1
|
Tan S, Zhang W, Zeng P, Yang Y, Chen S, Li Y, Bian Y, Xu C. Clinical effects of chemical drugs, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, dietary fiber, and acupuncture in the treatment of chronic functional constipation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 36:815-830. [PMID: 38829940 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Currently, there are increasingly diverse treatment modalities for chronic functional constipation (CFC). This study aims to compare the relative efficacy and safety of chemical drugs, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, dietary fiber, and acupuncture in the treatment of patients with CFC. We searched relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in five databases up to November 2023. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was carried out using R Studio 4.2.1. Cumulative ranking probability plots, assessed through the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA), were employed to rank the included drugs for various outcome measures. We included a total of 45 RCT studies with 17 118 patients with CFC. From the SUCRA values and NMA results FMT showed the best utility in terms of clinical efficacy, Bristol stool form scale scores, patient assessment of constipation quality of life scores, and the treatment modality with the lowest ranked incidence of adverse effects was electroacupuncture. Subgroup analysis of the chemotherapy group showed that sodium A subgroup analysis of the chemical group showed that sodium picosulfate 10 mg had the highest clinical efficacy. FMT is more promising in the treatment of CFC and may be more effective in combination with the relatively safe treatment of acupuncture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shufa Tan
- Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang
| | - Pengfei Zeng
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu
| | - Yunyi Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Shikai Chen
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Yuwei Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center
| | - Yuhong Bian
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bor S, Kalkan İH, Savarino E, Rao S, Tack J, Pasricha J, Cangemi D, Schol J, Karunaratne T, Ghisa M, Ahuja NK, Lacy B. Prokinetics-safety and efficacy: The European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility/The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society expert review. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14774. [PMID: 38462678 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prokinetics are a class of pharmacological drugs designed to improve gastrointestinal (GI) motility, either regionally or across the whole gut. Each drug has its merits and drawbacks, and based on current evidence as high-quality studies are limited, we have no clear recommendation on one class or other. However, there remains a large unmet need for both regionally selective and/or globally acting prokinetic drugs that work primarily intraluminally and are safe and without systemic side effects. PURPOSE Here, we describe the strengths and weaknesses of six classes of prokinetic drugs, including their pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy, safety and tolerability and potential indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serhat Bor
- Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine & Ege Reflux Study Group, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İsmail H Kalkan
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Edoardo Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova (AOUP), Padua, Italy
| | - Satish Rao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Health Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jan Tack
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jay Pasricha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Cangemi
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jolien Schol
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tennekon Karunaratne
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matteo Ghisa
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Nitin K Ahuja
- Division of Gastroenterology, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian Lacy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang J, Guo J, Yang X, Chen J, Bai T, Liu S. Nocebo effects and influencing factors in the randomized clinical trials of chronic constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14708. [PMID: 37936549 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocebo effects are unavoidable in randomized clinical trials. We aimed to assess the magnitude of nocebo effects and explore the influencing factors in chronic constipation. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 2022. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating interventions in chronic constipation were included. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis of the proportion of adverse events (AEs) in placebo-treated participants and evaluated the effect of trial characteristics on nocebo effects. KEY RESULTS We identified 20,204 studies from the databases, of which 61 were included in the final analysis. The pooled placebo AE rate was 30.41%, and AE-related withdrawal rate was 1.53%. The most commonly reported AEs were headache (5.67%), diarrhea (4.45%), abdominal pain (3.98%), nasopharyngitis (3.39%), nausea (3.36%), and flatulence (2.95%). The placebo AE rate was lower in trials conducted in Asia compared to those in Europe, North America, and international trials. It was also lower in trials diagnosed by Rome III compared to clinician's opinion and Rome II. Additionally, the placebo AE rate was lower in single-center trials compared to multicenter trials, lower in 5-8 weeks therapy compared to 9-12 weeks therapy, lower in participants with FC compared to those with IBS-C and CC, lower in trials with 2 arms compared to 3 arms, and higher in trials with prokinetic drugs compared to secretagogues and laxatives. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The placebo AE rate was 30.41% in patients with chronic constipation. Based on our findings, we recommend that researchers take the nocebo effects into consideration when designing and conducting clinical trials and adopt specific measures to mitigate the negative influence of nocebo effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingze Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinlu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nee J, Sugarman MA, Ballou S, Katon J, Rangan V, Singh P, Zubiago J, Kaptchuk TJ, Lembo A. Placebo Response in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Gastroenterol 2019; 114:1838-1846. [PMID: 31592782 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), like other functional gastrointestinal disorders, has been associated with a high placebo response rate. However, the placebo response in randomized controlled trials has not been described. METHODS We conducted a search of the medical literature following the protocol outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement using MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMBASE Classic, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all drugs used for the treatment of CIC. Two independent reviewers performed eligibility assessment and data extraction. The mean response rate was examined for the following 2 responder endpoints: (i) greater than or equal to 3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs)/wk (≥3 CSBMs/wk responders) and (ii) mean increase of ≥1 CSBM/wk compared with baseline (increase in ≥1 CSBM/wk responders). RESULTS A total of 23 placebo-controlled trials met our inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The placebo response in CIC trials ranged from 4% to 44%. The magnitude of the placebo response was 13% (95% confidence interval 11%-16%) with the ≥3 CSBM/wk responder endpoint and 28% (95% confidence interval 21%-30%) with the increase of ≥1 in the CSBM responder endpoint. Higher baseline CSBM, older age, and trials with more male participants were significantly associated with a stronger placebo response for both the ≥3 CSBMs/wk endpoint and increase in the ≥1 CSBM/wk endpoint. Trial characteristics such as location (Europe vs Asia/United States) and laxative class (prokinetic vs secretagogue) revealed key differences in the placebo response for both endpoints. The placebo response was not significantly affected by the number of study visits, study duration, year of publication, number of drop outs, or likelihood of receiving active drug. DISCUSSION The placebo response in CIC trials ranges from 4% to 44% depending on the endpoint. Modifying factors of the placebo response include multiple subject and trial characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judy Nee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sarah Ballou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jesse Katon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vikram Rangan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Prashant Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Zubiago
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ted J Kaptchuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Lembo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luthra P, Camilleri M, Burr NE, Quigley EMM, Black CJ, Ford AC. Efficacy of drugs in chronic idiopathic constipation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:831-844. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
6
|
Lacy BE, Hussain ZH, Mearin F. Treatment for constipation: new and old pharmacological strategies. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:749-63. [PMID: 24860968 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constipation is a very common entity. Despite the high prevalence, treatment of constipation remains problematic. PURPOSE Review the current literature on new and existing constipation treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B E Lacy
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhong LLD, Cheng CW, Chan Y, Chan KH, Lam TW, Chen XR, Wong CT, Wu JCY, Bian ZX. Chinese herbal medicine (Ma Zi Ren Wan) for functional constipation: study protocol for a prospective, double-blinded, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial. Trials 2013; 14:366. [PMID: 24180235 PMCID: PMC4228394 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Functional constipation is a common clinical complaint. Although the effectiveness of Ma Zi Ren Wan for alleviating functional constipation symptoms has been proven in a previous randomized placebo-controlled study, further evidence is needed to make clinical recommendations about Chinese herbal medicine. In particular, a comparison with conventional western medicine for functional constipation patients is needed. Methods/Design This is a prospective, double-blinded, double dummy, randomized, controlled trial. After a 2-week run-in period, eligible patients (Rome III) with excessive traditional Chinese medicine syndrome will randomly be assigned to the Chinese medicine arm (Ma Zi Ren Wan and western medicine placebo), western medicine arm (senna and Chinese medicine placebo) or placebo arm (Chinese medicine placebo and western medicine placebo). Patients will undergo an 8-week treatment and an 8-week follow-up. The primary outcome is the responder rate for complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) during treatment. Patients with a mean increase of CSBM ≧1/week in comparison with their baselines are defined as responders. The secondary outcomes include responder rate during follow-up, changes of colonic transit as measured with radio-opaque markers, individual and global symptom assessments, and reported adverse effects. Discussion This study is the first study to compare a Chinese Herbal Medicine (Ma Zi Ren Wan) with a laxative that is commonly used in the clinical practice of western medicine, and with a placebo. This study will complete the investigation of Ma Zi Ren Wan for functional constipation, and should, therefore, suggest recommendations for clinical practice. Furthermore, the process of first conducting a systematic review, then implementing a dose determination study followed by a placebo-control trial, and finally, comparing traditional Chinese medicine with an active conventional medicine in a controlled trial can be a reference to other researches on Chinese medicine interventions in the future. Trial registration NCT01695850
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Justin C Y Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 1/F, Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine Building, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mearin F. [Impact of chronic constipation on quality of life: Much more important than it seems]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2013; 36:467-72. [PMID: 23769426 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic constipation is highly frequent in the general population (a prevalence of 14%). An underlying organic cause is usually absent, this type of constipation being known as chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Although usually considered banal, this disorder has a substantial personal, social and healthcare impact. Several studies have associated CIC with high rates of absenteeism in the workplace and disruption of routine activities. All these factors lead to high direct and indirect healthcare expenditure. Physically, the impact on patients with CIC, who require specialized care, is higher than that of ulcerative colitis or stable Crohn's disease. The psychological impact exceeds that caused by rheumatoid arthritis or hemodialysis. Appropriate treatment can improve HRQL in affected individuals. Recently, prucalopride, a highly selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist has been shown to improve the symptoms of CIC and to have a beneficial effect on HRQL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fermín Mearin
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Trastornos Funcionales y Motores Digestivos, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, España.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Epidemiology and burden of chronic constipation. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2012; 25 Suppl B:11B-15B. [PMID: 22114752 DOI: 10.1155/2011/974573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic constipation is an important component of clinical gastroenterology practice worldwide. Based on the definition, either self-reported or using Rome criteria, chronic constipation can affect from 2% to 27% of the population. Constipation is physically and mentally troublesome for many patients, and can significantly interfere with their daily living and well-being. Although only a proportion of patients with constipation seek medical care, most of them use prescribed or over-the-counter medication to improve their condition. The health care costs of constipation are significant as evidenced by the hundreds of million dollars spent yearly on laxatives alone. Because constipation is more common in older patients and life expectancy is increasing, an increase in the prevalence of constipation is expected in the years to come, with the associated impact on quality of life and socioeconomic burden.
Collapse
|
10
|
Schmulson M, Chang L. Review article: the treatment of functional abdominal bloating and distension. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:1071-86. [PMID: 21488913 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04637.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal bloating and distension are common symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), however, relatively little is known about their treatment. AIM To review the treatment trials for abdominal bloating and distension. METHODS A literature review in Medline for English-language publications through February 2010 of randomised, controlled treatment trials in adults. Study quality was assessed according to Jadad's score. RESULTS Of the 89 studies reviewed, 18% evaluated patients with functional dyspepsia, 61% with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 10% with chronic constipation and 10% with other FGIDs. No studies were conducted in patients diagnosed with functional abdominal bloating. The majority of trials investigated the efficacy of prokinetics or probiotics, although studies are heterogeneous with respect to diagnostic criteria and outcome measures. In general, bloating and/or distension were evaluated as secondary endpoints or as individual symptoms as part of a composite score rather than as primary endpoints. A greater proportion of IBS patients with constipation reported improvement in bloating with tegaserod vs. placebo (51% vs. 40%, P<0.0001) and lubiprostone (P<0.001). A greater proportion of nonconstipating IBS patients reported adequate relief of bloating with rifaximin vs. placebo (40% vs. 30%, P<0.001). Bloating was significantly reduced with the probiotics, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (1×10(8) dose vs. placebo: -0.71 vs. -0.44, P<0.05) and B. animalis (live vs. heat-killed: -0.56±1.01 vs. -0.31±0.87, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Prokinetics, lubiprostone, antibiotics and probiotics demonstrate efficacy for the treatment of bloating and/or distension in certain FGIDs, but other agents have either not been studied adequately or have shown conflicting results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Schmulson
- Laboratory of Liver, Pancreas and Motility, Department of Experimental Medicine-Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Efficacy of a Chinese herbal proprietary medicine (Hemp Seed Pill) for functional constipation. Am J Gastroenterol 2011; 106:120-9. [PMID: 21045817 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2010.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional constipation (FC) is a common clinical complaint. Despite a lack of consolidated evidence, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has become a popular alternative treatment for this condition. The aim of this study was to assess, with a rigidly designed study, the efficacy and safety of a CHM proprietary medicine, Hemp Seed Pill (HSP), in optimal dosage for treating FC. METHODS This study comprised two parts: trial I, a dose determination study, and trial II, a placebo-controlled clinical study. In trial I, the optimal dosage of HSP was first determined from among three doses (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g b.i.d.). In trial II, a randomized double-blind study, the efficacy and safety of HSP for FC patients (Rome III criteria) in excessive syndrome as defined by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory were compared with placebo. All participants in trials underwent a 2-week run-in, an 8-week treatment, and an 8-week follow-up. The primary end point was the responder rate for complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) during treatment. Participants with a mean increase of CSBM ≧ 1/week compared with their baselines were defined as responders. Secondary outcome measures included responder rate during follow-up, individual and global symptom assessments, and reported adverse effects (AEs). RESULTS The dose of 7.5 g b.i.d. showed better therapeutic effect than that of 2.5 and 5.0 g b.i.d. among 96 subjects (32 per arm) in trial I and was therefore selected for comparison with placebo in trial II. In trial II, 120 subjects were randomized into two arms (60 per arm). Responder rates for the HSP and placebo groups were 43.3 and 8.3% during treatment and 30.0 and 15.0% in the follow-up period, respectively (P<0.05). Those in the HSP group showed benefit in terms of increased CSBM, relief in the severity of constipation and straining of evacuation, and effective reduction in the use of rescue therapy when compared with placebo. No serious AE was reported. CONCLUSIONS HSP (7.5 g b.i.d.) is safe and effective for alleviating FC for subjects in excessive syndrome. Optimal dose determination may be crucial for all CHM studies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The approach of this review is to give a pragmatic approach to using laxatives, based on a combination of what is known about mechanism of action and the available literature on evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A V Emmanuel
- Physiology Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|