Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Barry L. Werth, Sybele-Anne Christopher
Summary: The prevalence of laxative use in community-dwelling adults varies widely, and there is a lack of involvement of healthcare professionals in the selection process. Satisfaction levels with laxatives are reported to be low, possibly due to inappropriate choices for the intended use.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chiara Elli PharmD, Alessio Novella StatD, Alessandro Nobili, Aladar Ianes, Luca Pasina
Summary: This study investigated the use of laxative drugs in Italian nursing homes and found associations between conditions like Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hemiplegia with laxative prescription. The study also revealed that medications that can induce constipation, such as antidepressants, anti-Parkinson dopaminergic agents, and benzodiazepines, are often used in conjunction with laxatives, leading to an increase in laxative use.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Yu Honda, Seiji Itano, Aiko Kugimiya, Eiji Kubo, Yosuke Yamada, Miho Kimachi, Yugo Shibagaki, Tatsuyoshi Ikenoue
Summary: Constipation requiring use of laxatives was found to be associated with an increased risk of death in patients on HD.
Review
Oncology
Patiwat Kongdang, Dumnoensun Pruksakorn, Nut Koonrungsesomboon
Summary: This article provides a scoping review of preclinical experimental models used to assess the laxative activities of substances/products under investigation. It outlines different screening and confirmation models and describes the chemical substances/drugs used to induce constipation and the standard laxative agents used as positive controls in these models. This research is important for researchers in designing and implementing preclinical experimental models to obtain valid and meaningful results prior to human experimentation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tomasz Dzierzanowski, Philip Larkin
Summary: This study aimed to develop a diagnostic algorithm for constipation in palliative care, which is feasible for unconscious patients. The algorithm includes observable symptoms such as difficulty of defecation, days since last bowel movement, and frequency of bowel movements, offering a simple and comprehensive tool for palliative care.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lu Long, Xing Liu, Lina Jin, Tracey Simon, Wenjie Ma, Mi Na Kim, Wanshui Yang, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Andrew T. Chan, Edward Giovannucci, Xuehong Zhang
Summary: The study found that participants with more than one bowel movement per day were at a higher risk of developing HCC compared to those with daily bowel movements, with a stronger association observed in men. No significant difference in HCC risk was found between those with less frequent bowel movements (every 2 days or less) and those with daily bowel movements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lei Yang, Yue Wan, Wenwen Li, Chen Liu, Hui-fang Li, Zhiling Dong, Ke Zhu, Shu Jiang, Erxin Shang, Dawei Qian, Jinao Duan
Summary: This study aimed to clarify the laxative effect of rhubarb by analyzing the metagenome and metabolome of the gut microbiota. The results showed that rhubarb improved the disorder of intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolic profiles in constipated rats. The study suggested that rhubarb's amelioration on constipation might be achieved by modulating the intestinal microflora and its metabolism. Moreover, the application of fecal metabolomics could provide a new strategy to uncover the mechanism of herbal medicines.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanghang He, Gang Liu, Chen Xia, Jian Chen, Jiayuan Zhao, Xueli Li, Junlin Deng, Xueli Wang, Zhuoya Xiang, Peng Zeng
Summary: This study investigated the effects of mulberry ferment on constipation in mice. The results showed that mulberry ferment increased fecal moisture content, shortened black fecal defecation time, accelerated gastro-intestinal transit, alleviated tissue injuries caused by constipation, and modulated intestinal microflora.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Vladimir Sazhin, Pushkal Pushkal
Summary: Among inpatients receiving long-term clozapine therapy, factors predicting increased laxative use include clozapine dose, age, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. There was no association between laxative use and gender, duration of treatment, or the number of other medications.
AUSTRALASIAN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Zhirong Yang, Chang Wei, Xiaojuan Li, Jinqiu Yuan, Xuefeng Gao, Bingyu Li, Ziyi Zhao, Sengwee Toh, Xin Yu, Carol Brayne, Zuyao Yang, Feng Sha, Jinling Tang
Summary: This study found that the regular use of laxatives is associated with a higher risk of all-cause dementia, especially in individuals who use multiple types of laxatives or osmotic laxatives.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Sophie Brigstocke, Vanessa Yu, Judy Nee
Summary: In this article, an updated and comprehensive review of the safety profiles of laxatives used for chronic constipation is provided to assist clinicians in discussing the risks and benefits with pregnant or planning to become pregnant women.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Martin E. Hale, James E. Wild, Tadaaki Yamada, Takaaki Yokota, Jan Tack, Viola Andresen, Asbjorn Mohr Drewes
Summary: Naldemedine demonstrated significant efficacy in treating OIC patients, both in poor laxative responders and non-responders to laxatives. The drug was superior to placebo in increasing frequency of spontaneous bowel movements and complete spontaneous bowel movements, with a similar incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events in both groups.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giovanni Barbara, Maria R. Barbaro, Giovanni Marasco, Cesare Cremon
Summary: Chronic constipation (CC) is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and/or hard stools. It can affect people of all races, ages, and sexes, but is more common in women and the elderly. CC significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, and treatment options include lifestyle changes, fiber supplementation, laxatives, and other medications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, and management of CC.
MINERVA GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tingting Zhang, Andrew R. Zullo, Hannah O. James, Yoojin Lee, Douglas C. A. Taylor, Lori A. Daiello
Summary: This study evaluated the burden of chronic constipation and the use of drugs to treat constipation in nursing home residents. The results showed a high burden of chronic constipation and a high proportion of residents receiving drug treatment.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kasumi Satoh, Hajime Nakae
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of Daijokito on fecal management in critically ill patients, finding that 81% of patients showed defecation after Daijokito administration with a significant increase in stool volume. Most patients defecated within three days of treatment, with stool quality mainly being loose or liquid. Further research is needed to quantify the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Daijokito in critical care settings.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helen Lucy Broadhurst, Joanne Droney, Tom Callender, Amanda Shaw, Julia Riley
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2019)
Article
Nursing
Natalie Pattison, Joanne Droney, Pascale Gruber
NURSING IN CRITICAL CARE
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
J. Koffman, E. Yorganci, D. Yi, W. Gao, F. Murtagh, A. Pickles, S. Barclay, H. Johnson, R. Wilson, L. Sampson, J. Droney, M. Farquhar, T. Prevost, C. J. Evans
Review
Oncology
Rebecca Gemmell, Nadia Yousaf, Joanne Droney
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Halle Johnson, Emel Yorganci, Catherine J. Evans, Stephen Barclay, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Deokhee Yi, Wei Gao, Elizabeth L. Sampson, Joanne Droney, Morag Farquhar, Jonathan Koffman
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martina Orlovic, Tom Callender, Julia Riley, Ara Darzi, Joanne Droney
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katharina Diernberger, Xhyljeta Luta, Joanna Bowden, Marie Fallon, Joanne Droney, Elizabeth Lemmon, Ewan Gray, Joachim Marti, Peter Hall
Summary: The study found that secondary care use was high in the last year of life, especially with a sharp rise in inpatient admissions in the last 3 months. People dying of cancer had the greatest number of hospital admissions before death, while those with dementia had the least. Older age was associated with lower admission rates and cost, and there was higher resource use in urban areas, with no observed difference by deprivation.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Xhyljeta Luta, Baptiste Ottino, Peter Hall, Joanna Bowden, Bee Wee, Joanne Droney, Julia Riley, Joachim Marti
Summary: The analysis of 43 reviews shows that most evidence on cost-effectiveness relates to home-based interventions, which offer substantial savings to the health system. Evidence on interventions delivered across other settings was generally inconsistent. Some palliative care models may contribute to a dual improvement in quality of care by lowering aggressive medicalization rates in the last phase of life accompanied by a reduction in costs.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rebecca Gemmell, Angela Halley, Anna-Marie Stevens, Alison Allam, Margaret Perkins, Mark Ethell, Priya Sriskandarajah, Joanne Droney
Summary: This study highlights the potential benefits of early palliative care for patients prior to stem cell transplant, improving quality of life and supporting shared decision-making. Patients often associate palliative care with end-of-life care, but are open to the service once its purpose is explained to them.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yashna Nadkarni, Ivana Kukec, Pascale Gruber, Shaman Jhanji, Joanne Droney
Summary: Palliative care within ICU is beneficial for decision-making, symptom control, and end-of-life care. Trigger tools can help identify the need for palliative care referral during ICU admission, with the majority of patients warranting referral either before or during admission.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Philippa McFarlane, Angela Halley, Yukie Kano, Nicola Wade, Sophie Wilson, Joanne Droney
Summary: Despite abundant research on COVID-19, there is a lack of evidence regarding the specific needs and experiences of cancer patients at the end-of-life stage. This study retrospectively describes the care provided to 34 hospitalized cancer patients who died from COVID-19. The study evaluates the main aspects of end-of-life care, including pain and symptom management, communication and decision-making, and the involvement of the palliative care team. While physical symptoms were managed adequately, the study highlights the high levels of anxiety among patients and their families, indicating the complexity of dealing with a stigmatized disease. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing the vulnerability of advanced cancer patients with COVID-19 and the need for proactive symptom management, anticipatory communication, and adequate family support.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xhyljeta Luta, Katharina Diernberger, Joanna Bowden, Joanne Droney, Peter Hall, Joachim Marti
Summary: Delivering high-quality palliative and end-of-life care for cancer patients is a major challenge. This study examines the intensity and costs of cancer care in the last year of life in England. The findings reveal that healthcare utilization and costs increase significantly in the last month of life, with hospital costs being the largest. Age, comorbidity burden, type of cancer, and geographical location were all found to affect the costs. The unclear value of healthcare in the last year of life for advanced cancer patients highlights the need for further research to determine the most appropriate models of care.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Eleanor Stewart, Simon Tavabie, Caroline McGovern, Alex Round, Laura Shaw, Stephen BAss, Rob Herriott, Emily Savage, Katie Young, Andrea Bruun, Joanne Droney, Daniel Monnery, Geoffrey Wells, Nicola White, Ollie Minton
Summary: The study described a multidisciplinary service for treatable but not curable cancer patients at University Hospitals Sussex, showing a reduction in length of stay and readmission rates. Despite slightly higher costs, there was a clear return on investment with a benefit cost ratio of 1.4.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Annika Fendler, Lewis Au, Scott T. C. Shepherd, Fiona Byrne, Maddalena Cerrone, Laura Amanda Boos, Karolina Rzeniewicz, William Gordon, Benjamin Shum, Camille L. Gerard, Barry Ward, Wenyi Xie, Andreas M. Schmitt, Nalinie Joharatnam-Hogan, Georgina H. Cornish, Martin Pule, Leila Mekkaoui, Kevin W. Ng, Eleanor Carlyle, Kim Edmonds, Lyra Del Rosario, Sarah Sarker, Karla Lingard, Mary Mangwende, Lucy Holt, Hamid Ahmod, Richard Stone, Camila Gomes, Helen R. Flynn, Ana Agua-Doce, Philip Hobson, Simon Caidan, Michael Howell, Mary Wu, Robert Goldstone, Margaret Crawford, Laura Cubitt, Harshil Patel, Mike Gavrielides, Emma Nye, Ambrosius P. Snijders, James MacRae, Jerome Nicod, Firza Gronthoud, Robyn L. Shea, Christina Messiou, David Cunningham, Ian Chau, Naureen Starling, Nicholas Turner, Liam Welsh, Nicholas van As, Robin L. Jones, Joanne Droney, Susana Banerjee, Kate C. Tatham, Shaman Jhanji, Mary O'Brien, Olivia Curtis, Kevin Harrington, Shreerang Bhide, Jessica Bazin, Anna Robinson, Clemency Stephenson, Tim Slattery, Yasir Khan, Zayd Tippu, Isla Leslie, Spyridon Gennatas, Alicia Okines, Alison Reid, Kate Young, Andrew J. S. Furness, Lisa Pickering, Sonia Gandhi, Steve Gamblin, Charles Swanton, Emma Nicholson, Sacheen Kumar, Nadia Yousaf, Katalin A. Wilkinson, Anthony Swerdlow, Ruth Harvey, George Kassiotis, James Larkin, Robert J. Wilkinson, Samra Turajlic
Summary: Patients with cancer have higher morbidity and mortality when infected with COVID-19. The CAPTURE study found that while most patients had immune responses against the original SARS-CoV-2, neutralizing antibody titers against variants were significantly reduced, with some patients experiencing a decrease in antibody levels. However, neutralizing antibody titers remained stable for some patients.
Article
Oncology
Annika Fendler, Scott T. C. Shepherd, Lewis Au, Katalin A. Wilkinson, Mary Wu, Fiona Byrne, Maddalena Cerrone, Andreas M. Schmitt, Nalinie Joharatnam-Hogan, Benjamin Shum, Zayd Tippu, Karolina Rzeniewicz, Laura Amanda Boos, Ruth Harvey, Eleanor Carlyle, Kim Edmonds, Lyra Del Rosario, Sarah Sarker, Karla Lingard, Mary Mangwende, Lucy Holt, Hamid Ahmod, Justine Korteweg, Tara Foley, Jessica Bazin, William Gordon, Taja Barber, Andrea Emslie-Henry, Wenyi Xie, Camille L. Gerard, Daqi Deng, Emma C. Wall, Ana Agua-Doce, Sina Namjou, Simon Caidan, Mike Gavrielides, James MacRae, Gavin Kelly, Kema Peat, Denise Kelly, Aida Murra, Kayleigh Kelly, Molly O'Flaherty, Lauren Dowdie, Natalie Ash, Firza Gronthoud, Robyn L. Shea, Gail Gardner, Darren Murray, Fiona Kinnaird, Wanyuan Cui, Javier Pascual, Simon Rodney, Justin Mencel, Olivia Curtis, Clemency Stephenson, Anna Robinson, Bhavna Oza, Sheima Farag, Isla Leslie, Aljosja Rogiers, Sunil Iyengar, Mark Ethell, Christina Messiou, David Cunningham, Ian Chau, Naureen Starling, Nicholas Turner, Liam Welsh, Nicholas van As, Robin L. Jones, Joanne Droney, Susana Banerjee, Kate C. Tatham, Mary O'Brien, Kevin Harrington, Shreerang Bhide, Alicia Okines, Alison Reid, Kate Young, Andrew J. S. Furness, Lisa Pickering, Charles Swanton, Sonia Gandhi, Steve Gamblin, David L. Bauer, George Kassiotis, Sacheen Kumar, Nadia Yousaf, Shaman Jhanji, Emma Nicholson, Michael Howell, Susanna Walker, Robert J. Wilkinson, James Larkin, Samra Turajlic
Summary: A cohort study evaluated 585 cancer patients following vaccination with BNT162b2 or AZD1222 vaccines, finding lower antibody responses in patients with hematological malignancies compared to those with solid tumors. Patients with hematological malignancies also had reduced neutralizing antibody responses compared to individuals without cancer. The study highlights the importance of managing cancer patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.