Duodenal eosinophilia and early satiety in functional dyspepsia: confirmation of a positive association in an Australian cohort

Histopathology of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGID), such as eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic enteritis, and eosinophilic colitis (EoC), are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated levels of activated eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract. EoG and eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD) are strongly associated with food allergen triggers and TH2 inflammation, whereas EoC shows minimal transcriptomic overlap with other EGIDs. The level of expression of certain genes associated with TH2 immune response is associated with certain histopathologic findings of EoG, EoD, and EoC. Current immune therapy for EoG depletes tissue eosinophilia with persistence of other histopathologic features of disease.

Multimorbidity of Allergic Diseases Is Associated With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in a Young Japanese Population

Background/Aims

Although certain allergic diseases have been reported to be associated with the prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is unclear whether the presence of multiple allergic diseases further increases the prevalence of FD and IBS. The aim of this study is to determine this issue in young people.

Methods

A cohort of 8923 Japanese university students was enrolled and diagnoses of FD and IBS were confirmed using Rome III criteria. Allergic disorders diagnosed at medical institutions were obtained by means of a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of FD, IBS, and their overlap was found to be 1.9%, 6.5%, and 1.1%, respectively. Pollen allergy was independently positively correlated with FD, IBS, and overlap of FD and IBS. Allergic rhinitis was positively linked to IBS. Drug allergy was positively associated with FD. The presence of multiple allergic diseases was positively correlated with FD and IBS (FD: adjusted OR for 2 allergic diseases: 1.95 [95% CI, 1.24-2.98], P for trend = 0.003; and IBS: adjusted OR for 1 allergic disease: 1.40 [95% CI, 1.15-1.69], 2 allergic diseases 1.47 [95% CI, 1.12-1.91], and 3 or more allergic diseases: 2.22 [95% CI, 1.45-3.28], P for trend = 0.001). Additionally, the concomitant existence of multiple allergic diseases was also demonstrated to have a trend that correlated with the overlap of FD and IBS (P for trend = 0.018).

Conclusion

Allergic disease multimorbidity is positively correlated with the prevalence of FD and IBS in a young population.

Efficacy and safety of pinaverium bromide as an add-on therapy in refractory dyspepsia: A randomized controlled trial

Background and Aim

Functional dyspepsia (FD) remains a therapeutic challenge, and the efficacy of antispasmodic agents as adjunctive therapy is not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pinaverium bromide added to omeprazole in treating refractory FD.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with refractory dyspepsia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive pinaverium (50 mg, 3 times/day, n = 36) or placebo (n = 36) in addition to omeprazole for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the responder rate for adequate relief. Secondary outcomes included the Global Overall Symptom Scale (GOSS), quality of life, and safety profile.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed in the adequate relief response rate between the pinaverium bromide and control group at week 2 (58.3% vs. 62.9%, P = 0.697), week 4 (62.9% vs. 78.1%, P = 0.173), week 6 (64.7% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.363), and week 8 (64.7% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.363). Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in the decline of symptom score between the two groups at week 4 (8.4 ± 7.6 vs. 7.7 ± 7.1, P = 0.702) and week 8 (10.9 ± 8.2 vs. 8.4 ± 7.2, P = 0.196). Similarly, there were no significant differences in terms of quality of life between the two groups. Adverse event rates were also comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Pinaverium bromide was found to be safe in the treatment of refractory dyspepsia, but it did not demonstrate a significant benefit in improving symptoms.

Global trends in research related to functional dyspepsia and anxiety or depression over the past two decades: a bibliometric analysis

Background and purpose

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent global disorder of the upper digestive tract characterized by functional impairment. It often coexists with anxiety/depression, significantly impairing occupational productivity and overall quality of life. This study aimed to identify emerging patterns and prominent themes within FD and anxiety/depression research through bibliometric analysis to help explore new innovative avenues for investigating this type of FD.

Methods

A comprehensive review of literature encompassing FD and anxiety/depression was conducted using the Science Citation Index Extension of the Web of Science Core Collection from 2003 to 2023. Information extracted comprised "Full Record and Cited References." Bibliometric analysis of relevant publications, including country, institution, author, journal, citations, and keywords, was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix package in R and Excel.

Results

Studies related to FD and anxiety/depression have demonstrated an ascending trajectory since 2003. Our bibliometric analysis identified 338 studies published by 2023. NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY emerged as the most prolific journal, while GASTROENTEROLOGY retained pre-eminence within the top 10 published journals. China emerged as the most prolific country, with two institutions within the top 10 in terms of volume of publications. The Mayo Clinic stood as the foremost institution in terms of publication volume, with the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine exhibiting robust collaborative engagement. Eminent author influence was attributed to Talley NJ of Newcastle University, Australia. Clusters of extensively cited papers and prevalent keywords delineate the status and trend of FD and anxiety/depression research. This encompasses FD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the timeline view map or trend-term analysis suggested that duodenal low-grade inflammation ("duodenal eosinophilia" and "mast cells") might be a new concern associated with FD and anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

Employing bibliometric analysis, this study revealed prevalent focal areas and new trends within FD and anxiety/depression research. These insights serve as valuable guidance for scholars seeking to delve into new research avenues.

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Transcutaneous Neuromodulation on Functional Dyspepsia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Prokinetics and proton pump inhibitors are first-line drugs for functional dyspepsia (FD) patients. However, no available treatment is effective for most FD patients, and the pathogenesis is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TN) on FD and its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven FD patients were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into 3 groups (TN Neiguan (PC6) group, TN Zusanli (ST36) group, and sham TN group) that received corresponding treatment respectively for 4 weeks. Then, all the patients enrolled received TN PC6 combined with ST36 treatment for another 4 weeks. Dyspepsia symptom questionnaire, Medical outcomes study item short form health survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess the severity of symptoms. Gastric accommodation, gastric emptying rate, and related parameters of electrogastrogram were used to assess the pathophysiological mechanism of FD. The possible gastrointestinal hormonal mechanism involved was assessed by detecting serum ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. The possible duodenal inflammation mechanism involved was assessed by detecting duodenal mucosa.

RESULTS

TN treatment reduced the dyspepsia symptom score ( P <0.05) and improved the quality of life. After TN treatment, the gastric accommodation ( P <0.01), the gastric emptying rate ( P <0.01), and the percentages of preprandial ( P <0.05) and postprandial ( P <0.05) gastric slow waves (GSW) were increased. The proportions of preprandial ( P <0.05) and postprandial ( P <0.05) gastric electrical rhythm disorder were reduced. The double acupoint combination therapy further enhanced the therapeutic effect of single acupoint. In addition, the levels of ghrelin ( P <0.001) and neuropeptide Y ( P <0.001) were significantly increased, the level of vasoactive intestinal peptide ( P <0.001) was significantly decreased, and the total number of mast cells ( P <0.001) in the duodenal bulb was significantly decreased after double acupoints combination therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

TN treatment significantly improves the dyspepsia symptoms of FD patients and their quality of life. TN treatment increases the percentage of normal GSW, reduces the proportion of gastric electrical rhythm disorder, and improves the gastric accommodation and gastric emptying rate. The therapeutic effect of TN may be caused by regulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion and alleviating local inflammatory responses in duodenum. In addition, the improvement of TN on GSW was closely related to the decrease of bradygastria.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of NOD1, Interleukin-1B, and cagA strain with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in Helicobacter pylori-related dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related dyspepsia (HpD) may be considered a separate entity. Duodenal eosinophilia is a potential pathogenic mechanism in FD. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophilia and host genetic polymorphism of innate and pro-inflammatory cascade, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD-1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in HpD was not explored.

AIM

To evaluate the association of NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants and low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in HpD.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 253 patients who met Rome-IV criteria were selected before upper endoscopy and 98 patients were included after unremarkable upper endoscopy and positive H. pylori in gastric biopsies were assessed. Clinical parameters, H. pylori cagA and duodenal histology, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-four (65%) patients had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 24 (25%) postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and 10 (10%) EPS/PDS overlap. FD subtypes were not associated with NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants. Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significantly increased in NOD1-796 GG versus single A-allele, but not in IL-1B-511 single T-allele or CC-allele. This association is dependent of cagA infection, since harboring cagA strain was significantly associated with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia with isolated variants NOD1-796 GG and IL-1B-511 single T-allele, but not without cagA. When we performed combined polymorphism analysis with NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele, a synergistic effect on low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was found between these two loci irrespective of cagA strain status in HpD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is significantly associated with NOD1-796 GG allele specially in cagA strain and with allelic combination NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele independent of cagA strain infection in HpD patients.

Review article: Functional dyspepsia and pregnancy-Effects and management in a special population

BACKGROUND

Around 10% of Americans meet the Rome IV criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), with a significantly higher rate in women. FD also has a higher prevalence in women below the age of 50, suggesting that women who are affected are likely to be of reproductive age. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research or evidence-based guidelines on managing FD in pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS

To address this issue, we aimed to perform a systematic review of the interactions between FD and pregnancy and managing pre-existing FD in the peripartum and post-partum phases using current lifestyle, pharmacological, non-pharmacological and alternative medicine interventions.

RESULTS

Due to the lack of Rome IV FD-specific data in pregnancy, we instead performed a narrative review on how existing FD interventions could be extrapolated to the pregnant population. Where possible we use the highest level of available evidence or official guidelines to answer these questions, which often involves synthesising treatment and safety evidence of these interventions in other diseases during pregnancy. Finally, we highlight current substantial knowledge gaps requiring further research for the safe management of a pregnant patient with pre-existing FD.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, despite the paucity of knowledge of treating FD during pregnancy, providers can mitigate this uncertainty by planning ahead with the patient. Patients should ideally minimise treatment until after breastfeeding. However, interdisciplinary resources are available to ensure that minimal-risk interventions are maximised, while interventions with more risks, if necessary, are justifiable by both the patient and the care team. Future investigations should continue to elicit the mechanistic relationship between FD and pregnancy while cautiously expanding prospective research on promising and safe therapies in pregnant patients with pre-existing FD.

Review article: Functional dyspepsia-a gastric disorder, a duodenal disorder or a combination of both?

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most frequent conditions in gastroenterological outpatient health care. Most recent research in FD has shifted its focus to duodenal pathophysiological mechanisms, although current treatments still focus mainly the stomach.

AIM

The aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of FD focusing on a paradigm shift from gastric towards duodenal mechanisms.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search in PubMed for studies describing mechanisms that could possibly cause FD.

RESULTS

The pathophysiology of FD remains incompletely understood. Recent studies show that duodenal factors such as acid, bile salt exposure and eosinophil and mast cell activation correlate with symptom pattern and burden and can be associated with gastric sensorimotor dysfunction. The evolving data identify the duodenum an interesting target for new therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the current first-line treatment, that is proton pump inhibitors, reduces duodenal low-grade inflammation and FD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Future research for the treatment of FD should focus on the inhibition of duodenal mast cell activation, eosinophilia and loss of mucosal integrity.

Clinical Implications of Low-grade Duodenal Eosinophilia in Functional Dyspepsia: A Prospective Real-life Study

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder with no targeted therapy. Duodenal eosinophilia and low-grade inflammation are potential pathogenic mechanisms. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophils (D-EO) histologic evaluation in real-life clinical practice was not explored.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical utility of D-EO and low-grade inflammation in FD in real-life practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter prospective study was conducted. A total of 636 patients who meet Rome-III criteria were selected before upper endoscopy and 516 patients were included after normal endoscopy were assessed. Clinical parameters, Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori), and duodenal histology were evaluated.

RESULTS

FD subtypes were 231 (45%) patients who had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 168 (33%) postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and 117 (22%) EPS/PDS overlap. Two hundred fifty-nine (50.3%) patients were H. pylori+ . Histologic duodenal grading of chronic inflammation and intraepithelial lymphocytes showed no difference between FD subtypes. Increased in D-EO densities (>10 per high power field) was significant in PDS compared with EPS and EPS/PDS overlap subtypes. The odds ratio of PDS in subjects with duodenal eosinophilia densities was 2.28 (95% CI, 1.66-3.14; P <0.0001), adjusting for age, gender, H. pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug the odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI, 2.45-5.28; P <0.0001). receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further demonstrated that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia, in particular H. pylori- , was highly accurate for PDS with the area under the curve 0.731 compared with H. pylori+ area under the curve 0.598. Furthermore, low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significantly correlated with treatment response under 4 to 6 weeks of proton pump inhibitor therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is associated with PDS subtype non- H. pylori FD patients and could be a useful marker of treatment response.

Research trends in the field of the gut-brain interaction: Functional dyspepsia in the spotlight – An integrated bibliometric and science mapping approach

Objectives

This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of functional dyspepsia (FD), which includes visualizing bibliographic information, in order to identify prevailing study themes, topics of interest, contributing journals, countries, institutions, and authors as well as co-citation patterns.

Methods

The Web of Science™ Core Collection Database was used to retrieve all peer-reviewed scientific publications related to FD research. The validated search terms were entered into the “title” and “author keywords” fields, and the results were sorted by publication year from 2006 to 2022. There were no restrictions on language. On 12 February 2023, a manual export of the complete metadata for each original publication and review article was performed. CiteSpace was used to reveal co-authorship, publication, and co-citation patterns to find prominent authors, organizations, countries, and journals in FD research as well as to identify author keywords with strong citation bursts, which could indicate an emerging research area. VOSviewer was used to build the co-occurrence indicator (co-word) to identify the main author keywords on which previous studies focused and to induce clustered scientific landscape for two consecutive periods to identify intriguing areas for future research.

Results

A search of the database retrieved 2,957 documents. There was a wave-like pattern in the number of publications until 2017, after which there was a spike in publication volume. The USA, China, and Japan provided the majority of contributions. In terms of institution, Mayo Clin, Univ Newcastle, and Katholieke Univ Leuven were found to be the prolific institutions. Additionally, the results indicate that eastern Asian researchers contributed significantly to the global knowledge of literature that led other countries; however, Canada, the USA, Australia, England, and Germany were found to have the highest degree of betweenness centrality. Nicholas J. Talley, Jan Tack, Gerald Holtmann, Michael Camilleri, Ken Haruma, and Paul Moayyedi occupied the top positions based on productivity and centrality indicators. Six thematic clusters emerged (Helicobacter pylori infection; pathophysiological mechanisms of FD; extraintestinal co-morbidities and overlap syndromes associated with FD; herbal medicine in FD; diabetic gastroparesis; and dietary factors in FD). “Acupuncture,” “duodenal eosinophilia,” “gut microbiota,” and others were among the author keywords with rising prevalence.

Conclusion

In FD research, eastern Asian countries have established themselves as major contributors with the highest publishing productivity; however, research has primarily been driven by North America, Europe, and Australia, where cooperation is generally more active and highly influential scientific results are produced. Our analysis suggests that increased investments, training of human resources, improved infrastructures, and expanded collaborations are essential to improving the quality of FD research in Asia. The emerging author keyword analysis suggests that eosinophil-mast cell axis, gut microbiota, mental disorders, and acupuncture are the key areas that attract researchers’ attention as future research boulevards. There is a highly skewed distribution of research output across Asia, with most focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) coming from Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean centers. However, CAM remains an underexplored area of research in the context of FD, and it deserves greater research efforts in order to obtain quality scientific evidence. Furthermore, we propose that the research framework of CAM should not be limited to dysmotility; rather, it could be interpreted within a more holistic context that includes the brain-gut-microbiota axis, as well as novel concepts such as duodenitis, increased mucosal permeability, and infiltration and activation of eosinophils and mast cells, among others. Overall, we provided bibliometrics-based overviews of relevant literature to researchers from different backgrounds and healthcare professionals to provide an in-depth overview of major trends in FD research.

Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is associated with cagA in Helicobacter pylori-related dyspepsia

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related dyspepsia (HpD) may be considered a separate entity. Duodenal eosinophilia is a potential pathogenic mechanism in FD. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophilia and H. pylori virulence genes in HpD was not explored. We aim to evaluate the association of H. pylori virulence genes and low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in HpD.

METHODS

A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 301 patients who meet Rome-III criteria were selected before upper endoscopy, and 95 patients were included after normal endoscopy and positive H. pylori in gastric biopsies were assessed. Clinical parameters, H. pylori virulence genes (cagA, oipA, and vacA) and duodenal histology were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine (72%) patients had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 17 (18%) post-prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and 9 (10%) EPS/PDS overlap. FD syndromes were not associated with cagA or oipA strains. A significantly trend of vacA s1/m1 (78%) and s1/m2 (80%) positive strains in EPS was observed. Histological duodenal grading of chronic inflammation, low-grade duodenal eosinophilia and intra-epithelial lymphocytes showed no difference in oipA and vacA strains. Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significant in cagA positive strain, and the OR for low-grade duodenal eosinophilia with H. pylori cagA positive strain was 4.2 (95% CI, 1.78-9.93). Adjusting for age, gender, smoking, diabetes, alcohol, PPI, and NSAID, the OR was 5.44 (1.989-14.902).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is significantly associated with cagA strain in HpD.

Type 2 and type 17 effector cells are increased in the duodenal mucosa but not peripheral blood of patients with functional dyspepsia

Background

Functional dyspepsia is characterised by chronic symptoms of post-prandial distress or epigastric pain not associated with defined structural pathology. Increased peripheral gut-homing T cells have been previously identified in patients. To date, it is unknown if these T cells were antigen-experienced, or if a specific phenotype was associated with FD.

Objective

This study aimed to characterise T cell populations in the blood and duodenal mucosa of FD patients that may be implicated in disease pathophysiology.

Methods

We identified duodenal T cell populations from 23 controls and 49 Rome III FD patients by flow cytometry using a surface marker antibody panel. We also analysed T cell populations in peripheral blood from 37 controls and 61 patients. Where available, we examined the number of duodenal eosinophils in patients and controls.

Results

There was a shift in the duodenal T helper cell balance in FD patients compared to controls. For example, patients had increased duodenal mucosal Th2 populations in the effector (13.03 ± 16.11, 19.84 ± 15.51, p=0.038), central memory (23.75 ± 18.97, 37.52 ± 17.51, p=0.007) and effector memory (9.80±10.50 vs 20.53±14.15, p=0.001) populations. Th17 populations were also increased in the effector (31.74±24.73 vs 45.57±23.75, p=0.03) and effector memory (11.95±8.42 vs 18.44±15.63, p=0.027) subsets. Peripheral T cell populations were unchanged between FD and control.

Conclusion

Our findings identify an association between lymphocyte populations and FD, specifically a Th2 and Th17 signature in the duodenal mucosa. The presence of effector and memory cells suggest that the microinflammation in FD is antigen driven.

Electroacupuncture Enhances Gastric Accommodation via the Autonomic and Cytokine Mechanisms in Functional Dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Due to complex pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia, medications to treat functional dyspepsia are not effective for all patients. Transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) is an potentially effective therapy for functional dyspepsia without proofs of definite mechanisms.

AIMS

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic impacts of TEA on postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and explore potential neuroimmune mechanisms.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial in 30 PDS patients randomized for 4-week TEA or sham-TEA. Dyspeptic symptoms, gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed. Duodenal mucosal inflammation was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The dyspeptic symptoms were improved with TEA compared with sham-TEA (P = 0.03). The initial satiety volume and the maximum tolerable volume (MTV) were both improved after the TEA treatment, compared with the sham-TEA group (P all < 0.05). The gastric emptying time (T1/2) was not altered with TEA or sham-TEA. The TEA treatment increased vagal activity and decreased sympathovagal ratio assessed by HRV (P all < 0.01). The IL-6 expression in bulb mucosa was downregulated by the TEA treatment compared to the baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive TEA improves gastric accommodation and dyspeptic symptoms, possibly by downregulating the IL-6 expression in duodenal bulb mucosa via the vagal efferent pathway.

The treatment of functional dyspepsia: present and future

INTRODUCTION

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent, but frequently overlooked and/or under diagnosed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Functional dyspepsia frequently co-exists with other DGBIs, and persistent symptoms have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. A variety of therapies (e.g. diet, probiotics, antibiotics, acid suppressants, neuromodulators, prokinetics) are employed to treat the multiple symptoms of FD, although none are uniformly effective.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers currently available therapies for the treatment of FD in addition to novel and emerging therapies that may change the treatment paradigm in the near future. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane data bank were searched from 1990 to October 2022 for relevant articles.

EXPERT OPINION

Dietary intervention, eradication of H. pylori, and/or a trial of acid suppression are reasonable initial treatment options for patients with FD. Neuromodulators and fundic accommodation agents are underemployed and should be used more routinely by healthcare providers, especially for patients with moderate-severe symptoms. Alternative therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy, are gaining recognition as safe and effective treatments for FD and can be used alone or in combination with medications. Virtual reality has the potential to significantly improve global FD symptoms.

Dyspepsia-Like Symptoms in Helicobacter pylori-Negative Chronic Gastritis are Associated with ASCA-, ANCA-, and Celiac Seropositivity but Not with Other Autoimmune Parameters: A Single-Centre, Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Dyspeptic symptoms are frequent in the general population, with a high socioeconomic burden. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) might be a possible etiological factor; however, it is also common in H. pylori negative gastritis. Clarification of the underlying aetiology might be beneficial to set up the optimal treatment strategy for dyspepsia and chronic gastritis (CG) itself. We aimed to assess the prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms in patients with H. pylori negative CG and explore autoimmunity's possible role.

Methods

This retrospective study included data from patients with H. pylori negative CG. Exclusion criteria were (1) acute gastritis; (2) reactive gastropathy; (3) subjects without any serology testing results; (4) H. pylori positivity; (5) presence of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia (IM), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcer, or cancer. The following endpoints were assessed (1) the rate of dyspepsia-like symptoms; (2) association between dyspepsia and autoimmune disease-related seromarker positivity (AISP); (3) frequency of other symptoms in CG and its association with AISP; (4) location of the inflammation and its association with AISP.

Results

From a total of 285 patients, 175 were included in this study. Among these patients, 95 experienced dyspeptic symptoms (54.29%) and were associated more with AISP (p = 0.012), especially with celiac seropositivity (p = 0.045), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) positivity (p = 0.043). A significant association was not found with other tested autoimmune (AI)-related antibody positivity.

Conclusion

Positivity of seromarkers of autoimmune diseases in chronic gastritis may predispose to have dyspeptic symptoms and may be the causative factor behind some cases of uninvestigated dyspepsia. These data suggest that further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether screening for autoantibodies in patients with dyspepsia is cost-effective and helps the earlier diagnosis of autoimmune diseases.

Duodenal Eosinophils and Mast Cells in Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study explored the link between duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS

MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase electronic databases were searched until June 2021 for case-control studies reporting duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in FD. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio, and 95% CIs of duodenal eosinophils and mast cells in FD patients and controls were calculated, using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-two case-control studies with 1108 FD patients and 893 controls were identified. Duodenal eosinophils (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.73; P = .0001) and mast cells (SMD, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.14-3.07; P = .0001) were increased in FD patients compared with controls. Substantial heterogeneity was found (I² = 93.61, P = .0001; and I² = 96.69, P = .0001, respectively) and visual inspection of funnel plots confirmed publication bias. Degranulation of duodenal eosinophils was significantly higher in FD patients compared with controls (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% CI, 6.76-4.48; P = .0001), without statistically significant heterogeneity. We conducted a sensitivity analysis for duodenal eosinophils, by including only high-quality studies, and the results remained unchanged (SMD, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06-2.40; P = .0001), with substantial heterogeneity. Postinfectious FD patients had increased duodenal eosinophils compared with controls (SMD, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.32-6.51; P = .001) and FD patients without any history of infection (SMD, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.88-1.96; P = .001). Helicobacter pylori-negative FD patients had significantly higher duodenal eosinophils compared with controls (SMD, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.13-5.84; P = .0001), with substantial heterogeneity. No significant difference in duodenal eosinophils was seen according to FD subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests a link between duodenal microinflammation and FD. However, the quality of evidence is very low, largely owing to the unexplained heterogeneity and serious risk of publication bias in all comparative analyses. Thus, causality remains uncertain and further studies are required.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction, affecting approximately 7% of individuals in the community, with most patients managed in primary care. The last British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guideline for the management of dyspepsia was published in 1996. In the interim, substantial advances have been made in understanding the complex pathophysiology of FD, and there has been a considerable amount of new evidence published concerning its diagnosis and classification, with the advent of the Rome IV criteria, and management. The primary aim of this guideline, commissioned by the BSG, is to review and summarise the current evidence to inform and guide clinical practice, by providing a practical framework for evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of patients. The approach to investigating the patient presenting with dyspepsia is discussed, and efficacy of drugs in FD summarised based on evidence derived from a comprehensive search of the medical literature, which was used to inform an update of a series of pairwise and network meta-analyses. Specific recommendations have been made according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. These provide both the strength of the recommendations and the overall quality of evidence. Finally, in this guideline, we consider novel treatments that are in development, as well as highlighting areas of unmet need and priorities for future research.

Eosinophil and Mast Cell Counts in the Stomach and Duodenum of Patients with Functional Dyspepsia without a Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Symptom-based subtyping of functional dyspepsia (FD) is used to segregate patients into groups with homogenous pathophysiological mechanisms. This study examined whether subtyping could reflect the duodenal and gastric microinflammation in FD patients.

METHODS

Twenty-one FD patients without Helicobacter pylori infection were recruited. An endoscopic biopsy was performed in the duodenum 2nd portion, stomach antrum, and body. The eosinophil and mast cell counts per high-power field (×40) were investigated by H&E and c-kit staining, respectively. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia was also determined by H&E staining in the stomach. The baseline characteristics and eosinophil and mast cell infiltrations were compared among the three groups (epigastric pain syndrome, postprandial distress syndrome, and overlap).

RESULTS

According to the symptom assessment, seven subjects were classified into the epigastric pain syndrome group, 10 into the postprandial syndrome group, and four into the overlap group. The baseline variables were similar in the three groups. Eosinophil infiltration was more prominent in the duodenum than in the stomach. In contrast, mast cell infiltration was similar in the duodenum and stomach. The eosinophil counts in the duodenum were similar in the three groups. The eosinophil counts in the stomach and mast cell counts in the duodenum and stomach were also similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal eosinophil infiltration was prominent in FD patients, but the eosinophil counts were similar regardless of the symptom-based subtypes of FD. Hence, the current symptom-based subtyping of FD does not reflect duodenal eosinophil and mast cell infiltration.

Eosinophils, Hypoxia-Inducible Factors, and Barrier Dysfunction in Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), previously known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Characterized by early satiety, postprandial fullness, and/or epigastric pain or burning, diagnosis depends on positive symptomatology and exclusion of obvious structural diseases. A subtle inflammatory phenotype has been identified in FD patients, involving an increase in duodenal mucosal eosinophils, and imbalances in the duodenal gut microbiota. A dysregulated epithelial barrier has also been well described in FD and is thought to be a contributing factor to the low-grade duodenal inflammation observed, however the mechanisms underpinning this are poorly understood. One possible explanation is that alterations in the microbiota and increased immune cells can result in the activation of cellular stress response pathways to perpetuate epithelial barrier dysregulation. One such cellular response pathway involves the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). HIF, a transcriptional protein involved in the cellular recognition and adaptation to hypoxia, has been identified as a critical component of various pathologies, from cancer to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While the contribution of HIF to subtle inflammation, such as that seen in FD, is unknown, HIF has been shown to have roles in regulating the inflammatory response, particularly the recruitment of eosinophils, as well as maintaining epithelial barrier structure and function. As such, we aim to review our present understanding of the involvement of eosinophils, barrier dysfunction, and the changes to the gut microbiota including the potential pathways and mechanisms of HIF in FD. A combination of PubMed searches using the Mesh terms functional dyspepsia, functional gastrointestinal disorders, disorders of gut-brain interaction, duodenal eosinophilia, barrier dysfunction, gut microbiota, gut dysbiosis, low-grade duodenal inflammation, hypoxia-inducible factors (or HIF), and/or intestinal inflammation were undertaken in the writing of this narrative review to ensure relevant literature was included. Given the findings from various sources of literature, we propose a novel hypothesis involving a potential role for HIF in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying FD.

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders-Plants and Potential Mechanisms of Action of Their Constituents

The worldwide prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases is about 40%, with standard pharmacotherapy being long-lasting and economically challenging. Of the dozens of diseases listed by the Rome IV Foundation criteria, for five of them (heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting disorder, constipation, and diarrhoea), treatment with herbals is an official alternative, legislatively supported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, for most plants, the Directive does not require a description of the mechanisms of action, which should be related to the therapeutic effect of the European plant in question. This review article, therefore, summarizes the basic pharmacological knowledge of synthetic drugs used in selected functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and correlates them with the constituents of medicinal plants. Therefore, the information presented here is intended as a starting point to support the claim that both empirical folk medicine and current and decades-old treatments with official herbal remedies have a rational basis in modern pharmacology.

Immune Activation in Functional Dyspepsia: Bystander Becoming the Suspect

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), formerly termed functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), are highly prevalent although exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Intestinal immune activation has been recognized, but increasing evidence supports a pivotal role for an active inflammatory state in these disorders. In functional dyspepsia (FD), marked eosinophil and mast cell infiltration has been repeatedly demonstrated and associations with symptoms emphasize the relevance of an eosinophil-mast cell axis in FD pathophysiology. In this Review, we highlight the importance of immune activation in DGBI with a focus on FD. We summarize eosinophil biology in both homeostasis and inflammatory processes. The evidence for immune activation in FD is outlined with attention to alterations on both cellular and molecular level, and how these may contribute to FD symptomatology. As DGBI are complex and multifactorial conditions, we shed light on factors associated to, and potentially influencing immune activation, including bidirectional gut-brain interaction, allergy and the microbiota. Crucial studies reveal a therapeutic benefit of treatments targeting immune activation, suggesting that specific anti-inflammatory therapies could offer renewed hope for at least a subset of DGBI patients. Lastly, we explore the future directions for DGBI research that could advance the field. Taken together, emerging evidence supports the recognition of FD as an immune-mediated organic-based disorder, challenging the paradigm of a strictly functional nature.

Postinfectious onset in functional dyspepsia is a risk factor for weight loss

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is differentiated into two subgroups: the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). Acute gastroenteritis and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection have been identified as risk factors for FD. It is unclear how these risk factors relate to Rome IV subgroups and their clinical impact. We aimed to study the association of postinfectious FD (PI-FD) and HP status with clinical profiles and weight loss.

METHODS

Consecutive FD patients were assessed for symptom frequency and severity. Patients were identified as PDS, EPS or the overlap group according to severity scores. Additionally, PI history and HP status were determined.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 459 FD-patients, 36% were characterized as having PDS, 9% as having EPS and 55% showed overlap. PI onset and positive HP status were reported by, respectively, 20% and 14% of patients, not significantly differing between subgroups (respectively, p = 0.31 and p = 0.40). Weight loss was reported by 63% in PDS, 36% in EPS and 56% in overlap patients (p = 0.011). Only early satiety severity correlated with more severe weight loss in the PDS (r 0.31, p < 0.0001) and overlap group (r 0.38, p < 0.0001). PI-FD patients were more likely to experience weight loss (OR 2.27, p = 0.0013). HP status was not significantly associated with weight loss (p = 0.90).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, PI onset of FD symptoms emerged as a risk factor for weight loss, but was not associated with the symptom patterns of PDS, EPS or overlap subgroups. Patients with HP infection were not more likely to experience important weight loss.

Potential Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia Based on Pathophysiology

Functional dyspepsia (FD), a common disorder of gastrointestinal function, originated from the gastroduodenum. Although the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been investigated by various high-quality randomized controlled trials, the potential mechanisms showed obvious heterogeneity. This review summarized the potential mechanisms of acupuncture on FD in order to guide for future laboratory and clinical studies. Here, we argued that the primary cause of FD was gastroduodenal low-grade inflammation and acid exposure, which impaired mucosal integrity, caused brain-gut axis dysfunction, and impaired brain network connectivity, all of which generated various symptom patterns. Overall the clinical studies indicated that acupuncture was a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms in FD patients, whose efficacy was influenced by acupoints and individual variance. Mechanistically, studies with animal models of FD and patients have shown that acupuncture, a non-invasive strategy for nerve stimulation, may have the potential to control intestinal inflammation and suppress acid-secretion via different somatic autonomic reflex pathways, regulate the brain-gut axis through intestinal microbiota, and has the potential to ameliorate FD-symptoms. The cumulative evidence demonstrated that acupuncture is a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms of FD patients.

Functional dyspepsia: a multifaceted problem in gastroenterology

The article presents the views on dyspepsia in world practice, data on the difficulties of diagnosis and the problem of the effectiveness of various therapy regimens. Particular attention is paid to the use of fixed forms of drugs for functional dyspepsia, in particular Omez DSR.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders. Overlap syndrome Clinical guidelines of the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia

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Functional Dyspepsia and Duodenal Eosinophil Count and Degranulation: A Multiethnic US Veteran Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Duodenal eosinophilia may play a role in functional dyspepsia (FD), but existing study results are conflicted. We investigated the association between duodenal eosinophils (count and degranulation) and FD symptoms, accounting for atopic conditions, medications, and seasonal variations.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study conducted in the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, we analyzed duodenal histopathology of 436 patient samples from a prospective cohort with a validated symptom survey data and chart reviews. FD was defined using Rome II symptom criteria. Eosinophil count was number per 5 high-power fields (HPF), and eosinophil degranulation was eosinophilic granules in the stroma both determined by two independent investigators.

RESULTS

The study cohort was predominantly male (87.4%) with a mean age of 59.3 (standard deviation (SD) ± 9.8). Mean and median eosinophil counts were 75.5 (± 47.8) and 63 (IQR: 43, 101) per five HPF, respectively. Duodenal eosinophilia (defined as ≥ 63 per 5 HPF) and eosinophil degranulation were present in 50.5% and 23.1% of patient samples, respectively. FD was observed in 178 patients (41.7%), but neither the mean eosinophil count nor duodenal eosinophilia was associated with FD. Eosinophil degranulation was independently associated with FD overall (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.08, 2.78; p = 0.02) and early satiety (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.26, 3.30; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, ethnically diverse cohort of adult patients, we found no significant association between duodenal eosinophilia and FD. However, the presence of duodenal eosinophilic degranulation, an activated eosinophil marker, was significantly associated with FD, especially early satiety.

Duodenum at a crossroads: Key integrator of overlapping and psychological symptoms in functional dyspepsia?

The study of the interaction between gastrointestinal (GI) function and psychological features is a complex and developing field. The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain or gut-brain axis is considered as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis of the highly prevalent functional GI disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia (FD), which have been redefined as disorders of gut-brain interaction. However, the mechanisms through which changes in the gut alter brain functioning, feelings, and behavior remain unclear. Based on the presence of duodenal pathology in adult FD patients, Ronkainen et al. provide the first prospective evidence for duodenal eosinophils potentially driving anxiety. Also in this edition, associations between gastroduodenal pathology and rumination syndrome, which may coexist with FD, have now been confirmed in children by Friesen et al. Together these findings confirm not only the potential role of duodenal alterations in determining overlapping upper GI but also psychological symptoms, which result from bidirectional and complex interactions. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in this field and highlight the novel contributions of the original studies of Ronkainen et al. and Friesen et al. to this topic.

Allergy-related diseases in childhood and risk for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders at 16 years-a birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Studies on allergy-related diseases in relation to abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs) in children are few and results are contradictory. We examined the associations between childhood allergy-related diseases and adolescent AP-FGIDs in general and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in particular.

METHOD

Prospective population-based birth cohort study of 4089 children born in Sweden 1994-1996. We analysed data from 2949 children with complete follow-up at 16 years (y) and no diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease at 12y or 16y. Asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and food hypersensitivity (FH) were assessed through questionnaires at 1-2y, 4y, 8y, 12y, and 16y. AP-FGIDs and IBS were assessed through questionnaires at 16y and defined according to the Rome III criteria. Associations between childhood allergy-related diseases and any AP-FGID and IBS and 16y respectively were examined using binomial generalized linear models with a log link function and described as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any AP-FGID and IBS at 16y were 12.0% and 6.0% respectively. Eczema at 1-2y, 4y, and 8y, and FH at 12y and 16y were associated with an increased risk for any AP-FGID at 16y. Asthma and FH at 12y and 16y were associated with an increased risk for IBS at 16y. The relative risk for IBS at 16y increased with increasing number of concurrent allergy-related diseases at 16y, but linear trend for relative risk was only borderline statistically significant (P for trend = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective population-based study demonstrated positive associations between childhood allergy-related diseases and adolescent AP-FGIDs, including IBS, implicating shared pathophysiology among these disorders.

Characterizing clinical features and location-specific gene expression profiles associated with pain burden in children with functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

In children with functional dyspepsia (FD), genes involved in pain modulation may be differentially expressed contributing to chronic pain.

METHODS

Children with suspected FD (cases) and known eosinophilic esophagitis (controls) undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy completed the Rome IV Diagnostic, Pain Burden and Frequency Severity-Duration questionnaires. Two antral and two duodenal biopsies were collected and relative fold differences in gene expression for 84 pain-associated genes compared to pain-free controls were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-six subjects with FD (postprandial distress syndrome = 34, epigastric pain syndrome = 7, both = 25; 65% female; mean age 13.7 years) and 13 pain-free controls (8% female; mean age 12.7) were studied. There were no significant differences in antral and duodenal eosinophilic counts or distribution between the pain and pain-free groups. Pain severity and burden did not differ significantly between FD subgroups and neither measure significantly correlated with eosinophil counts in the antrum or duodenum. Analysis of 47 antral and 39 duodenal biospecimens revealed 5 candidate genes significantly associated with pain burden: antral EDN1, PTGES3 and duodenal HTR1A, P2Y1, SCN3A (p < 0.01). Subsequent stringent statistical analysis comparing those with significant pain versus no pain revealed antral PTGES3 and duodenal SCN3A were the highest priority candidate genes (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain burden in pediatric FD may be linked to antral EDN1, PTGES3 and duodenal HTR1A, P2Y1, SCN3A differential expression. These genes are known to be involved in pain conduction, modulation, and neurotransmission, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for managing pain in FD.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common conditions in clinical practice. In spite of its prevalence, FD is associated with major uncertainties in terms of its definition, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

A Delphi consensus was initiated with 41 experts from 22 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 87 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 36 statements.

RESULTS

The panel agreed with the definition in terms of its cardinal symptoms (early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning), its subdivision into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, and the presence of accessory symptoms (upper abdominal bloating, nausea, belching), and overlapping conditions. Also, well accepted are the female predominance of FD, its impact on quality of life and health costs, and acute gastrointestinal infections, and anxiety as risk factors. In terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, the consensus supports a role for impaired gastric accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, and altered central processing of signals from the gastroduodenal region. There is consensus that endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of FD, but that in primary care, patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy. There is consensus that H. pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy. Also, proton pump inhibitor therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached a consensus. The long-term prognosis and life expectancy are favorable.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis and management of FD.

Functional dyspepsia: A critical appraisal of the European consensus from a global perspective

The European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility's (ESNM) consensus document on functional dyspepsia (FD) has provided a critical review of the evidence for 36 statements highly relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of FD. We provide here our expert opinion on the North American, Australian and Asian assessments of the same topics discussed, and provide evidence where the ESNM consensus may deviate from those in the other continents. New and exciting data about the pathogenesis of FD are emerging including the possible central role of duodenal micro-inflammation (most notably eosinophilic duodenitis and intestinal mast cell disease), but this is a very dynamic field with several gaps remaining in our understanding that are summarized in this review. Identification of non-invasive biomarkers and testing of targeted therapies, including assessing the benefits of multidisciplinary teams in the management of FD, should be future priorities.

Role of smoking in functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: three random population-based studies

BACKGROUND

It is uncertain if functional dyspepsia (FD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are linked to smoking, and smoking cessation is not part of the routine advice provided to these patients.

AIM

To assess if smoking is an independent risk factor for FD and IBS.

METHODS

Three population-based endoscopy studies in Sweden with 2560 community individuals in total (mean age 51.5 years, 46% male). IBS (14.9%), FD (33.5%), and associated symptoms were assessed using the validated abdominal symptom questionnaire, and smoking (17.9%) was obtained from standardised questions during a clinic visit. The effect of smoking on symptom status was analysed in an individual person data meta-analysis using mixed effect logistic regression, adjusted for snuffing, age and sex.

RESULTS

Individuals smoking cigarettes reported significantly higher odds of postprandial distress syndrome (FD-PDS) (OR 10-19 cig/day = 1.42, 95% CI 1.04-1.98 P = 0.027, OR ≥20 cig/day = 2.16, 95% CI 1.38-3.38, P = 0.001) but not epigastric pain. Individuals smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day reported significantly higher odds of IBS-diarrhoea (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.12-5.16, P = 0.025), diarrhoea (OR = 2.01, 95%CI 1.28-3.16, P = 0.003), urgency (OR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.41-3.47, P = 0.001) and flatus (OR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.14-2.76, P = 0.012) than non-smokers. Smoking was not associated with IBS-constipation or IBS-mixed.

CONCLUSION

Smoking is an important environmental risk factor for postprandial distress syndrome, the most common FD subgroup, with over a twofold increased odds of PDS in heavy smokers. The role of smoking in IBS-diarrhoea, but not constipation, is also likely important.

Functional Dyspepsia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

Functional dyspepsia is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder of gastroduodenal origin, diagnosed clinically in the presence of prototypical symptoms of epigastric pain and meal-related symptoms, and without structural explanation. The most recent diagnostic criteria provide for two functional dyspepsia subtypes, epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and post-prandial distress syndrome (PDS) based on the predominant symptom pattern. The evaluation of dyspepsia should keep laboratory, imaging, and invasive testing to a minimum, as extensive or repetitive investigations are of rather low diagnostic yield in the absence of localizing symptoms or alarm features. Factors with etiopathologic relationships to functional dyspepsia include micro-inflammation, GI infections, abnormalities of gastroduodenal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, disturbances along the brain-gut axis, and psychological factors; all of these causative mechanisms have potential to partially explain symptoms in some functional dyspepsia patients, thus providing a rationale for the efficacy of a diversity of therapeutic approaches to functional dyspepsia. Management of dyspepsia symptoms relies upon both pharmacologic treatments and non-pharmacologic approaches, including psychological and complementary interventions. The evidence in support of established functional dyspepsia therapies is reviewed, and forms the basis for an effective functional dyspepsia treatment strategy emphasizing the patient's current symptom severity, pattern, and impact on the function and quality of life of the individual.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on functional dyspepsia

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common conditions in clinical practice. In spite of its prevalence, FD is associated with major uncertainties in terms of its definition, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Methods

A Delphi consensus was initiated with 41 experts from 22 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 87 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 36 statements.

Results

The panel agreed with the definition in terms of its cardinal symptoms (early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning), its subdivision into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, and the presence of accessory symptoms (upper abdominal bloating, nausea, belching), and overlapping conditions. Also, well accepted are the female predominance of FD, its impact on quality of life and health costs, and acute gastrointestinal infections, and anxiety as risk factors. In terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, the consensus supports a role for impaired gastric accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, and altered central processing of signals from the gastroduodenal region. There is consensus that endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of FD, but that in primary care, patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy. There is consensus that H. pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy. Also, proton pump inhibitor therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached a consensus. The long‐term prognosis and life expectancy are favorable.

Conclusions and Inferences

A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis and management of FD.

Current knowledge

Functional dyspepsia is one of the most common conditions encountered in clinical practice.

There is a lack of guidance for clinicians in guiding diagnosis and treatment of this prevalent condition.

No treatments are currently approved for the treatment of functional dyspepsia in Europe.

What is new here

A Delphi panel consisting of 41 experts from 22 European countries established the level of consensus on 87 statements regarding functional dyspepsia.

The statements reaching consensus serve to guide clinicians in recognizing, diagnosing and treating FD in clinical practice.

Endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of functional dyspepsia D, but in primary care patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy.

Helicobacter pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. Pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy.

Proton pump inhibitor‐therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached consensus support.

Inflammation and Overlap of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) are common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and account for a large proportion of consulting patients. These 2 disorders overlap with each other frequently. The pathogenesis of IBS or FD is complicated and multi-factors related, in which infectious or non-infectious inflammation and local or systemic immune response play significant roles. There are few studies focusing on the mechanism of inflammation in patients with overlap syndrome of irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia (IBS-FD). This review focuses on current advances about the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of IBS and FD and the possible mechanism of inflammation in IBS-FD.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Reduce Duodenal Eosinophilia, Mast Cells, and Permeability in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Despite the growing recognition of duodenal alterations in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD), the effect and mechanism of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or first-line therapy remain unclear. We studied duodenal and systemic alterations in relation to PPI therapy in patients with FD and healthy volunteers (HVs).

METHODS

We performed a prospective interventional study assessing symptoms (Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index), duodenal alterations, and systemic factors in patients with FD ("FD-starters") and HVs before and after PPI therapy (pantoprazole 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks). Duodenal mucosal eosinophils, mast cells and permeability were quantified. Luminal pH and bile salts were determined in duodenal aspirates. Procedures were also performed in PPI-refractory patients with FD ("FD-stoppers") before and 8 weeks after PPI withdrawal. Between- and within-group changes from baseline and associations with duodenal or systemic factors were analyzed using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 30 HV, 27 FD-starters, and 18 FD-stoppers. Symptoms and duodenal eosinophils, mast cells (all, P < .0001), and paracellular passage (P = .02) were significantly higher in FD-starters vs HVs and reduced with PPI therapy. Symptoms and duodenal immune cells also decreased in FD-stoppers off PPIs. In contrast, immune cells and permeability increased in HVs on PPIs. Dyspeptic symptoms correlated with eosinophils before and during PPI therapy, and increased eosinophils and permeability in HVs on PPIs were associated with changes in bile salts.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first prospective evidence for eosinophil-reducing effects as a therapeutic mechanism of PPIs in FD, with differential effects in HVs pointing to a role of luminal changes. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT03545243.

Optimal management of severe symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is often the first step of management; however, up to 40% of patients remain symptomatic despite PPI treatment. Refractory reflux refers to continued symptoms despite an adequate trial of PPI, and management remains challenging. The differential diagnosis is important; other oesophageal (e.g. eosinophilic oesophagitis) and gastroduodenal disorders (e.g. functional dyspepsia) should be ruled out, as this changes management. A combination of clinical assessment, endoscopic evaluation and in selected cases oesophageal function testing can help characterize patients with refractory reflux symptoms into oesophageal phenotypes so appropriate therapy can be more optimally targeted. Medical options then may include adding a H2 receptor antagonist, alginates, baclofen or antidepressant therapy, and there is emerging evidence for bile acid sequestrants and diaphragmatic breathing. The demonstration of a temporal association of symptoms with reflux events on pH-impedance testing (reflux hypersensitivity) serves to focus the management on modulating oesophageal perception and reducing the reflux burden, or identifies those with no obvious pathophysiologic abnormalities (functional heartburn). Anti-reflux surgery based on randomized controlled trial evidence has a role in reflux hypersensitivity or continued pathological acid reflux despite PPI in carefully considered, fully worked up cases that have failed medical therapy; approximately two of three cases will respond but there is a small risk of complications. In patients with persistent volume reflux despite medical therapy, given the lack of alternatives, anti-reflux surgery is a consideration. Promising newer approaches include endoscopic techniques. This review aims to summarize current diagnostic approaches and critically evaluates the evidence for the efficacy of available treatments.

Paradigm Shift: Functional Dyspepsia-A "Leaky Gut" Disorder?

For up to 2 decades, pathophysiological research in functional dyspepsia focused on gastric sensorimotor dysfunction underlying symptom generation. Recent pathophysiological research has focused on low-grade inflammation in the duodenal mucosa. Emerging evidence confirms a loss of mucosal integrity in the duodenum in functional dyspepsia, and this is confirmed in a confocal laser endomicroscopy study demonstrating altered mucosal barrier function and pyroptosis. This technique may help to establish underlying mechanisms and evaluate novel therapeutic approaches to functional dyspepsia.

Update on Indigestion

Dyspepsia affects a large percentage of the general population and can lead to lost work productivity and reduced quality of life. Patients with dyspepsia younger than 60 should not routinely undergo endoscopy but instead should pursue Helicobacter pylori test-and-treat approach. For patients 60 and older, endoscopy should be performed. Patients without any identifiable cause for their symptoms are diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. Guideline-based treatment includes H pylori eradication and proton pump inhibitor use. If acid suppression is not adequate, treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant followed by a prokinetic agent and psychological therapy are considered. Complementary therapies are not recommended due to limited evidence.

Evidence of Duodenal Epithelial Barrier Impairment and Increased Pyroptosis in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia on Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy and "Ex Vivo" Mucosa Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal epithelial barrier impairment and immune activation may play a role in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia (FD). This study was aimed to evaluate the duodenal epithelium of patients with FD and healthy individuals for detectable microscopic structural abnormalities.

METHODS

This is a prospective study using esophagogastroduodenoscopy enhanced with duodenal confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) and mucosal biopsies in patients with FD (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 18). Blinded CLE images analysis evaluated the density of epithelial gaps (cell extrusion zones), a validated endoscopic measure of the intestinal barrier status. Analyses of the biopsied duodenal mucosa included standard histology, quantification of mucosal immune cells/cytokines, and immunohistochemistry for inflammatory epithelial cell death called pyroptosis. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured using Ussing chambers. Epithelial cell-to-cell adhesion proteins expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Patients with FD had significantly higher epithelial gap density on CLE in the distal duodenum than that of controls (P = 0.002). These mucosal abnormalities corresponded to significant changes in the duodenal biopsy samples of patients with FD, compared with controls, including impaired mucosal integrity by TEER (P = 0.009) and increased number of epithelial cells undergoing pyroptosis (P = 0.04). Reduced TEER inversely correlated with the severity of certain dyspeptic symptoms. Furthermore, patients with FD demonstrated altered duodenal expression of claudin-1 and interleukin-6. No differences in standard histology were found between the groups.

DISCUSSION

This is the first report of duodenal CLE abnormalities in patients with FD, corroborated by biopsy findings of epithelial barrier impairment and increased cell death, implicating that duodenal barrier disruption is a pathogenesis factor in FD and introducing CLE a potential diagnostic biomarker in FD.

Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia: different diseases or different ends of the spectrum?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review assesses the relationship between gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia, in light of recent research assessing cause, pathophysiology and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) lacks the ability to readily distinguish functional dyspepsia from gastroparesis based on symptoms. Although prior studies found that the extent of delay in gastric emptying did not accurately predict severity of symptoms, when optimally measured, delayed gastric emptying may in fact correlate with gastroparesis symptoms. Enteric dysmotility may be an important risk factor for gastroparesis. Altered central processing may play a role in symptom generation for both gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia based on functional brain MRI. Treatment directed towards reducing low-grade inflammation and improving mucosal barrier function in the duodenum may represent a novel therapeutic target for functional dyspepsia, whereas gastric peroral endoscopy myotomy (G-POEM) remains a promising intervention for refractory gastroparesis.

SUMMARY

Abnormalities on functional MRI of the brain have been identified in patients with functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Small bowel dysmotility and duodenal barrier dysfunction have been implicated in the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia, respectively. New treatments for functional dyspepsia may target low-grade duodenal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. The pylorus remains a target in gastroparesis.

Is there a causal link between psychological disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders?

INTRODUCTION

Psychological distress is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) but only evidence from prospective longitudinal and treatment studies can indicate whether the link between FGIDs and psychological distress is causal. Emerging evidence suggests underlying biological mechanisms may explain the association of psychological distress with FGIDs.

AREAS COVERED

This review critically evaluates whether anxiety and/or depression and FGIDs are causally related including evidence for a temporal sequence, strength and specificity of the association, biological gradient, and biological plausibility.

EXPERT OPINION

Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological factors are causal for symptoms in a subset of FGID patients and not explained by health care seeking behavior (brain-gut disorder). In other cases, psychological factors may arise secondary to intestinal disease (gut-brain disorder). Prospective population-based studies are needed in FGIDs other than IBS and FD to determine if a similar brain-gut and gut-brain syndrome exists. Treatment studies have not phenotyped FGIDs according to brain-gut versus gut-brain origins which may be important in understanding true treatment efficacy. Future research needs to unravel biological mechanisms that may explain the link between psychological factors and FGIDs but promising data in the area of the brain-gut-immune-microbe axis is emerging.

Functional Dyspepsia and Food: Immune Overlap with Food Sensitivity Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we aimed to examine the evidence for immune responses to food in FD and overlap with food hypersensitivity conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

A feature of FD in a subset of patients is an increase in mucosal eosinophils, mast cells, intraepithelial cytotoxic T cells and systemic gut-homing T cells in the duodenum, suggesting that immune dysfunction is characteristic of this disease. Rates of self-reported non-celiac wheat/gluten sensitivity (NCW/GS) are higher in FD patients. FD patients commonly report worsening symptoms following consumption of wheat, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, or polyols (FODMAPs), high-fat foods and spicy foods containing capsaicin. Particularly, wheat proteins and fructan in wheat may drive symptoms. Immune mechanisms that drive responses to food in FD are still poorly characterised but share key effector cells to common food hypersensitivities including non-IgE-mediated food allergy and eosinophilic oesophagitis.

Duodenal eosinophils as predictors of symptoms in coeliac disease: a comparison of coeliac disease and non-coeliac dyspeptic patients with controls

Introduction: Duodenal eosinophilia is a key feature of functional dyspepsia, particularly in those with early satiety. Duodenal eosinophilia is also recognised in coeliac disease, although its relevance to symptoms is not understood. We aimed to determine if duodenal eosinophilia is present in patients with coeliac disease presenting with dyspepsia, and whether other histological characteristics were associated with clinical features on presentation.Methods: The coeliac study population comprised 61 patients with a new presentation of coeliac disease to a single centre from 2003 to 2013. A standard symptom assessment was documented for all patients. The control population (55 adults) presenting for endoscopy without coeliac disease was drawn from the same centre with similar demographics for age and gender. Duodenal biopsies from both groups were assessed for eosinophil counts and histological features.Results: Dyspepsia was present in 18.0% of coeliac patients and early satiety in 24.6%. The eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the stomach (12.1/mm² vs. 4.0/mm², p < .001) and duodenum (60.4/mm² vs. 18.0/mm², p < .001) of coeliac patients compared with controls. There was no significant difference in the mean duodenal eosinophil count in coeliac disease with and without early satiety (55.4/mm² vs. 66.9/mm², p = .51). Duodenal eosinophilia was not associated with the severity of coeliac enteropathy. The degree of villous atrophy was associated with iron deficiency at presentation (p = .01), but not symptoms.Conclusions: Although duodenal eosinophil counts are higher in coeliac disease than controls, we were not able to demonstrate an association with presenting symptoms or markers of disease severity.

Wheat Sensitivity and Functional Dyspepsia: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Dietary Crossover Trial with Novel Challenge Protocol

Introduction: Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterised by symptoms of epigastric pain or early satiety and post prandial distress, has been associated with duodenal eosinophilia, raising the possibility that it is driven by an environmental allergen. Non-coeliac gluten or wheat sensitivity (NCG/WS) has also been associated with both dyspeptic symptoms and duodenal eosinophilia, suggesting an overlap between these two conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of wheat (specifically gluten and fructans) in symptom reduction in participants with FD in a pilot randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, dietary crossover trial. Methods: Patients with Rome III criteria FD were recruited from a single tertiary centre in Newcastle, Australia. All were individually counselled on a diet low in both gluten and fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) by a clinical dietitian, which was followed for four weeks (elimination diet phase). Those who had a ≥30% response to the run-in diet, as measured by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index, were then re-challenged with ‘muesli’ bars containing either gluten, fructan, or placebo in randomised order. Those with symptoms which significantly reduced during the elimination diet, but reliably reappeared (a mean change in overall dyspeptic symptoms of ≥30%) with gluten or fructan re-challenge were deemed to have wheat induced FD. Results: Eleven participants were enrolled in the study (75% female, mean age 43 years). Of the initial cohort, nine participants completed the elimination diet phase of whom four qualified for the rechallenge phase. The gluten-free, low FODMAP diet led to an overall (albeit non-significant) improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia in the diet elimination phase (mean NDI symptom score 71.2 vs. 47.1, p = 0.087). A specific food trigger could not be reliably demonstrated. Conclusions: Although a gluten-free, low-FODMAP diet led to a modest overall reduction in symptoms in this cohort of FD patients, a specific trigger could not be identified. The modified Salerno criteria for NCG/WS identification trialled in this dietary rechallenge protocol was fit-for-purpose. However, larger trials are required to determine whether particular components of wheat induce symptoms in functional dyspepsia.

ASSOCIATION OF DUODENAL EOSINOPHILIC INFILTRATE WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION, BUT NOT WITH FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

BACKGROUND

The role of Helicobacter pylori infection on eosinophilic infiltration in duodenal mucosa is poorly studied. An increase in the number of eosinophils in duodenum has been associated with functional dyspepsia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on duodenal eosinophil count and the role of eosinophilic infiltrate of duodenum in functional dyspepsia.

METHODS

Positive and negative H. pylori individuals were included. Both functional dyspeptic patients according to Rome III criteria (cases) and individuals without gastrointestinal symptoms (controls) were enrolled. They were submitted to upper endoscopy and H. pylori infection was verified by gastric histopathology and urease test. Eosinophils in the duodenal mucosa were counted in five high-power fields, randomly selected on slides of endoscopic biopsies.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine H. pylori positive (mean age 40.5 and 69.2% women) and 24 negative patients (mean age 37.3 and 75% women) were included. The influence of the infection was observed in the duodenal eosinophil count, which was higher in infected individuals: median 13.2 vs 8.1 in non-infected individuals (P=0.005). When we analyzed patients according to symptoms, cases - mean age 39.6; 71.4% women - and controls - mean age 38.7; 71.4% women - had similar duodenal eosinophil count: median 11.9 and 12.6 respectively (P=0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not demonstrate association of duodenal eosinophil count with functional dyspepsia but found association with H. pylori infection.

Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of dyspepsia in the general population of Rwanda

Introduction

Dyspepsia accounts for a significant burden of worldwide disease, but there is a relative paucity of data from the sub-Saharan African setting. We undertook to describe the burden, risk factors and severity of dyspepsia across Rwanda.

Methods

We performed a population-based clustered cross-sectional survey between November 2015 and January 2016, nationwide in Rwanda, using the Short Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire to describe the presence and severity of dyspepsia, and the Short Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index to describe the concomitant quality of life effects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to correlate measured sociodemographic factors with dyspepsia.

Results

The prevalence of clinically significant dyspepsia in the general Rwandan population was 14.2% (283/2000). The univariate factors that significantly predicted severity were gender, profession, socioeconomic status, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin and alcohol use, with gender, current smoking, aspirin use both in the past and currently, and alcohol use in the past remaining significant on multivariate modelling. Dyspeptics had a significantly lower gastrointestinal-related quality of life, though the sociodemographic factors measured did not modify the observed quality of life.

Conclusion

Dyspepsia is prevalent in the Rwandan setting and is associated with a significant burden on quality of life. More work is required to determine the pathological entities involved, and the optimal approach to mitigating this burden.

Duodenal inflammation: an emerging target for functional dyspepsia?

Introduction: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders and is classified into postprandial distress and epigastric pain syndrome. Despite the recognition of duodenal inflammation as a potential trigger of symptoms, only limited anti-inflammatory therapies exist.Areas covered: This narrative review summarizes the recent advances in the pathophysiology and treatment of FD; it identifies potential therapeutic targets and gaps in the field. An electronic literature search was conducted in Pubmed up to 31st of December 2019.Expert opinion: There is compelling evidence for the role of duodenal inflammation and the eosinophil-mast cell axis in the pathogenesis of dyspeptic symptoms. Traditional prokinetic drugs and neuromodulators target gastric dysmotility and visceral hypersensitivity but are hampered by limited efficacy and side effects. Independent of acid suppression, the anti-inflammatory action of proton pump inhibitors, which remain the first-line therapy in FD, may also explain their therapeutic effect. Other existing and newly established anti-inflammatory drugs should be investigated while trials including probiotics and selective antibiotics should examine the host microbiome and immune activation. Targeted treatments for potential causes of duodenal pathology, such as impaired permeability and dysbiosis, are likely to emerge in the future.

The Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most frequent functional gastrointestinal disorders and is defined using the Rome IV criteria as any combination of the following symptoms: postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning that are severe enough to interfere with the usual activities and occur at least 3 days per week over the past 3 months with an onset of at least 6 months before the presentation. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze all the relevant studies in the literature that investigate the efficiency of hypnotherapy in FD.

AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY

FD refractory to conservative treatment is a therapeutic challenge, and alternative treatment options are needed. Gut-oriented hypnotherapy has been reported an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, but poorly tested in FD.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a search in 6 bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS) using customized search strategies for each engine. The search strategy included the following terms: (hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotherapies, hypnogenesis, hypnotism, hypnotist, hypnotical suggestion, suggestion, and mesmerism) and {[functional and (dyspepsia or dyspeptic)] or FD}.

RESULTS

Taking the aforementioned criteria into account, the result was a review of 4 articles analyzing the efficacy of hypnotherapy in the treatment of FD, published in the past 20 years. The initial search identified 398 articles, of which 37 potentially appropriate articles were reviewed. Of these 37 articles, 4 articles were included in the review. The benefits observed by numerous studies go beyond the field of digestive pathology, patients describing a general improvement in physical and mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Current studies analyzing the efficacy of hypnotherapy in FD provide encouraging data, but additional randomized controlled trials are needed before a firm position on the effectiveness of hypnosis in FD.

Association of duodenal eosinophilia with Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia (FD) is complex and still remains to be established. Recent studies support duodenal inflammation with increased infiltration of eosinophils and a higher level of systemic cytokines among patients with FD. These findings may help to understand the underlying pathophysiology of FD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between duodenal eosinophilia and FD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 84 patients (42 cases of FD and 42 subjects without dyspepsia as control, mean age 31 years, 56% female) were recruited for this prospective observational study. FD was diagnosed by validated Bangla version of the ROME III criteria. Patients with no symptoms of FD who were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for other reasons were included as control. Biopsy specimens were taken from the second part (D2) of the duodenum of all participants. The eosinophil count was quantitatively evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and expressed in numbers per 5 HPF. The association between duodenal eosinophilia (defined as ≥22/5HPF a priori) and FD was assessed.

RESULT

Significantly increased duodenal eosinophil count was found in patients with FD than patients without dyspepsia (p = 0.001). 57.1% of patients with FD had duodenal eosinophilia. A significant positive association was found between duodenal eosinophilia and FD (OR = 5.67, 95% CI 1.92-17.2, p = 0.001). A positive association was also observed between duodenal eosinophilia and postprandial distress syndrome (OR = 5.54, 95% CI 0.86-45.24, p = 0.036). A higher odds ratio was noticed among those who complain of early satiety.

CONCLUSION

A significant positive association was found between duodenal eosinophilia and FD especially among those with postprandial distress syndrome. It requires further large scale multicenter studies to establish duodenal eosinophilia as a biomarker of FD.