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Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Management of irritable bowel syndrome
1Department of Academic Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. alexf12399@yahoo.com
Minerva Gastroenterologica E Dietologica
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Evidence shows various treatments, including fiber and psychological therapies, are more effective than placebo for managing IBS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
- Its exact etiology is unknown, with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 20% globally, imposing a significant financial burden on healthcare systems.
- Current diagnostic guidelines recommend symptom-based criteria, but their validation and optimal performance are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the diagnosis and management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various therapeutic interventions for IBS.
- To inform updated clinical guidelines for IBS management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted to assess diagnostic criteria and treatment efficacy.
- Evidence was synthesized to evaluate therapies against placebo.
- The review informed the American College of Gastroenterology's monograph on IBS.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic criteria for IBS require further prospective validation; investigations to exclude organic disease have a low yield.
- Screening for celiac disease using serology may be beneficial.
- Multiple treatments, including fiber, antispasmodics, antidepressants, psychological therapies, 5-HT3 antagonists, 5-HT4 agonists, and probiotics, demonstrated efficacy over placebo.
Conclusions:
- While no therapy alters the natural history of IBS, several interventions offer symptomatic relief.
- Anti-diarrheal agents may help with diarrhea-predominant IBS, and lubiprostone shows potential for constipation-predominant IBS.
- Further research and validation of diagnostic tools are needed for optimal IBS patient care.
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