Restricted fetal growth increases risk of irritable bowel syndromeSeptember 28, 2006Irritable bowel syndrome in twins: Genes and environment online first Gut 2006 Babies weighing less than the standard weight seem to be at significantly greater risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, suggests research published ahead of print in the journal Gut. The Norwegian authors base their findings on 3334 twin pairs, 1250 of whom were identical. The twins completed a comprehensive questionnaire about their health, including whether they had ever had IBS. This information was then matched with weight at birth, supplied by the national twin registry and divided into four groups, ranging from less than 1500 g to more than 2500 g. A healthy birthweight is considered to be above 2500 g. The rate of IBS across the entire sample was 5.4%, roughly one in 20. But there was a significant gender difference: the rate in men was 3%, while that in women was 7%. There was little difference, however, in the average age of onset between the two sexes. The first signs of the condition appeared at the age of 18 in men, and a year earlier in women. Only one in four of those who reported IBS symptoms at some point in their lives, were symptom free at the time of the survey, and the average duration of their symptoms was more than 4.5 years. The likelihood of IBS was stronger among the identical twins, suggesting that genetic factors do play a part, say the authors. But the risk of the condition was 2.5 times greater among those whose birthweights were below 1500 g as it was among those weighing more than 2500 g at birth. And it was higher in the lower weight baby of the twin pair. The age at which symptoms started also seemed to be associated with birthweight. Those weighing in at less than 1500 g at birth were, on average, likely to develop IBS more than 7 years earlier than those weighing over 1500 g. The authors point out that several chronic diseases have been linked to low birthweight, and that the healthy development of the digestive system, which is not complete at birth, could be hindered by insufficient fetal growth. BMJ Specialty Journals |
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| Related Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Events and Irritable Bowel Syndrome News Articles Antidepressant and placebo are equally effective in child pain relief When used "off-label," the antidepressant amitriptyline works just as well as placebo in treating pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders in children, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. What is alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome when conventional therapy has failed? IBS remains a common intestinal disorder causing significant discomfort and poor quality of life in patients who have the diagnosis. Pinpointing cause of colic: UT Houston research identifies organism that could trigger constant crying Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston say one organism discovered during their study may unlock the key to what causes colic, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Mayo Clinic study finds celiac disease 4 times more common than in 1950s Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology. Review of probiotic trial research finds only Bifantis able to claim efficacy for IBS symptoms A review by researchers at Northwestern University (Chicago, IL.) and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) of the utility of probiotics in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 was the only probiotic strain out of 13 different individual strains or preparations reviewed to significantly improve symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain, bloating and bowel movement difficulty. New studies examine the effectiveness of probiotics in IBS Several studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando highlight the safety and efficacy of probiotics in improving symptoms and normalizing bowel movement frequency in patients suffering from constipation or diarrhea related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). New study shows health benefits of probiotic could extend to the entire body Data from a recent study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and pathogen protection benefits of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 a probiotic bacterial strain of human origin. UT School of Public Health researchers discover significant efficacy of travelers' diarrhea vaccine Researchers at The University of Texas School of Public Health have found that patients given a travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea than those who received placebo, according to a study published in this week's edition of the Lancet. The patch-based vaccine is part of the Phase 2 study in conjunction with the Iomai Corporation. Common bowel problem linked to chili pepper pain receptor People with irritable bowel syndrome have a higher than usual number of chilli pepper pain receptors, according to a new study published tomorrow (Wednesday 11 June). Drug brings relief for many IBS patients who experience constipation Many patients may soon find relief from the bloating, cramping, abdominal pain and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. More Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Events and Irritable Bowel Syndrome News Articles |
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