In a new guideline, researchers give advice for diagnostic testing and therapeutic options for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
This is the first clinical guideline for the management of IBS.
The research was conducted by a team at the American College of Gastroenterology.
After a comprehensive literature search, 25 clinically important questions were assessed; nine focused on diagnostic testing and 16 focused on therapeutic options.
The researchers suggest the use of a positive diagnostic strategy rather than a diagnostic strategy of exclusion for improving time to initiating appropriate therapy.
To rule out celiac disease in patients with IBS and diarrhea symptoms, serologic testing is suggested.
To rule out inflammatory bowel disease, it is suggested that fecal calprotectin be checked in patients with suspected IBS and diarrhea.
A limited trial of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet is recommended for improving global symptoms in patients with IBS.
To treat global IBS with constipation symptoms, the use of chloride channel activators and guanylate cyclase activators is recommended.
To treat global IBS with diarrhea symptoms, the use of rifaximin is recommended. Gut-directed psychotherapy is suggested for treating global IBS symptoms.
The researchers are very proud to release the first-ever ACG clinical guideline on IBS.
They believe that these new IBS guidelines can be effectively used in daily practice to help expedite care and to improve symptoms in patients with IBS.
One author of the study is Brian E. Lacy, Ph.D., M.D.
The study is published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
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