Advanced search

Search results      


Do any treatments work for irritable bowel syndrome?

Journal: International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Date: 2006/12, 9(4):Pages: 137-142. doi: Subito , type of study: systematic review

Full text    (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068906001179)

Keywords:

alternative therapies [3]
functional bowel [2]
irritable bowel [29]
OMT [2951]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [2973]
systematic review [297]

Abstract:

Background Irritable bowel syndrome is a poorly understood disorder associated with abdominal pain, distension and altered bowel habit, in the absence of any known pathology. A large number of complementary medicine professions claim efficacy in its management, including osteopathy. Objectives To summarise the evidence for both complementary and orthodox approaches, in order to help practitioners provide evidence-based management and advice to their patients. Methods A MEDLINE and AHMED search was carried out for the period 1999 to 2005, in order to locate systematic reviews and clinical guidelines, as well as recent randomised controlled trials. Results Five reviews and two clinical guidelines were located. Reviews comment that much of the research is of poor quality, and many of the treatments used in IBS are of dubious efficacy. All trials are associated with a high placebo response rate. General management and dietary advice would seem to be helpful, though this has not been confirmed in large RCTs. There is little evidence to recommend the use of elimination diets, except in patients with proven intolerance. There is some weak evidence to support the use of fibre. There is some evidence for the role of traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic preparations and Tibetan herbal medicine. Methodological issues make it difficult to draw conclusions about psychological therapies, though they may be helpful in some patients, however, they are resource intensive. There is some evidence to support the role of loperamide, tegaserod, alosetron and anti-depressants in certain patient groups. Discussion There is limited evidence to support the role of some approaches to IBS management, although better quality trials are needed. Whilst little research has been carried out for a specific osteopathic approach, osteopaths are well placed to incorporate some of the above approaches if adequately trained, or to refer patients as appropriate. The lack of any clear approach to IBS management may be due to the lack of understanding underlying the pathophysiology of IBS, and the complex interaction of dietary, lifestyle and psychological factors.


Search results      

 
 
 






  • ImpressumLegal noticeDatenschutz


ostlib.de/data_kgyurcvsqfetbxwpjahn



Supported by

OSTLIB recommends