8 recent developments in IBS

In recent weeks, numerous developments in irritable bowel syndrome have been reported by gastroenterology professional societies and in the journals, including new systematic reviews and a randomized trial of dietary interventions, and more recently, a wealth of new data on IBS treatments and comorbidities presented at the AGA’s 2015 James W. Freston Conference in Chicago.

Here are eight highlights of news stories focused on IBS recently presented by Healio Gastroenterology.

1. Evidence lacking for low FODMAP diet as treatment for IBS

Data supporting the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of IBS is “very limited,” and caution should be used when recommending it to patients, according to a recently published review.

Efficacy evidence is limited to “a few relatively small, short-term unblinded or single-blinded controlled trials of varying duration,” the review said, though all show some evidence of improved symptoms with few adverse events. Read more

2. Microbiome composition associated with efficacy of low FODMAP diet in pediatric IBS

Low FODMAP diet reduced abdominal pain frequency in children with IBS, and those who responded had different baseline gut microbial composition, according to study results.

“Those who responded robustly to the diet appear to have a different baseline microbiome composition, with greater saccharolytic capacity, than those who do not respond to a low FODMAP diet,” the researchers wrote. Read more

3. Data, while promising, insufficient for recommending elimination diets in IBS

Paul Moayyedi

According to a recent systematic review, elimination diets cannot be strongly recommended to patients with IBS until further evidence becomes available.

“Despite promising data on the efficacy of dietary restriction in IBS, we suggest that this approach cannot be recommended strongly until more evidence is accumulated,” Paul Moayyedi, MBChB, PhD, MPH, FACG, and colleagues, concluded. Read more

4. New formulation of IBgard improves IBS symptoms

IBgard LPB, a new, more purified formulation of IBgard, an over-the-counter medical food containing a blend of L-menthol and peppermint oil, improved IBS symptoms within 4 weeks, according to data presented at the AGA’s 2015 James W. Freston Conference in Chicago.

“This single-arm 2015 IBSRRET trial confirmed the outcomes from the 2014 IBSREST trial,” Michael S. Epstein, MD, chief medical advisor for IM HealthScience, said in a press release. Read more

5. Emotional awareness, expression training comparable to relaxation training for improving IBS symptoms

Data from a randomized controlled trial presented at the AGA’s 2015 James W. Freston Conference in Chicago, showed a novel emotional awareness and expression training intervention improved IBS symptoms, distress and quality of life as effectively as relaxation training.

“A brief intervention that targeted unresolved stress and conflict by enhancing emotional awareness and expression was as successful as relaxation training in improving symptoms, distress, and quality of life in IBS,” the researchers wrote. Read more

6. Nutritional management with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin benefits refractory IBS-D patients

For patients with refractory diarrhea-predominant IBS, nutritional management with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate, a prescription medical food, effectively improved their symptoms, according to data presented at the conference.

“These outcomes support use of SBI as a novel, effective nutritional management option for IBS-D,” the researchers wrote. Read more

7. Higher reported cat dander sensitization rate may explain asthma prevalence in IBS patients

Reports of sensitization to cat dander were found to be higher among patients with IBS, which may explain the high prevalence of asthma in this population, according to data presented at the conference.

“IBS subjects reported a high cat dander sensitization rate, suggesting a plausible explanation of high asthma prevalence in IBS subjects,” the researchers wrote. “It is important to explore the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential therapeutic options.” Read more

8. Perceived stress higher among patients with IBS

Patients with IBS had significantly higher perceived stress compared with healthy controls, according to data presented at the conference.

“These findings warrant further inquiry, as to the potential mechanism of increased stress among subgroups of this patient population,” the researchers wrote. Read more

By the Numbers

8 recent developments in IBS