Brain Connectivity Evaluation to Predict Treatment Success in Adults With Refractory Functional Constipation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying brain functional connectivity in patients with refractory constipation and those who respond to fluoxetine treatment. The study aims to understand how brain connectivity changes in these patients and to predict how well they might respond to fluoxetine or standard treatments. This observational study focuses on adults aged 18 to 45 diagnosed with functional constipation based on the Rome IV criteria. Participants will undergo standard physiological and psychological assessments related to constipation. They will have BOLD-fMRI scans to evaluate brain function. Patients with refractory constipation have already undergone at least 3 months of regular treatment involving laxatives and a high-fiber diet. Following this, they receive a 4-week course of fluoxetine. Groups include those sensitive and insensitive to fluoxetine, non-refractory constipation patients, and healthy volunteers without constipation symptoms. During the study, participants will be assessed before and after fluoxetine treatment with brain scans and self-assessment questionnaires measuring quality of life, somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and constipation severity. The main measurement is the change in brain functional connectivity observed through BOLD-fMRI before and after treatment. The study also looks at changes in various self-reported symptom scores to better understand treatment effects. Participation lasts through the treatment and evaluation periods with ongoing monitoring of symptoms and brain function.

Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Refractory Constipation Through Brain Connectivity Evaluation