Diarrhea

Researchers are evaluating how abdominal massage affects gastrointestinal functions in patients who are mechanically ventilated and receiving enteral nutrition in intensive care units. This study aims to assess abdominal massage's impact on bowel movement frequency, gastric residual volume, and abdominal distension. The trial is designed as a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial to provide scientific evidence for abdominal massage use in this patient group. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving abdominal massage or a control group receiving standard care without massage. Abdominal massage is performed twice daily for 15 minutes over three days using specific techniques like effleurage, petrissage, and vibration. The massage is given at the bedside in a semi-Fowler position before enteral feeding, with routine nursing care provided to all patients. Throughout the study, researchers monitor bowel movements, gastric residual volume, abdominal distension, and stool consistency using specialized forms and scales twice daily. Data collection includes clinical assessments such as Glasgow Coma Scale and APACHE II scoring. The study lasts three days for each patient, with detailed recording of gastrointestinal function parameters to evaluate the effects of abdominal massage compared to standard care.

This research aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and nutrient absorption of the RELiZORB enzyme cartridge in children aged 2 to 18 years with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) who depend on parenteral nutrition (PN). SBS causes inadequate intestinal absorption due to significant loss of small bowel, requiring intravenous nutrition to maintain hydration and nutrition but leading to complications such as liver failure. The study explores whether predigesting fats with RELiZORB can improve absorption and reduce reliance on PN. The RELiZORB device is an enzyme cartridge connected to enteral feeding tubes that mimics pancreatic lipase to digest fats before they enter the gut, aiming to improve fat absorption without the need for bile acid emulsification. Participants will receive tube feeding through the device daily for 90 days. The study monitors changes in PN calories over time, along with growth, fecal fat, plasma fatty acids, and nutrition intake. Participants will be assessed at multiple time points during the 90-day treatment to evaluate PN calorie reduction and nutritional status. Safety and tolerability will be monitored by recording adverse events. The study involves regular clinical visits, laboratory tests, and nutrition assessments to measure the effectiveness of RELiZORB in improving enteral nutrition absorption and supporting growth while reducing PN dependence.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between gut microbiota dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how gut-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) may influence brain function through the "gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks" pathway. This observational study will explore differences in SCFAs among people across the AD spectrum, including cognitively normal individuals, those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD dementia. The project aims to clarify the interactions between gut microbiome, metabolites, and brain changes using high-throughput metabolomics and multi-modal MRI techniques. Participants will be grouped into four categories: cognitively normal, SCD, MCI, and AD dementia. The study involves collecting multi-omics data, including gut microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and neuroimaging, to establish a diagnostic model for SCD due to preclinical AD using machine learning methods. The study spans five years, during which gut microbiome changes, SCFAs levels, and multi-omics biomarkers related to cognitive impairment conversion will be monitored. Participants will undergo cognitive tests and brain imaging scans, along with gut microbiome and metabolite sample collection. Researchers will assess the interaction mechanisms of the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks over five years. The study includes both healthy volunteers and patients aged 60 to 80. Outcome measures focus on changes in gut microbiome, SCFAs, and biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, with long-term follow-up to better understand the disease progression and its early detection.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of low volume Transanal Irrigation (TAI) using the Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo device combined with standard conservative treatments compared to conservative treatment alone for patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). This condition affects individuals who have undergone surgery for rectal cancer. The study aims to assess improvements in clinical symptoms of LARS over a three-month period. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving low volume TAI with the MiniGo device plus standard conservative care, which includes dietary management, counseling, and prescribed medications excluding suppositories and physiotherapy; and another group receiving only the standard conservative treatments. The study includes follow-ups at 6 weeks, 3 months, and up to 12 months to monitor various outcomes. During the study, participants will be regularly assessed using the LARS score to measure symptom changes, quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29), incontinence scores, patient satisfaction, treatment compliance, bowel management time, and healthcare resource usage. Data will be collected at multiple intervals including 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months to thoroughly evaluate the treatment impact and patient preferences.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of regular use of a consumer-grade FODMAP-targeting digestive enzyme blend called FODZYME® on gastrointestinal symptoms in adults who experience self-reported bloating. The study focuses on how this enzyme blend affects symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, which are often triggered by fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial that aims to provide a more flexible alternative to the restrictive Low FODMAP Diet by breaking down FODMAPs before they ferment in the colon. Participants will take the enzyme blend or a placebo with each meal, snack, or substantial beverage, applying it directly to their food. The trial is divided into two main periods: half the participants will start with the enzyme blend for four weeks followed by a two-week washout and then switch to placebo for another four weeks; the other half start with placebo and then switch to the enzyme blend after the washout. The study product is designed to target specific FODMAPs like fructan, GOS, and lactose and is intended for adults with or without IBS symptoms. During the study, participants will complete daily questionnaires and assessments over about 19 weeks, including patient-reported outcome measures for bloating, gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, food-related quality of life, and anxiety. The study is conducted remotely, allowing participants to complete assessments at home using a smartphone app. Safety is monitored by excluding those with known allergies to corn or previous reactions to digestive enzyme supplements, and researchers will review changes in bloating symptoms as the primary outcome.

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerance, and side effects of brenipatide (LY3537031) in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea (IBS-D). This Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to compare brenipatide given under the skin with a placebo to assess its safety and effectiveness in treating IBS-D symptoms. The study is sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and will last approximately 35 weeks. Participants will receive either brenipatide or a placebo via subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. The study includes two groups: one receiving the experimental drug LY3537031 and the other receiving a placebo, both administered in the same way. The treatment period and follow-up will be conducted over several weeks to evaluate the drug's impact on IBS-D symptoms. During the study, participants will record their symptoms daily using an electronic diary, focusing on abdominal pain and stool consistency. The main outcome measured is the percentage of days participants experience a significant improvement in their symptoms during weeks 9 to 16. Researchers will also monitor safety, side effects, and other symptom responses throughout the 24-week period. The study includes careful assessment of IBS-D criteria and symptom severity to evaluate treatment effects over time.

Researchers are evaluating SER-155, an experimental live bacterial therapeutic, as a first treatment option for people experiencing diarrhea due to immunotherapy-related enterocolitis (irEC). The study is a phase 1, open-label trial focused on assessing the safety and initial effectiveness of SER-155 in this group. This research is sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and aims to find out if SER-155 causes few or mild side effects when used as a first treatment for irEC. Participants with grade 2-3 diarrhea from irEC who have not yet received immunosuppressive therapy for their condition will take SER-155 orally. This therapy consists of 16 unique bacterial strains encapsulated for oral use. The study will monitor participants over time to observe safety and preliminary efficacy, including responses and remission without the need for immunosuppressive drugs at days 15 and 43, as well as tracking the presence of SER-155 strains in stool samples. During the study, participants will be evaluated for treatment-related adverse events for up to one year. Researchers will also assess their clinical response and remission status at specific time points, monitor bacterial strain levels, and record the time to response or remission without immunosuppressive therapy. Participants will provide informed consent and comply with study protocols, including swallowing oral medication and using contraception if applicable. The total participation duration includes assessments up to one year after treatment begins.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a butyrate and polyphenol formulation on gut health and related symptoms in healthy adults aged 25 to 70 who experience moderate to severe gastrointestinal discomfort. The study aims to understand how this formulation affects the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms using questionnaires and lab assessments. This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study sponsored by Supplement Formulators, Inc. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the butyrate plus polyphenol formulation or a placebo. The treatment period lasts 14 days, during which participants take the assigned supplement. The study includes laboratory testing to assess the gut microbiome and various questionnaires to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life. During the study, participants will complete laboratory assessments and several questionnaires, including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, digestion-related quality of life surveys, and stool form scales. Researchers will monitor changes in gut microbiome composition and gastrointestinal symptoms over the 14-day period. The study also tracks safety and symptom improvement through standardized scales and quality of life measures.

Researchers are evaluating the efficacy and safety of Live SK08 Powder compared to a placebo in treating adults with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). IBS-D is a chronic condition causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, with no detectable organic lesions. The study aims to assess how SK08 may relieve symptoms by protecting the intestinal barrier, regulating immunity, and correcting bacterial imbalances. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Live SK08 powder or a matching placebo powder, both taken orally twice daily for up to 52 weeks. The study is double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives the active treatment or placebo. Before treatment, participants undergo a run-in period with symptom monitoring, and colonoscopy results must meet specific criteria. The study includes continuous monitoring for up to one year. During the trial, participants will complete diaries to record symptoms such as abdominal pain, stool consistency, and bloating. Researchers will assess weekly responders, symptom relief scales, and quality of life scores up to 52 weeks. Safety will be monitored by tracking adverse events. Participants agree to maintain their usual diet and lifestyle throughout the study and attend scheduled visits for evaluations and laboratory tests.

Researchers are studying nutritional support strategies for critically ill patients with impaired gastrointestinal function, focusing on how to best achieve energy and protein intake goals. The study investigates the use of enteral nutrition alone versus a combination of enteral nutrition and supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) in patients who have impaired gastric emptying and reduced intestinal absorption. This research addresses the challenge of feeding intolerance and malnutrition in intensive care patients and explores muscle mass and function as important factors in nutrition efficacy. The study randomly assigns patients with diagnosed gastrointestinal dysfunction to one of two groups: one receiving gradual increases in enteral nutrition based on tolerance, and the other receiving a mix of enteral trophic feeding plus SPN to meet nutritional targets. Nutritional needs are monitored daily by indirect calorimetry, and gastrointestinal function is assessed with ultrasound gastric residual volume and a paracetamol absorption test. The SPN group aims to reach 80% of nutritional goals by day five, while the enteral nutrition group aims for full caloric intake as tolerated. Participants are monitored through various evaluations including muscle thickness via ultrasound, lean body mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and muscle strength with a handgrip dynamometer at admission and on days 10 and 15. The study measures daily calorie and protein intake adequacy, metabolic markers, and clinical outcomes such as mortality up to 28 days. Nutritional status, muscle function, and energy utilization are carefully assessed throughout the study to understand the impact of the tailored feeding protocols.