SUMMARY BackgroundDietary fibre supplements have been advocated for the management of chronic constipation (CC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recently, a fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) restricted diet has been recommended for IBS.

BackgroundD-lactic acidosis is characterized by brain fogginess (BF) and elevated D-lactate and occurs in short bowel syndrome. Whether it occurs in patients with an intact gut and unexplained gas and bloating is unknown. We aimed to determine if BF, gas and bloating is associated with D-lactic acidosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).MethodsPatients with gas, bloating, BF, intact gut, and negative endoscopic and radiological tests, and those without BF were evaluated. SIBO was assessed with glucose breath test (GBT) and duodenal aspiration/culture. Metabolic assessments included urinary D-lactic acid and rblood L-lactic acid, and ammonia levels. Bowel symptoms, and gastrointestinal transit were assessed.ResultsThirty patients with BF and 8 without BF were evaluated. Abdominal bloating, pain, distension and gas were the most severe symptoms and their prevalence was similar between groups. In BF group, all consumed probiotics. SIBO was more prevalent in BF than non-BF group (68 vs. 28%, p = 0.05). D-lactic acidosis was more prevalent in BF compared to non-BF group (77 vs. 25%, p = 0.006). BF was reproduced in 20/30 (66%) patients. Gastrointestinal transit was slow in 10/30 (33%) patients with BF and 2/8 (25%) without. Other metabolic tests were unremarkable. After discontinuation of probiotics and a course of antibiotics, BF resolved and gastrointestinal symptoms improved significantly (p = 0.005) in 23/30 (77%).ConclusionsWe describe a syndrome of BF, gas and bloating, possibly related to probiotic use, SIBO, and D-lactic acidosis in a cohort without short bowel. Patients with BF exhibited higher prevalence of SIBO and D-lactic acidosis. Symptoms improved with antibiotics and stopping probiotics. Clinicians should recognize and treat this condition.

The U.S. elderly population (≥85 years old) is estimated to increase from 5 to 20 million people between the years 2000 to 2050. Among the medical disorders facing the elderly, anorectal problems are not only highly prevalent, but cause significant morbidity and mortality, and have deleterious effects on health care burden and quality of life. These include disorders such as fecal incontinence, fecal impaction with overflow fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, dyssynergic defecation, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and pelvic floor disorders. Here, we discuss the latest advances in age-related changes in anal sphincter morphology and function, changes in cellular and molecular biology, alterations in neurotransmitters and reflexes, and their impact on functional changes of the anorectum in the elderly. These biophysiologic changes have implications for the pathophysiology of anorectal disorders. A clear understanding and working knowledge of the functional anatomy and pathophysiology will enable appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

ObjectivesAfter subtotal colectomy, 40% of patients report chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and poor quality of life. Its etiology is unknown. We determined whether small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) cause gastrointestinal symptoms after colectomy.MethodsConsecutive patients with unexplained abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea (>1 year), and without colectomy (controls), and with colectomy were evaluated with symptom questionnaires, glucose breath test (GBT) and/or duodenal aspiration/culture. Baseline symptoms, prevalence of SIBO/SIFO, and response to treatment were compared between groups.ResultsFifty patients with colectomy and 50 controls were evaluated. A significantly higher (p = 0.005) proportion of patients with colectomy, 31/50 (62%) had SIBO compared to controls 16/50 (32%). Patients with colectomy had significantly higher (p = 0.017) prevalence of mixed SIBO/SIFO 12/50 (24%) compared to controls 4/50 (8%). SIFO prevalence was higher in colectomy but not significant (p = 0.08). There was higher prevalence of aerobic organisms together with decreased anaerobic and mixed organisms in the colectomy group compared to controls (p = 0.008). Patients with colectomy reported significantly greater severity of diarrhea (p = 0.029), vomiting (p < 0.001), and abdominal pain (p = 0.05) compared to controls, at baseline. After antibiotics, 74% of patients with SIBO/SIFO in the colectomy and 69% in the control group improved (p = 0.69).ConclusionPatients with colectomy demonstrate significantly higher prevalence of SIBO/SIFO and greater severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Colectomy is a risk factor for SIBO/SIFO.