References: Laxative





temp/constipation-1.matches:ms3.hinet.net

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of thalidomide in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) refractory to conventional therapies. METHODS: In a 6-month open-label trial, we studied 13 men with different subtypes of active AS: 3 juvenile AS, 9 adult AS, and one AS with psoriasis. All patients were resistant to conventional nonbiologic therapies including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate. After 3 months' observation on a preexisting regimen, oral thalidomide was added, starting at 100 mg/day for 1 week, then 200 mg/day for another 23 weeks. Outcome measures included the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Functional Index (BASFI), Global Index (BAS-G), IgA, C-reactive protein (CRP), and eosinophil sedimentation rate (ESR). Response to treatment was defined following the Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment criteria. RESULTS: Three patients withdrew due to rash. Two patients were lost to followup due to lack of efficacy. Eight patients completed the trial. Four patients attained > 50% improvement (2 juvenile AS, 1 peripheral AS, and 1 psoriatic arthritis). Four patients attained > 20% improvement (2 axial and 2 peripheral AS). Total response rate accordingly was 80% (8/10). Mean BASDAI improved significantly from baseline to Week 24 (4.97 vs 3.1; p = 0.0156). Mean BASFI improved from baseline to Week 24 (5.24 vs 3.06; p = 0.0078), and BAS-G from 6.02 to 3.21 (p = 0.0078). Significant laboratory improvements were found in ESR (from 69.5 to 34.2 mm/h; p = 0.0156), but not CRP (from 6.08 to 3.01 mg/dl; p = 0.078) or IgA (from 496 to 505 mg/dl; p = 0.375). Dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness were common, but no s

temp/constipation-1.matches:nancy.fnclcc.fr

PURPOSE: To identify factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of disease-free survivors of rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients in complete remission more than 2 years after diagnosis were asked to complete three QoL questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30; its colorectal module, QLQ-CR38; and the Duke generic instrument. RESULTS: Patients reported less pain (P =.002) than did controls drawn from the general population. EORTC QLQ-C30 physical scores were also higher among rectal cancer survivors than in the general Norwegian or German population (P =.0005 and P =.002, respectively). Unexpectedly, stoma patients reported better social functioning than did nonstoma patients (P =.005), with less anxiety (P =.008) and higher self-esteem (P =.0002). In the present authors' experience, the QLQ-CR38 does not discriminate between these groups. Residual abdominal or pelvic pain and constipation had the most negative influence on QoL. CONCLUSION: QoL is high among rectal cancer survivors, including stoma patients. Simultaneous use of several QoL questionnaires appears to have value in follow-up and in monitoring the effects of therapy. The impact of residual pain and constipation on long-term QoL should be considered when establishing a treatment regimen.

online pharmacy ref. source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14722043&dopt=Abstract

temp/constipation-1.matches:adis.com

Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant used in the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia, is a lipid-lowering polymer that has high affinity for bile acids. In animals colesevelam was not systemically absorbed after oral administration and was rapidly eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract. Colesevelam did not alter the serum concentrations or pharmacokinetic properties of drugs from several different classes in healthy volunteers. Colesevelam administered orally in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia significantly reduced serum levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and total cholesterol. This lipid-lowering activity was sustained during short (6 weeks) and longer term (24 weeks) treatment. Combination therapy with colesevelam plus hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (lovastatin, simvastatin or atorvastatin) was associated with additive reductions in serum levels of LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol, relative to either agent alone. Colesevelam treatment was well tolerated and lacked severe gastrointestinal adverse events typical of other bile acid sequestrants (bloating, flatulence, heartburn and nausea). The most frequently reported adverse events were constipation and dyspepsia. In humans colesevelam did not induce clinically significant changes in serum levels of vitamins, coagulation parameters or liver enzymes.

online pharmacy ref. source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14728043&dopt=Abstract [PubMed - in process]



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