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Pain in irritable bowel syndrome: Does anything really help?
Joelle BouSaba1, Wassel Sannaa1, Michael Camilleri1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Managing pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is difficult. This review examines anti-neuropathic agents and other therapies, offering hope for better IBS pain relief and improved quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pain management presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Current interventions include dietary changes, medications (antidepressants, antispasmodics), and receptor-targeting drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of anti-neuropathic agents for IBS pain.
- To appraise the impact of these agents on IBS severity and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on oral and parenteral anti-neuropathic agents.
- Appraisal of evidence for amitriptyline, pregabalin, gabapentin, and duloxetine.
Main Results:
- The review assesses the effectiveness of specific anti-neuropathic drugs in alleviating IBS abdominal pain.
- Impact on overall IBS severity and patient quality of life is evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Anti-neuropathic agents show potential in managing IBS pain.
- Advances in dietary, pharmacological, and psychological therapies may expand treatment options for IBS pain.
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