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Purpose This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hydrocortisone enema in preventing radiation proctitis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). Methods This phase II randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancer (clinically staged T3–4 and/or N1–2M0). Participants received a median of 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) followed by 3-dimensional conformal SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone enema (n=50) or a placebo (n=51) once daily for 5 consecutive days during SCRT. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of acute proctitis. Results Of the 111 eligible patients, 101 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, performance status, and tumor location, were comparable across the treatment arms. None of the patients experienced grade 4 acute gastrointestinal toxicity or had to discontinue treatment due to treatment-related adverse effects. Patients in the hydrocortisone arm experienced significantly less severe proctitis (P

Introduction and objectives: No studies have analysed the effectiveness of treatment for constipation in critically ill children. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation, efficacy and safety of a treatment protocol using polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes (PEG 3350 + E) for constipation in critically ill children. Methods: We conducted a single-centre prospective study in children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for a minimum of 72 h and who developed constipation. Children with previous gastrointestinal disorders or diseases were excluded. The patients were treated with rectal enemas or with the oral PEG 3350 + E protocol at the discretion of the treating physician. We compared clinical and demographic variables as well as adverse events (diarrhoea, abdominal distension and electrolyte imbalances). Results: The sample included 56 patients with a mean age of 48.2 ± 11.9 months, of who 55.4% were male. Forty-four patients (78.6%) were treated with PEG 3350 + E and 12 (21.4%) with rectal enemas. The proportion of patients that responded well to treatment was greater in the PEG 3350 + E group (79.5%) compared to the enema group (58.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .151). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the adverse effects. Treatment with PEG 3350 + E was more effective in children aged less than 2 years (100%) compared to older children (100% vs 65.4%; P

Enemas containing phosphate are widely prescribed and may cause important adverse effects. A systemic review published in 2007 reported the literature on the adverse effects of phosphate enemas from January 1957 to March 2007 and identified 12 deaths. These were thought due to electrolyte disturbances, heart failure and kidney injury. These data raised concerns about the use of phosphate enemas in routine practice. Newer osmotic-based enema alternatives are now available that do not contain absorbable ions. We sought to review the literature since this review and evaluate the latest data on the toxicity of phosphate-containing enemas. To gain a fuller picture we included case series and larger studies as well as case reports. To review the toxicity of phosphate enemas, particularly with respect to acute metabolic consequences and their associated clinical features. To identify risk factors for metabolic toxicity and consider whether phosphate enemas should be relatively contra-indicated in specific patient groups. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Reviews (2005–2021) using the search terms 'phosphate enema or sodium phosphate enema' or 'phosphate-based enema' or (phosphate AND enema) or (Fleet AND enema) or 'sodium phosphate laxatives' or 'sodium phosphate catharsis' or 'sodium phosphate cathartic'. Relevant papers were read, and data were extracted. The searches identified 489 papers of which 25 were relevant: seven papers were case reports or small case series of metabolic abnormalities from the use of phosphate enemas in nine children, six were case reports on 16 adults. Nine papers were large case series or clinical studies that included data on systemic metabolic effects, of varying size from 24 healthy volunteers to a cohort of 70,499 patients. Case reports identified seven adult deaths but none in children. Children most often presented with decreased consciousness (6/9), and tetany (4/9). In adults overall only five cases had clinical features reported, hypotension was seen in four and QT prolongation in two. Treatment was generally symptomatic, with intravenous fluid and calcium salts for electrolyte changes and hypocalcaemia, and vasopressors for severe hypotension. Haemodialysis was used in three children and peritoneal dialysis in one, all of whom survived. In adults, haemodialysis did not prevent death in two of four cases in whom it was used. Common factors underlying toxicity were inappropriately high phosphate dose, or enema retention, both resulting in greater absorption of phosphate. Associated pre-disposing conditions included Hirschsprung disease in children and co-morbidity and renal impairment (2/5) in older adults. Absolute reported changes in serum phosphate or calcium were not accurate indicators of outcome. Larger case series and clinical trials confirm an acute effect of phosphate enemas on serum phosphate, which was related to both dose and retention time. These effects were not seen with non-phosphate preparations. In these cases series, adverse events were rarely reported. Phosphate enemas are potentially toxic, particularly in young children with Hirschsprung disease and in the elderly with co-morbidity. Raised awareness of the risk of phosphate enemas is still required. Other less toxic enema preparations are available and should be considered in patients at extremes of age. If phosphate enemas are the only clinical option careful monitoring of biochemical sequelae should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim: Chronic constipation, primarily functional, is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in children and one of the most common reasons for referral to gastroenterologist. With the aim to promote adequate diagnosis and treatment, the Croatian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (HDPGHP) has revised guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation in children. Methods: The available scientific and clinical literature, including the guidelines of relevant European societies, was searched before creating the guidelines. Results: This manuscript represents guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in children and contains detailed algorithm and practical advice on therapy including doses. Conclusions: Functional constipation is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and physical examination and can be adequately managed with osmotic laxative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) need a bowel management program (BMP) to manage lifelong problems of fecal incontinence or severe constipation. We aimed to evaluate the sustainability of the results in such a program. A single-institution retrospective review was performed in children with ARM who attended our BMP (2015–2019). Standardized definitions and validated tools were used to assess fecal continence (Baylor Continence Scale), constipation (Cleveland Constipation Scoring System), urinary symptoms (Vancouver Symptoms Score), and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the start of BMP and 1-year after completion of the program. 222 patients with ARM at a median age of 6.7 (IQR, 4.9–10.1) years were identified. All (100%) soiled at intake with 149 (67.1%) patients being treated with rectal or antegrade enemas and 73 (32.9%) with oral laxatives. At 1 year 150 (70.4%) were clean, 72.7% were on enemas and 27.3% were on laxatives (p = 0.08). 109 out of 148 (73.6%) patients were clean on enemas. A further 41 out of 66 (62.1%) patients were continent on laxatives with voluntary bowel movements and clean. In the group that was clean, there was improvement in Baylor Continence Scale (25 vs. 13.0, p < 0.000000002), Vancouver (11 vs. 6, p = 0.0110) scores, and clinically relevant improvement in the total PedsQL HRQL (78–85) and the PedsQL HRQL physical function (86–92) and psychosocial domain (77–82). There was no improvement in Cleveland (10 vs. 9, p = 0.31) score. An intensive BMP offers significant benefits in the treatment of fecal incontinence in ARM. It appears to also improve urinary incontinence and urinary voiding as well as the patient's quality of life. These changes are sustainable over at least one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La invaginación intestinal es la causa más frecuente de obstrucción intestinal y la segunda de abdomen agudo en la población pediátrica. Un 90% de los casos es primario o idiopático. Suele tener una triada de síntomas que incluyen: dolor abdominal, vómitos y presencia de sangre en heces. Generalmente, involucra el íleon el cual se invagina dentro del ciego por medio de la válvula ileocecal. Puede conducir a isquemia y luego perforación si no es tratada de forma correcta en un tiempo adecuado. La reducción por enema es un procedimiento efectivo y seguro para el tratamiento de la invaginación intestinal. El manejo inicial siempre es con enemas, sin importar si es una invaginación inicial o si es una recurrencia, antes de considerar opciones quirúrgicas, y usualmente resuelve un 85-90% de los casos.

Enemas have become a common practice for treating fecal incontinence and severe constipation. Several patients receiving enemas complained of severe, colicky, abdominal pain during enema administration and complained that the duration for fluid to pass was progressively increasing. Contrast studies showed a startling picture of severe right colon dilatation and a spastic, narrow, left colon. An investigation was started to seek the origin and possible management of this condition. Medical and radiologic records were reviewed retrospectively, with emphasis on the type and ingredients of enemas used, the duration the patients had been receiving enemas, and their original diagnosis. A literature review was done on previous reports of this condition and publications related to long-term use of enemas. This series included 22 patients (average age, 19.6 years; range, 8–54) with fecal incontinence due to anorectal malformations (10 cases), myelomeningocele (5), cloaca (2), severe colonic dysmotility (2), Hirschsprung's disease (2), and sacrococcygeal teratoma (1). The average duration of enema use was 13.7 years (range, 4–45). The composition of the enemas included saline/glycerin (six cases), only saline solution (five), saline/glycerin/soap (four), plain water (three), and one case each of molasses/milk, saline/glycerin/soap/phosphate, saline/phosphate, and only phosphate. The enemas were performed in an antegrade fashion in 21 cases and rectally in 1. All patients had a dilated right colon and a narrow, spastic, left, transverse, and descending colon. Four patients underwent colonoscopy, colonic manometry, and mucosal biopsies, which did not help in explaining the etiology of the problem. In the literature, 43 reports mentioned a "long-term follow-up" for the administration of enemas, but we could not find a description of symptoms, such as in our cases. An intriguing and, to our knowledge, previously unreported complication of chronic enema use is presented. We call attention to an overly concerning complication and report our findings in the hope that they will aid and stimulate more investigations into this condition. Several hypotheses to explain the cause are presented, as well as potential treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Inflammatory bowel disorder is associated with certain pathophysiological disturbances which make established techniques of colon targeting more complex and inconsistent. Probable reason is severity of inflammation which leads to more variability in normal range of triggering factors that are being exploited for colon targeting. Influential changes in pathophysiology of intestine during inflammatory bowel disorder including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both in active as well as quiescent stage have been discussed. Also the potential of various drug delivery techniques used both orally and rectally for site specificity have been summarized in inflammatory bowel disorder. Colon targeting surely has additional advantages in drug delivery specifically for the effective treatment of local pathologies. Colon targeting in IBD state demands exhaustive cognizance about the triggering conditions responsible for activation of drug release in IBD. Therefore despite the modern techniques exploited for colonic delivery, the effective management of IBD needs additional efforts and improvisation in developing precise colonic drug delivery system in inflamed bowel. Among all investigated techniques for colon delivery in IBD, pH based system is found to be more effective in targeting colon which has been vindicated by various clinical studies. In this review various pharmaceutical strategies have been covered which have been exploited clinically for the management of inflamed intestinal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early full enteral feeding in preterm infants decreases morbidity and mortality. Our systematic review covered the effectiveness of rectal stimulation, suppositories and enemas on stooling patterns and feeding tolerance in low-birthweight infants born at up to 32 weeks. It comprised seven studies published between 2007 and 2014 and covered 495 infants.Conclusion: Suppositories were ineffective in shortening the time to reach full enteral feeding, and the evidence on enemas was contradictory. Enemas and rectal stimulation did not shorten the time until complete meconium evacuation was reached. Further research into safe, effective interventions to accelerate meconium excretion is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Purgative enemas form an integral part of African traditional medicine. Besides possible benefits, serious health risks of rectal herbal therapy have been described in literature. To design appropriate health education programs, it is essential to understand traditional herbal practices and local perceptions of health and illness. Little is known about the herbal ingredients of enemas in Sub-Saharan Africa and consumers' personal reasons to use them. Aim of the study To analyze the importance of enema use with regard to plant species used and illnesses treated in West and Central Africa, to understand the local health beliefs that underlie frequent enema use and to evaluate which recipes and practices could be beneficial or harmful. Materials and methods We extracted data from 266 ethnobotanical questionnaires on medicinal (in particular women’s health and childcare) and ritual plant use in Ghana, Benin and Gabon. Plants mentioned during interviews were vouchered and identified in herbaria. Health issues treated by means of enemas were ranked according to the number of plant species used for a specific illness. We compared our results with findings of medical research on benefits and risks of enema use in Sub-Saharan Africa. Results We recorded ca. 213 different plant species used in hundreds of recipes for rectal insertions, mostly in Ghana and Gabon. Stomachache, abdominal pain, female infertility and birth facilitation were treated with the highest number of plants species. Cleansing the intestines of young children to promote their health by getting rid of ‘dirt’, instead of treating constipation, was an important cultural practice that required the rectal application of herbal medicine, as well as other cultural bound health issues like stimulating children to walk at an early age. Tradition, the bitter taste of herbal medicine and the rapid effect of enemas were frequently mentioned reasons for enema use. Discussion and conclusions Literature indicates that although enemas can help to improve the hygienic conditions of a household with young infants, frequent enema use can pose serious risks like direct toxicity caused by harmful ingredients, mechanical injury and infections. In Africa, enemas containing herbal medicine are common methods of administering herbal medicine for a variety of diseases, rather than just medicinal treatments for constipation as previously thought. Health professionals should be aware of the extent of, and motivation behind enema use to develop culturally appropriate education programs, especially targeted at vulnerable groups such as elderly people, parents of young infants and pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic constipation is a common problem in children. The cause of constipation is often idiopathic, when no anatomic or physiologic etiology can be identified. In severe cases, low dose laxatives, stool softeners and small volume enemas are ineffective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a structured bowel management program in these children. Methods We retrospectively reviewed children with chronic constipation without a history of anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung's disease or other anatomical lesions seen in our pediatric colorectal center. Our bowel management program consists of an intensive week where treatment is assessed and tailored based on clinical response and daily radiographs. Once a successful treatment plan is established, children are followed longitudinally. The number of patients requiring hospital admission during the year prior to and year after initiation of bowel management was compared using Fisher's exact test. Results Forty-four children with refractory constipation have been followed in our colorectal center for greater than a year. Fifty percent had at least one hospitalization the year prior to treatment for obstructive symptoms. Children were treated with either high-dose laxatives starting at 2 mg/kg of senna or enemas starting at 20 ml/kg of normal saline. Treatment regimens were adjusted based on response to therapy. The admission rate one-year after enrollment was 9% including both adherent and nonadherent patients. This represents an 82% reduction in hospital admissions (p < 0.001). Conclusions Implementation of a structured bowel management program similar to that used for children with anorectal malformations, is effective and reduces hospital admissions in children with severe chronic constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a commentary on the manuscript entitled " One-Year Impact of a Bowel Management Program in Treating Fecal Incontinence in Patients with Anorectal Malformations " by Richard Wood and colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal incontinence is a devastating underestimated problem, affecting a large number of individuals all over the world. Most of the available literature relates to the management of adults. The treatments proposed are not uniformly successful and have little application in the pediatric population. This paper presents the experience of 30 years, implementing a bowel management program, for the treatment of fecal incontinence in over 700 pediatric patients, with a success rate of 95%. The main characteristics of the program include the identification of the characteristics of the colon of each patient; finding the specific type of enema that will clean that colon and the radiological monitoring of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constipation is a common result of advanced disease and drug therapy. It occurs in as many as 50% of advanced cancer patients and 85% of patients taking high dose opioids. Potential causes are described. Prevention and early reversal are important. Nondrug and pharmacological methods of preventing and treating constipation are described. Evaluation instruments that have been used for this symptom are described. Some open research questions are listed. A management algorithm, evidence tables, and drug therapy tables which include drug costs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Gamma-scintigraphy is applied extensively in the development and evaluation of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems. It is used particularly for monitoring formulations in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The radiolabelling is generally achieved by the incorporation of an appropriate technetium-99m or indium-111 labelled radiopharmaceutical into the formulation. In the case of complex dosage forms, such as enteric-coated tablets, labelling is best undertaken by the addition of a non-radioactive tracer such as samarium-152 oxide or erbium-170 oxide followed by neutron activation of the final product. Systems investigated include tablets and multiparticulates for oral administration, enemas and suppositories, metered dose inhalers and nebulisers, and nasal sprays and drops. Gamma-scintigraphy provides information on the deposition, dispersion and movement of the formulation. The combination of such studies with the assay of drug levels in blood or urine specimens, pharmacoscintigraphy, provides information concerning the sites of drug release and absorption. Data acquired from the scintigraphic evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms are now being used increasingly at all stages of product development, from the assessment of prototype delivery systems to supporting the product licence application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5-year-old boy developed acute colitis followed by stricture formation as a result of a detergent enema. The acute phase of the caustic induced colitis was reproduced in the dog and the rat using full strength and diluted detergent enemas. The severity of the experimental colitis was shown to be directly related to the concentration of the detergent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Contact allergy to a steroid enema leading to worsening of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has recently been reported. This study was designed to look for evidence of steroid allergy in patients with IBD. Objectives To look for the presence of steroid allergy in general, and steroid enema allergy in particular, in a cohort of IBD patients prepared to attend for patch testing. Methods Patients with IBD in two gastroenterology units at Dublin and Cork were asked to take part in the study. Those who agreed to take part were tested to the British Contact Dermatitis Society standard and steroid batteries. Patients with positive tests to steroids were subsequently asked to attend for intradermal testing with prednisolone, and patch testing to the two commercially available steroid enemas in Ireland and an extended battery of steroids. Reactions were read at days 2 and 4. Results In total, 44 patients from the two units were patch tested. Four patients had positive patch tests to one or more steroids in these batteries: budesonide ( n = 2), triamcinolone acetonide ( n = 1), tixocortol pivalate ( n = 1) and prednisolone ( n = 1). Of these, three underwent further testing. All three had positive reactions to intradermal prednisolone and one had a positive test to steroid enema. Conclusions Four (9%) of our patients were found to have steroid allergy. This has important implications for the local and systemic treatment of their IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the role of sucralfate in active ulcerative colitis, 60 patients were randomized to receive either sucralfate enemas (20 g/100 ml) or methylprednisolone enemas (20 mg/100 ml). The enemas were administered twice daily for one week, and then once daily for three weeks. Clinical evaluation was documented at entry and at two weeks and four weeks. The sigmoidoscopic appearance of the rectal mucosa was scored, and rectal biopsies taken at entry and at four weeks. Results indicated similar reduction in diarrhea and rectal bleeding at two weeks and at four weeks. Sigmoidoscopy demonstrated similar significant improvement in the macroscopic appearance of the rectal mucosa in both groups (8.28 to 6.20 in sucralfate group, P < 0.02; and 8.72 to 6.36 in the methylprednisolone treated group, P < 0.04). Histologic assessment, likewise, showed similar improvements in the two groups. This study indicates that sucralfate enemas may be useful in the treatment of ulcerative proctosigmoiditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left-sided ischemic colitis was induced in 44 inbred Male Fischer rats of the same age by a standardized devascularization procedure. Fifteen animals had nothing else done (Group I). Twentynine animals had feces evacuated from the left colon and received an enema just before the procedure; 14 had a sterile-water enema (Group II), and 15 had a 1 per cent hydrocortisone enema (Group III). At sacrifice, 72 hours after the surgical procedure, the mucosal surface grossly involved in ischemic changes was measured. The mean area of ischemic changes in Group I was significantly greater than that of either Group II or Group III (P<.05). The incidence of circumferential changes was highest in Group I and lowest in Group III; the difference between Group I and Group III was marginally significant (P=.06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]