1.
[Clinical observation on treatment of functional constipation with compound plantain-senna granules].
Zhang, CX
Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine. 2009;(12):1119-22
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of compound plantain-senna granule (CPSG) in the treatment of functional constipation. METHODS Eighty patients with confirmed diagnosis of functional constipation were assigned to 2 groups. The 40 patients in the treatment group were treated with CPSG 5 g per day, while the 40 patients in the control group were treated with equal volume of starch granule, for 2 weeks totally. The defecating frequency and stool property, the scores of fecal discharge difficulty and accompanied symptoms, the gastrointestinal transmission time, and adverse reaction of treatment in the two groups were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS Parameters of defecating frequency, stool property, the scores of fecal discharge difficulty, accompanied symptoms and the gastrointestinal transmission time were unchanged after treatment in the control group (P > 0.05); while in the treatment group, they improved significantly (P < 0.05) and showed significant difference to those in the control group respectively (P < 0. 05). No serious adverse reaction occurred in both groups. CONCLUSION CPSG can obviously increase the defecating frequency, change the stool property, alleviate the fecal discharging difficult symptom and accompanied symptom, and shorten the gastrointestinal transmission time in patients with functional constipation with good security and tolerability.
2.
Is fibre supplementation in paediatric sip feeds beneficial?
Daly, A, Johnson, T, MacDonald, A
Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association. 2004;(4):365-70
Abstract
The usefulness of a paediatric fibre containing sip feeds specifically formulated for paediatrics has not been evaluated. In an open, prospective, parallel study the efficacy, safety and tolerance of a paediatric fibre-containing sip feed designed for children weighing 8-20 kg (1-6 years) was compared with a fibre-free sip feed in 60 children with chronic illness. The subjects either received a trial sip feed containing 150 kcal (100 ml)(-1) and 2.0 g (100 ml)(-1) of fibre or a fibre-free equivalent control sip feed for 12 weeks. Blood biochemistry, haematology, anthropometry, tolerance and food intake data were estimated during week 1 and 12. The fibre intake was higher (P < 0.0001) and laxative usage decreased in the fibre-containing sip feed group. The sip feed provided almost 50% of fibre intake in the trial group. There were no differences in sip feed tolerance, anthropometry, nutritional biochemistry or haematology between the two groups. Sip feeds provide an important source of fibre for sick children with normal gut function requiring nutritional support.
3.
Influence of prokinetics on the gastrointestinal transit and residence times of activated charcoal.
Orisakwe, OE, Afonne, OJ, Ilondu, NA, Obi, E, Ufearo, CS, Agbasi, PU, Maduka, SO, Orish, CN, Orish, VN
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2002;(8):354-6
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find the effects of prokinetics, saline cathartics and different charcoal doses on the gastrointestinal transit and residence times of activated charcoal (AC). SETTING Five undergraduate volunteers of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria, were studied. METHODS After an overnight fast, the volunteers were given 10 g and 20 g AC with and without saline cathartics, in a simple cross-over design in which the subjects served as their own control. In another experiment, the volunteers received 10 g AC and magnesium sulphate, with propantheline (as bromide 15 mg), metoclopramide (as hydrochloride 10 mg), placebo liquid or identical placebo capsule. Gastrointestinal transit and residence times of AC were recorded. RESULTS Increase in the dose of AC significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the transit, but not the residence time of AC. Addition of saline cathartics (Na2SO4 and MgSO4) decreased both the transit and residence times of AC significantly (P < 0.05). Also, administration of propantheline, but not metoclopramide, produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in both the transit and residence times of AC. The transit and residence times were statistically (P < 0.05) different in both the magnesium sulphate group, as well as in the placebo liquid and placebo capsule groups. CONCLUSION Cathartic efficiency is enhanced by alteration of gastrointestinal motility with propantheline.