. Conclusions COVID-19 infection may lead to an abnormal presentation of Boerhaave’s syndrome, with oesophageal tears being secondary to coughing, longer and more proximal.Peri-operative morbidity in COVID patients is elevated and clinicians should consider the short and long term implications of this to provide a holistic approach to care. Clinicians should maintain an awareness of the diversity of COVID-associated complications whilst ensuring that they do not succumb to the diagnostic overshadowing that becomes commonplace during a pandemic.

Aberrant Gut-To-Brain Signaling in Irritable Bowel Syndrome - The Role of Bile Acids

Functional bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common, multifactorial and have a major impact on the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with the condition. Heterogeneity in symptom manifestation, which includes changes in bowel habit and visceral pain sensitivity, are an indication of the complexity of the underlying pathophysiology. It is accepted that dysfunctional gut-brain communication, which incorporates efferent and afferent branches of the peripheral nervous system, circulating endocrine hormones and local paracrine and neurocrine factors, such as host and microbially-derived signaling molecules, underpins symptom manifestation. This review will focus on the potential role of hepatic bile acids in modulating gut-to-brain signaling in IBS patients. Bile acids are amphipathic molecules synthesized in the liver, which facilitate digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. They are also important bioactive signaling molecules however, binding to bile acid receptors which are expressed on many different cell types. Bile acids have potent anti-microbial actions and thereby shape intestinal bacterial profiles. In turn, bacteria with bile salt hydrolase activity initiate the critical first step in transforming primary bile acids into secondary bile acids. Individuals with IBS are reported to have altered microbial profiles and modified bile acid pools. We have assessed the evidence to support a role for bile acids in the pathophysiology underlying the manifestation of IBS symptoms.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GRAHANI ROGA- CASE REPORT

Grahani Roga is a disease of Annavaha Srotas caused due to the formation of Ama due to Mandagni. Elimination of Vidagadha or Apakva anna through the Guda is known as Grahani Roga. Acharya Charaka has mentioned that the improperly digested food due to Mandagni when moved either in Urdhwa or Adho-Marga leads to Grahani Roga. Acharya Sushruta and Madhavakara have mentioned that patients of Atisara, during the stage of Agnimandya, if taken virudhha ahara, may lead to Grahani Roga. Muhur Baddha Muhur drava mala pravritti (altered bowel habit), Shleshma mala pravritti (mucous in stool) are the main symptoms of this disease. The symptoms of Grahani resemble most irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. So, we can correlate the Grahani roga with IBS. A diagnosed case of Grahani (IBS) is discussed here who was treated with Bilwavaleha, Sanjeevani Churna, Arogyavardhini vati, Brahmi vati, Manasamitravatakam and Hingwashtak churna. Keywords: Grahani roga, IBS, Agnimandya, Case report

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY FOR THE EVALUATION OF SNUHI KSHEERA-HARIDRA CHOORNA LEPA AND DEVADALYADI LEPA IN ARSHAS (2ND DEGREE HAEMORRHOID

Today Ano-rectal diseases have emerged as a quite common occurrence with progressive nature. According to the Ayurvedic concept, the aetiology of Arsha is interconnected with Mandagni of the patients. Arsha is a kind of disease that is most unkind towards mankind. A few important causes are sedentary lifestyle, irregular bowel habit, low fibre diet, prolonged straining, sedentary job, suppression of natural urges is some of the causative factors at present. It is a Mamsakeela that obstructs the Gudamarga and thus tortures the patient like an enemy. It can be co-related to haemorrhoids in modern science, the most common ailments of the rectum and anal canal. Intermittent symbolization and embarrassment make people neglect the early stages of haemorrhoids and ultimately end up in complications. The four therapeutic measures of Arshas include Bheshaja chikistha, Shastra karma, Kshara karma, and Agnikarma. Lepa is the foremost effective Bheshaja Chikistha yet less practised and demands further exploration. So based on Arsha Adhyaya of Susrutha Samhita and Arshoghnaadhyaya of Rasa ratnasamucchaya, the present study is intended to evaluate Snuhi ksheera – Haridra Choorna Lepa and Devadalyadi lepa in Arshas. Keywords: Haemorrhoids, Arshas, Snuhi Ksheera- Haridra Choorna Lepa, Devadalyadi Lepa

Small cell rectal cancer: a therapeutic challenge

A generally well 71-year-old man presented to his general practitioner with altered bowel habit and haematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed a malignant-appearing rectal mass, with histological features of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) of the rectum. Imaging demonstrated limited stage disease with a threatened circumferential resection margin. He was treated with a modified platinum chemoradiotherapy regimen for small cell lung cancer with an excellent response. Unfortunately, his cardiac function precluded surgery at the time and the patient subsequently developed hepatic metastases with local disease recurrence, and died 15 months following his initial diagnosis. Rectal EPSCC is a rare diagnosis, and this case represented a challenge for the multidisciplinary team given the limited evidence base. Medical therapy reflects extrapolation of small cell lung cancer treatment and the role of surgery is less clearly defined given aggressive and refractory disease is common. Immunotherapy, however, represents an exciting development for metastatic disease.

EP.WE.844Two-week bowel cancer referrals during the COVID pandemic

Aims The aims were to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the waiting times for patients referred via the two-week pathway for suspected colorectal cancer. We also examined the use of Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) alongside the presenting complaints in triaging/prioritising patients for further imaging and/or endoscopic investigations appropriately. Methods A list of all patients referred via the two-week pathway to the West Suffolk Hospital for suspected colorectal cancers from 30/01/2020 to 19/07/2020 was compiled. The main four red flag symptoms were change in bowel habit (CIBH), anorectal bleeding, anaemia and weight loss. A subset of 235 patients were closely examined regarding their presenting complaints, FIT, imaging and endoscopy results with analysis of outcomes. Results 127 male versus 108 female patients were included. 59.61% of patients who were eligible for the FIT test received one. Mean waiting time for FIT positive patients was 42.39 (95% CI) versus 61.10 (95% CI) for FIT negative patients. Patients with one or two red flags symptoms had a mean waiting time of 44.81 days (95% CI 35.79-53.82) and 47.91 days (95% CI 38.07-57.75) respectively. Patients with three red flag symptoms had a mean waiting time of 28.2 days (95% CI 17.94-38.39). There was a statistically significant difference in mean waiting time between patients having 1-2 symptoms and patients with three symptoms (p &lt; 0.005). Conclusions Despite delays during the COVID pandemic particularly for endoscopy, high risk and FIT positive patients were prioritised. Waiting times were still higher than advised national guidelines.