Articles tagged with Diarrhea
A RAND Corporation study found that taking probiotics can significantly reduce the risk of developing diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The study, which pooled data from over 100 research studies, showed a 42% lower risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with probiotic use.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that causes familial chronic diarrhea syndrome, which could lead to new treatments for similar conditions. The mutation affects the GUCY2C gene, leading to constant signaling in the intestines and potentially causing inflammation and diarrhea.
The number of US deaths from gastroenteritis increased by 10,000 over eight years, with adults over 65 accounting for most deaths. C. difficile and norovirus were the top infectious causes, with a five-fold increase in C. difficile deaths.
Climate change is linked to increased bacterial loads in potable water, putting indigenous populations at risk of waterborne diseases. Sherilee Harper's research finds similarities between Inuit and Batwa peoples' experiences with extreme weather events and waterborne illnesses.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital found that commonly used dehydration scales were not accurate predictors of severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and/or vomiting in a low-income country. The researchers call for further research to develop new clinical scales with greater accuracy.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new assessment index for microscopic colitis, allowing physicians to objectively score the condition's severity. The Microscopic Colitis Disease Activity Index provides a consistent way to assess symptoms beyond just diarrhea frequency.
Researchers found that probiotics significantly reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Probiotic therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various GI conditions, including ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
New research reveals that rotavirus vaccination has limited impact on deaths in middle-income countries, with most fatalities occurring in low-income nations like India and Africa. Introducing effective vaccines in these countries could substantially reduce global deaths attributable to diarrheal disease.
The Peggy Lillis Memorial Foundation honors Dr. Sherwood Gorbach for his pioneering research and efforts to combat Clostridium difficile infection, a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. The award recognizes his contributions to increasing prevention and minimizing death and disability from C. diff.
Researchers found that diarrhoea is closely linked to changes in faecal bacteria, with the majority of foals developing the condition due to colonisation by E. coli and other bacteria. This suggests that horse breeders should not limit suckling time or use supplements to prevent diarrhoea.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that widespread implementation of seven prevention interventions and three treatment interventions could reduce child diarrhea deaths by up to 92% by 2015. This would save nearly 5 million lives at a cost of $3.24 per capita.
A new Cochrane review confirms vitamin A supplementation programmes in developing countries effectively reduce measles and diarrhoea incidence, saving thousands of lives. Researchers recommend continued use but emphasize the need for long-term solutions like fortification and dietary diversification.
A systematic review found that probiotics shortened diarrhoea episodes by around a day and reduced the risk of prolonged episodes by 59% in patients with diarrhoeal diseases. No serious adverse effects were reported.
A nationwide study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that diarrhea is a relatively uncommon but insidious condition underlying various illnesses in neonates. The study highlights the importance of recognizing rare chronic cases and advocating specific guidelines for managing diarrheal disorders in neonates.
Rotavirus vaccination effectively reduces cases of severe rotavirus disease by 72-93% and all cases of diarrhoea by 76-67%. The vaccines are not associated with increased serious adverse events.
A new thesis at the University of Gothenburg reveals that a probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum, has no effect on Salmonella bacteria. Researchers found that the probiotic did not reduce diarrhoea or shorten the duration of infection in patients with Salmonella.
A randomized trial found that octreotide acetate did not reduce the incidence or severity of diarrhea in patients with anorectal cancer. The study included 215 patients who received either a placebo or long-acting octreotide before and during radiation therapy, but no significant differences were observed between groups.
Studies in Mexico and Africa demonstrate a significant reduction in diarrheal disease deaths following rotavirus vaccine introduction. The findings highlight the importance of vaccination in reducing severe rotavirus infections among children in developing countries.
The program aimed to reduce child mortality by at least 25% in 11 west African countries but found no significant acceleration in child survival. Coverage for effective treatment interventions and nutritional status showed mixed results, with decreases in some areas but not others.
A study by Dr. Gregory A. Elder found that presenilin-1 plays a role in the vascular pathology associated with Alzheimer disease, while another study discovered that osteopontin contributes to allergic contact dermatitis. Weakened Plasmodium parasites also elicit a protective immune response.
A common type of chronic diarrhoea, affecting one in 100 people in the UK, may be caused by a hormone deficiency. The study suggests that bile acid production is linked to decreased levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) in people with the condition.
A first national campaign to scale up zinc treatment of diarrhea in Bangladesh increased awareness significantly, peaking at 90% in urban areas. However, actual usage of zinc tablets was found to be low, with only 25% of children receiving the correct 10-day course of treatment.
A new report by UNICEF and WHO outlines a seven-point plan to combat diarrhoeal diseases in children, a leading cause of child mortality. The plan includes treatment and prevention strategies such as vaccination, breastfeeding promotion, and improved water quality, aiming to reduce child deaths from diarrhoea.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in Nicaragua. The study aims to determine how well the vaccine works in developing countries and identify shifts in rotavirus strains as a result of immunization programs.
Despite evidence of low-cost diarrhea treatments, many countries lag behind in implementing these life-saving techniques, leaving few children treated appropriately. The analysis reveals a significant gap between policy change and effective program implementation, making it difficult to secure necessary supplies like zinc supplements.
A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that social shame was more effective in building latrines than financial assistance in rural India. The study, led by Subhrendu Pattanayak at Duke University, used a 'social mobilization strategy' that included village walks of shame and defecation mapping ...
Researchers found that strains of Bacteroides fragilis dupe immune cells into allowing runaway colon tissue inflammation, a precursor to malignant growth. High levels of pStat3 and Th17 activity in infected mice were linked to chronic inflammation and tumor development.
A clinical trial of kefir in young children using antibiotics found no benefit in preventing diarrhea. However, the study suggests that kefir may help healthier children, and more research is needed to confirm this finding.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding probiotics to conventional high-energy ready-to-use therapeutic foods did not improve nutritional cure rates or reduce mortality in severely malnourished African children. However, the study suggests a possible observation of reduced outpatient mortality in HIV-positive children.
The study reveals that each bacterial strain presents a unique outer surface protein, rendering current vaccines less effective against new strains. Researchers believe a tip protein-based vaccine strategy could provide better protection.
A case study reports a patient with chronic diarrhea responding to lansoprazole withdrawal, highlighting the drug's potential link to collagenous colitis. Withdrawal of lansoprazole promptly resolved both colonoscopic and histological abnormalities.
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc and copper supplementation was no more effective than placebo in treating acute diarrhea in children. The study's authors suggest that baseline serum zinc concentrations may not be a reliable measure of body zinc status, contributing to the lack of effect.
Childhood diarrhoea claims almost 2 million lives annually; researchers prioritize improving acceptability and effectiveness of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and designing locally adapted training programs for health workers. The top research priorities aim to optimize use of available interventions and programs.
Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.
Collagenous colitis is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea and abnormal collagen deposition. A rare case of collagenous colitis presenting as protein-losing enteropathy has been reported, with successful treatment with prednisolone. The condition should be included in the differential diagnosis for chronic diarrhea with hypoprotei...
Several new studies suggest that probiotics can help improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including constipation or diarrhea. The research findings indicate that probiotics may be effective in normalizing bowel movement frequency, reducing IBS-related symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Researchers studied SIPMP phenotypes of faecal anaerobic isolates from patients with diarrhea, finding 80-92.86% positivity rates for certain bacteria species, suggesting a potential link between anaerobe infections and antimicrobial peptide production.
A study found that hospitalized patients with severe co-morbidity and high serum C-reactive protein levels are at higher risk for severe CDAD. The analysis also revealed a 22% rate of severe CDAD, associated with a high 30-day mortality and longer hospital stays.
Studies have found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Bifantis) can normalize gut function and reduce IBS symptoms by up to four weeks. Researchers believe that imbalances in gut microflora lead to chronic inflammation, making Bifantis a potential new path for treating inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
Researchers have identified two integrin receptors on intestinal cells that are used by rotavirus to cause diarrhea. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of rotavirus infection and may lead to the development of treatments to block this interaction.
Scientists have discovered a novel compound that targets acute secretory diarrhea caused by E. coli and other enterotoxigenic strains of bacteria, reducing fluid secretion without apparent toxicity. The compound could be an inexpensive, easy-to-take treatment for debilitating illnesses leading to child deaths in developing countries.
A new vaccine patch has shown promising results in protecting travelers from diarrhoea, with 75% efficacy against moderate-to-severe episodes. The patch also reduced the duration and severity of illness in those who became sick, offering a new option for prevention and treatment.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health found that patients given the travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea. The study showed only three cases of moderate or severe diarrhea among vaccinated individuals, compared to two dozen in those who received a placebo.
Researchers found that prucalopride significantly improved bowel movements and quality of life for patients with severe chronic constipation. The study involved 620 patients who received either prucalopride or a placebo, showing that nearly half took notice in their bowel movements per week.
Researchers found that 'flat' carbonated drinks lack essential salts and sugars for oral rehydration solution. They contain too much sugar and not enough sodium and potassium, making them an inadequate alternative.
Research highlights the critical role of food intolerance in IBS symptoms, particularly diarrhea, which alters epithelial function and increases intestinal permeability. The study provides valuable insights into the relationship between intestinal inflammation and increased permeability in IBS patients.
New study results demonstrate significant relief of IBS-C symptoms in adult women treated with AMITIZA 8 mcg, improving overall quality of life. This approval marks a significant advancement in treating IBS-C, which affects approximately one-third of IBS cases.
A city-wide sanitation intervention in Salvador, Brazil, significantly reduced diarrhoea prevalence among children, with a 22% decrease. The study found that diarrhoea was 43% lower in areas with the highest baseline prevalence of diarrhoea.
A study published in The Lancet found that zinc supplementation did not have a significant impact on child mortality rates in Nepal. However, the researchers suggest that children with specific histories of illness or malnutrition may benefit from zinc supplementation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new study published in Science journal reveals the genetic makeup and biology of Giardia lamblia, a parasite causing diarrhea that affects millions. The research may lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for giardiasis.
Researchers found that combining Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic strain with lower doses of hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) provides protection against rotavirus infection, effective as high-dose HBC alone. This combination therapy could help relieve the immense disease burden posed by rotavirus in developing countries.
The study reveals that Clostridium difficile spores can thrive on asymptomatic patients and their surroundings, posing a significant transmission risk. This finding has dramatic implications for healthcare workers and recommends extending contact precautions to discharged patients with a previous history of CDAD.
A new study has shown that lubiprostone can improve symptom relief rates in adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) by nearly twice as much as those receiving placebo, according to the results presented at Digestive Disease Week 2007.
A systematic review of 13 trials involving over 900 children found that loperamide should not be given to children under 3 years old or with bloody diarrhoea. However, in other children, the drug may be useful in treating acute diarrhea. The risks outweigh the benefits in high-risk situations.
A Johns Hopkins University undergraduate found that Ethiopian mothers' beliefs about diarrhea can lead to inappropriate treatment for their children's life-threatening condition. The study aimed to educate mothers so they can prevent and manage diarrheal diseases in their children.
Academics have identified significant differences in chemical composition between healthy faeces and faeces from patients with infectious diarrhoea, such as Clostridium difficile. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a rapid diagnosis device, saving time and money.
A University of Alberta study reveals that travelers are aware of some key factors in avoiding and treating travellers' diarrhea, but lack knowledge on others. The study found that hand-washing is an effective way to ward off the sickness, but many travelers are unaware of the risks of chlorinated water and viral causes.
A study by researchers at UVa found that the Alzheimer's gene (APOE4) protects children from severe diarrhea and its consequences. The gene helps them survive malnutrition, but may contribute to problems later in life.
The study demonstrated that AMITIZA increased fluid secretion in the intestine, improving symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation. Patients experienced significant improvements in constipation severity and abdominal bloating and discomfort for up to 12 months.
In a Phase III trial, AMITIZA demonstrated significant improvements in chronic constipation symptoms, including reduced straining, bloating, and discomfort. The study showed efficacy across IBS-C and non-IBS-C patients, with fewer adverse events reported in the placebo group.